Pharmacy assistants are an integral part of the healthcare industry in the United States, primarily responsible for assisting pharmacists in the preparation, distribution, and related services of medications. With the increase in the aging population in the United States and the continued growth in demand for medication, pharmacy assistants play an increasingly important role in medication management, patient communication, and daily operations. Participating in the Pharmacy Assistant Course can not only open up a stable career path for yourself, but also contribute to improving the quality of community healthcare services.
Why do you want to pursue a pharmacy assistant position?
1. Increasing demand for personnel
The demand for pharmacy assistants in the United States continues to rise with the aging society and the increase in the use of medicines. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career prospects for pharmacy assistants are good, with employment of pharmacy technicians expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, higher than the average for all occupations, and an average of about 47,400 pharmacist technician job vacancies per year over the next decade.
2. Generous salary
Pharmacy assistants' salaries vary depending on the location, experience and employer. According to BLS data, the average annual salary for pharmacy assistants in the United States in 2023 is about $43,330, but experienced pharmacy assistants or those working in large cities can earn more, and some high-paying positions can earn more than $57,130(https://www.healthjob.org/guide/pharmacy-technicians-salary )
Pharmacy assistants can also be promoted to positions such as pharmacist assistants, pharmacy managers or drug buyers through further career development. For those who want to further their studies, they can also continue to study related professional courses to become registered pharmacists, further improving their career level and income.
3. Quick start with minimal requirements
Pharmacists generally only need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a course in pharmacy technology, and start your career without any related professional experience. Most states regulate pharmacists, and this process may require passing an exam or completing a formal education or training program.
Studying pharmacy assistant courses
1. Open to everyone
Online pharmacy assistant courses not only eliminate financial barriers, but also provide the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
2. More choices
There are currently many online pharmacy assistant courses available for you to choose from, and you can choose based on your interests and the purpose of the course. For example, platforms that provide comprehensive online pharmacy assistant certification courses suitable for people with no experience include Penn Foster, Ashworth College, MedCerts, etc.
3. Pharmacy Assistant Certification
In the United States, to become a qualified pharmacy assistant, you need to take a pharmacy assistant training course to obtain certification or complete the PTCB or NHA exam to obtain certification. This certification will make you very attractive in the medical industry, help you improve your professional skills as a pharmacy assistant, and increase your employment opportunities.
Sharing stories of pharmacy assistant training changing lives
1. From jobless to pharmacy assistant supervisor
Sarah was born in a low-income family. After graduating from high school, she did not have enough money to go to college, so she could only work in a restaurant and live a life of barely making ends meet. One day, Sarah's friend told her that the career of pharmacy assistant had a good prospect and that she could enter the healthcare industry through a short-term training course. So she began to understand the career requirements of pharmacy assistants and decided to sign up for a 6-month online training course. After completing the training, she successfully passed the PTCB certification exam and became a certified pharmacy assistant, working as a pharmacy assistant in a chain pharmacy. Although it was difficult at the beginning, she was quickly promoted and given a raise to become the pharmacy assistant supervisor with her hard work and in-depth understanding of drug knowledge.
2. Transformation from unemployment to pharmacy assistant
Mark is a veteran. Although he has extensive medical experience in the military, he has been unemployed for a long time because he had difficulty finding a suitable job after retirement. By chance, Mark heard the story of a fellow veteran who became a pharmacy assistant and was inspired. Mark decided to try this path as well and signed up for the NHA's pharmacy assistant training course. In the end, he successfully passed the NHA certification exam and became a certified pharmacy assistant. He found a job in a large hospital pharmacy and began to work in medication management and patient consultation. With his rich military experience and in-depth understanding of drug management, he was gradually promoted to head of the pharmacy department. He not only improved his family's financial situation, but also found his own sense of accomplishment in his career.
Future Development Trends of Pharmacy Assistants
1. Growing Demand
With the continuous development of the healthcare industry and the increase in medication use and the increase in the aging population, the elderly population requires more medication and health management, resulting in a continued growth in the demand for pharmacy assistants.
2. Transition to a More Specialized Position
As pharmacy assistants gain experience and improve their professional skills, some pharmacy assistants may choose to enter more specialized fields, such as: clinical pharmacy assistants, drug information pharmacy assistants, nuclear pharmacy assistants, etc.
Don't hesitate to take your first step into the healthcare industry now!
Imagine a career where you can enjoy the freedom of being on the road while earning a good income. Pharmacy Assistant courses allow you to safely begin this journey. Whether you are new or looking to upgrade your medical knowledge, these courses are the perfect starting point.
