The retail landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and with the implementation of automation, a lot of people are at risk of getting laid off. However, despite the career risk, employers still demand long working hours. Therefore, it’s no surprise that a lot of retail workers are planning to switch careers, and allied healthcare is quite a welcoming industry.
Now, not all allied healthcare roles are the same, but a lot of retail workers are aiming for a pharmacy technician role. But is an online pharmacy tech program actually your best strategic move this year? Let’s find out.
In short, this role is in high demand. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for pharmacy techs will continue to grow by approximately 6-7% through 2034. This means approximately 49,000 job openings each year.
According to the experts, the primary reasons behind this demand are an aging population and the expanding clinical role of local pharmacies. Now, a pharmacy technician is no longer a role that focuses on counting pills. Instead, pharma techs are a critical healthcare coordinators who are responsible for managing life-saving medications, navigating complex insurance billing, and increasingly, operating the advanced automation and telepharmacy systems (for remote pharmacies).
Retail workers often don’t realize they already possess 70% of the skills required to succeed in a pharmacy. Some of the key skills include:
If you are comfortable with the above-mentioned skills, then you are already halfway there. Granted, there are essential skills (more on this below) that you need to become eligible as a pharma tech; however, soft skills are equally important.
Much like any other industry, you are required to learn some essential skills on top of your retail soft skills in order to be eligible for a job. Also, since this is an allied healthcare role, you are legally required to be familiar with HIPAA compliance and other prescription medication guidelines.
Additionally, one of the most common barriers for retail career switchers is creating time for learning on top of their full-time role. Thankfully, a pharmacy tech certificate will address this issue. However, there are additional benefits of choosing an online pharmacy tech program.
Key Benefits of Online Learning:
This is easily the most searched question by career switchers, and the short answer is yes, you are required to have a pharmacy technician certificate.
Given the sophisticated nature of the role, i.e., dealing with sensitive patient information and handling scheduled drugs, pharmacies need someone who can be trusted. Credentials like CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) assure employers that you understand the industry, don’t have a criminal background, and can be trusted with the above-mentioned tasks.
All of these reasons are why it is crucial to get certified as a pharma tech.
One great thing about this role is that it is not a dead-end job, i.e., you can easily switch to advanced roles. For instance, after gaining some experience and upskilling, you can aim for the following roles:
Lead Technician/Pharmacy Manager: Overseeing staff and operations.
Specialized Technician: Moving into high-paying areas like oncology, pediatrics, or compounding.
Pharmacy Informatics: Merging IT with pharmacy to manage automated dispensing systems.
The Pharmacist Path: One of the most common career progressions. You can earn your PharmD and become a certified pharmacist.
