Associate in Pharmacy

If you want to pursue a thriving career, becoming a pharmacy technician can be a great idea. Pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies and hospitals. They fill prescriptions, check inventory and help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication. Pharmacy technician is one of the best recession-proof jobs (Time Magazine). It offers high pay and opportunities for growth as well.

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Employment of pharmacy technicians is anticipated to increase by 32% during the next decade. The gaining population and the advances in pharmaceutical research are some of the factors that have lead to the increased demand for pharmacists. Forbes has touted being a pharmacy technician as one of the 15 Best Jobs for Young People. So if you want to pursue a rewarding career without extensive shooling, this is the line of work for you.

As a pharmacy technician, you will have to count tablets and measure amounts of other medication for prescriptions, package and label prescriptions and do a variety of routine pharmacy tasks, such as processing insurance claims and answering phone calls. This job may seem simple, but it calls for immense precision and detail. Pursuing an undergraduate degree can help you break into the pharmacy industry.

Associate in Pharmacy Program
The associate in pharmacy is a 2-year program that is designed to prepare students for a career as a pharmacy technician. A number of community colleges and vocational schools offer programs for aspiring pharmacy technicians. The associate in pharmacy instructs students in a variety of topics. They learn about the pharmacy law and ethics recordkeeping and ways of dispensing medications. In addition, they also instruct in the uses and doses of medications. Students may also have to complete internships in order to get hands-on experience in the field.

Associate in Pharmacy Online
In addition to traditional schools, a number of online institutes also offer programs in this area of study. The distance learning programs can be useful for those who want to switch careers as well as the ones who cannot attend regular classes due to professional commitments. Classes in the online programs can be managed from any location. Learners can study at timings that suit their personal routine and earn a degree at their own pace. These programs facilitate students to balance their education with their personal and professional commitment.

Continuing Education
Some states and employers require pharmacy technicians to have certification. Earning a certificate can be helpful in a competitive job market. Certification is offered by the National Healthcares Association (NHA) and The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Career Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
Employment prospects should be excellent for pharmacy technicians. According to the BLS, over 100,000 new positions will need to be filled decade. The ones with the associate degree and work experience can find the best opportunities.

Pharmacy technicians can find scores of employment opportunities in variety of settings such as hospitals, drug stores, pharmacies, grocery stores and department stores. They can make between $19,000, and $40,000 a year.

Pharmacists may have to work nights or weekends. Most of these professionals work full-time while others choose to work on part-time basis.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Associate Degree in Pharmacy?

A typical associate's degree in Pharmacy takes at least 2 years to complete. It is usually offered either on campus or online. For example, the Sullivan University and the North Dakota State College of Science offer a 2-year accredited online associate degree of Pharmacy Technician. Graduates of this degree need to take the state-conducted Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and obtain a license to work in the field.

What Are the Requirements for Completing an Associate Degree in Pharmacy?

The requirements to complete an associate's degree in Pharmacy vary from one university to another. For example, students of an associate's degree of Pharmacy Technician offered at the Sullivan University must complete 92 credit hours to graduate. On the other hand, students of the associate's degree in Pharmacy offered at the Barton Community College must complete 64 credit hours to graduate.

How Much Can I Make after Completing an Associate Degree in Pharmacy?

After completing an associate's degree in Pharmacy and passing the licensure exam, graduates may work at entry-level positions in public and private hospitals. However, many graduates opt for higher education degrees (i.e., bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees) for better career opportunities. In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the annual median salary for the following careers as: