“Demand for trained pharmacy technicians remains strong.” says Paul Bao, Fortis VP of Education, “And the role of the pharm tech has evolved from simple customer service to one of knowledge and responsibility.”
Students in the Pharmacy Technology program at Fortis College in Cutler Bay, FL, or at any of the other Fortis campuses nationwide, are trained to perform at a high level, to value pharmacy standards, and to competently assist pharmacists in direct patient care. Graduates of the program will have had hands-on practice in multiple aspects of the professions, from hospital, retail and mail-order setting to compounding and providing long-term care.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 75% of pharmacy technicians work in retail settings, such as independent drug stores or pharmacy counters at retail chains, with an additional 16% employed in hospitals. Others may work for nursing homes, wholesalers or the federal government. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition)
In addition to offering a path to a rewarding profession, the BLS forecasts pharmacy technician jobs are expected to grow by 32% through 2020…that’s much faster than average for all jobs. A career as a Pharmacy Technician is considered a “Bright Outlook Occupation” by the U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET Online – www.onetonline.org).
Overall, the BLS reports that, nationally, “job prospects should be excellent for pharmacy technicians, particularly those with formal training and those with experience in retail settings (www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-6). If this is a career choice you’d like to explore, or if you’re looking for a Pharmacy Technician program where you live, check out www.fortis.edu for more information.
