7 Reasons to Become a Pharmacy Technician
We are currently undergoing a swift change in the way we work. More specifically, we are entering what is increasingly known as the “Future of Work.” Employees’ expectations of their employers are changing radically. The “Great Resignation” represents a paradigm shift in the labor market all over the U.S. Employees are leaving the office to explore more stable jobs such as that of the pharmacy technician. In fact, the Covid-19 pandemic has led us to appreciate the benefits of alternative working conditions. Increasing numbers of people are gaining an interest in working from home. Meanwhile, typical 9-to-5s are becoming less interesting. Employees are leaving due to the immense amount of required unpaid overtime work.
As a result, the Great Resignation has revealed a new trend. People are changing their career path and taking up new forms of employment. They’re looking for jobs that offer better pay, improved working conditions, and an all-in-all fun and interesting experience. After all, as we spend a significant portion of our time at work, we must do what we love. To this end, becoming a pharmacy technician is an excellent option namely for the seven reasons outlined below.
Why Should You Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Acquiring Certification is Quick and Efficient
The are many valid reasons to be looking into starting a new career path. You may be fresh out of high school, are a military spouse or veteran, or have become uninterested in your current job. Nonetheless, it’s normal to worry about certain factors when changing jobs. Getting a new education can prove costly. The program’s price, the fee of learning materials, and the time commitment of the program are important to consider. To this end, earning a pharmacy technician certification is a winner on all fronts.
For example, the Lakewood University Pharmacy Technician Certificate takes only 16 weeks to complete. The course provides you with quick access to employment. It also gives you the opportunity to complete an externship at a pharmacy near you. Hence, it’s a perfect opportunity for those looking for fast entry into the labor market. Likewise, the certification is ideal to those interested in new employment who don’t wish to commit several years to their education. The ASHP accredited training takes a total of 600 hours to complete.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification is Affordable
It is no secret that acquiring an education can be a sizable investment. In the U.S., the cost of university and college can be daunting. Most find themselves with student loan debt after graduating. While education is an investment that will bring returns down the line, it should not be breaking the bank.
A pharmacy technician certification at Lakewood University is not only affordable, standing at $10,400, but it also includes the costs that usually add up and make university unaffordable for many. For example, the tuition fee pays for the required textbooks. Tuition also covers your first attempt at the PTCB exam, ensuring that you are not stuck with extra, unplanned costs.
Jobs in the Medical Field Provide a Stable Salary
Of course, when we consider changing career paths, it’s normal to consider other important variables. You may wonder about the salary you will be earning after graduating. As a pharmacy technician, you can start making between $16 and $20 per hour. As you gain experience, you will be eligible for higher pay. In fact, as of 2019, the median annual wage was $33,950! Considering the short amount of training time required, this salary is competitive. It ensures that you can cover your bills in no time and without stress.
Additionally, pharmacy tech is seeing increasing numbers of changes and development. The field expects to add new jobs and forms of employment as it develops. As such, this career is a fantastic opportunity for self-development. Pharmacy tech enables you to anticipate more from your job beyond the same tasks day in and day out.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Provides More Stability
Following the Covid-19 crisis, we saw millions of individuals being laid off and let go. Unfortunately, the cost of the pandemic was felt strongly throughout the country and affected the economy in significant ways. However, there is a silver lining. As a result of being made redundant, many also saw the importance of finding stable and safe employment. To this end, becoming a certified pharmacy technician is the way to a shock-proof job. During the pandemic, only a few jobs remained secure. The pharmaceutical industry, and pharmacies themselves, were safe as they provided vital services. In other words, no matter what happens, your job is safe, as people always require medications. Knowing this can be a solid stress-reliever, and nothing feels better than a sense of stability.
Jobs Are Widely Available
When searching for a new job, it is essential to ensure that you enter a market that has demand. At the time of writing this blog post, Indeed.com has listed over 39,000 pharmacy technician jobs all over the country. Once you complete the 16-week training and have passed your exam, you are well on your way to entering a field that is constantly looking for more employees – one that offers stability like no other.
A Pharmacy Technician Certification Can Connect You With Helpful Partners
At Lakewood University, we understand that it can be difficult to find employment right out of university. Finding the right employers who offer what you need can be a daunting task. Further, knowing where and how to apply can prove difficult. With this in mind, Lakewood University has established numerous partnerships with the country’s leading pharmacies. We have partnered with CVS Health, Walgreens, and University Hospitals of Cleveland. We also work closely with pharmacies in retail industries, community settings, and hospitals. Indeed, our goal is never to leave you on your own but to help you reach your career aspirations with as little friction as possible.
Pharmacy Technician Certifications Are Military-Friendly
It is no secret and disheartening that veterans throughout the U.S. struggle with unemployment. Nevertheless, there are solutions to this problem. Acquiring employment in the pharmacy industry, especially as a pharmacy technician, is one of the most military-friendly options one can access.
Our university has been accredited as such and prides itself on welcoming veterans, active military, and military spouses who are each looking for different opportunities. Our program is engineered to offer the quickest return on investment by being completed quickly and at a low cost. In the meantime, the program gives students the opportunity to network and meet students from similar backgrounds. Indeed, we pride ourselves on the sense of community we have built at Lakewood University.
Interested in learning more about what it takes to become a pharmacy technician? Contact us today!