Pharmacy Technicians
Description OES Code:32518
Fill orders for unit doses and prepackaged pharmaceuticals and perform other related duties under the supervision and direction of a pharmacy supervisor or staff pharmacist. Duties include keeping records of drugs delivered to the pharmacy, storing incoming merchandise in proper locations, and informing the supervisor of stock needs and shortages. May clean equipment used in the performance of duties and assist in the care and maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.97
25th Percentile $10.48
50th Percentile $12.86
75th Percentile $15.32

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.11
25th Percentile $11.78
50th Percentile $13.85
75th Percentile $16.44

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Technicians and assistants work the same hours as pharmacists. This includes evenings, nights, weekends, and some holidays. Most technicians work 35-45 hours a week. Since hospital and retail pharmacies are open 24 hours a day, technicians and assistants may work varying shifts. There are many opportunities for part-time work in both retail and hospital settings.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 10,700
Projected Employment 2008 13,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 24.3%
Separations 1998-2008 3,000

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 170
Projected Employment 2006 210
Percent Change 1999-2006 23.5%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Pharmacy technicians work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or to use stepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves.

Advancement
Advancement is usually limited, although some technicians enroll in pharmacy school and become pharmacists.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Students in Pharmacy Technician training programs are sometimes hired after graduation by one of the hospitals in which they performed their supervised clinical work experience. Hospitals frequently advertise openings in newspaper want ads. Some also recruit through private employment agencies or the California Employment Development Department Job Service. Job seekers should also apply directly to hospital personnel departments throughout the state. For veterans Administration Hospital positions, applicants must pass a Federal civil service examination.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers are beginning to favor those who have completed formal training. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or education of pharmacy technicians. Employers who can neither afford, nor have the time to give on-the-job training, often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs emphasize the technicians' interest and dedication to the work to potential employers. Some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs.

Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy laws and ethics. Technicians are also required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include clerkship or internships, where students receive a diploma, certificate, or an associate degree, depending on the program.

Skills & Other Requirements
To become a pharmacy assistant, one should be able to perform repetitious work accurately. Assistants need good basic mathematics skills and good manual dexterity. Because they deal with the public, pharmacy assistants should be neat in appearance, and able to deal pleasantly and tactfully with customers. Some employers may prefer people with experience typing, handling money, or operating specialized equipment, including computers.

References
US Bureau Of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Dental Assistants, Health Information Technicians, Licensed Practical Nurses, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Assistants, Surgical Technicians

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)