STC NAH Pharmacy Technology Program Presentation Fall 2014

Summary

This video provides an insightful overview of the pharmacy technician career path, emphasizing the importance of certifications for career advancement. It details various salary ranges across different settings, including retail, hospital, IV, and chemotherapy technicians, highlighting how specialized training can significantly boost earnings. The speaker encourages students to pursue additional certifications to improve their job prospects and financial outcomes, showcasing the value of specialized skills in the healthcare field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in medication preparation and distribution within healthcare settings.
• 📚 Educational programs for pharmacy technicians provide foundational knowledge in pharmacy operations and patient care.
• 🧑‍🎓 Certifications, such as IV and chemotherapy technician, significantly enhance career prospects and salary potential.
• 💼 Job placements for pharmacy technicians are available in various settings, including retail pharmacies and hospitals.
• 💰 Retail pharmacy technicians typically earn between $8 to $12 per hour, with corporate positions generally offering higher wages.
• 🏥 Hospital pharmacy technicians earn between $12 to $16 per hour, influenced by experience and the specific healthcare system.
• 💉 IV technicians can earn between $15 to $18 per hour, reflecting the specialized training required for the role.
• 🧪 Chemotherapy technicians earn between $18 to $25 per hour, making this certification particularly appealing for higher pay.
• 🔍 Understanding salary expectations is crucial for prospective pharmacy technicians as they navigate their career paths.
• 🔗 Continuing education and obtaining specialized certifications are key strategies for career advancement in the pharmacy field.

Q & A

What are the key areas of focus in the pharmacy program discussed in the video?

The key areas of focus include preparing students for various pharmacy roles, understanding different certifications, and exploring career advancement opportunities.

Why is obtaining certifications important for pharmacy technicians?

Certifications are important because they can enhance career prospects and lead to higher salaries by allowing technicians to specialize in areas such as IV and chemotherapy.

What salary range can retail pharmacy technicians expect?

Retail pharmacy technicians can expect to earn between $8 to $12 per hour, depending on their experience and whether they work for corporate or independent pharmacies.

How do salaries for hospital pharmacy technicians compare to retail technicians?

Hospital pharmacy technicians typically earn more, with salaries ranging from $12 to $16 per hour, compared to $8 to $12 for retail technicians.

What is the earning potential for IV technicians?

IV technicians can earn between $15 to $18 per hour, depending on their experience and the setting in which they work.

How does the salary of chemotherapy technicians differ from that of regular pharmacy technicians?

Chemotherapy technicians earn significantly more, with salaries ranging from $18 to $25 per hour, reflecting the specialized nature of their work.

What factors influence the salaries of pharmacy technicians in different settings?

Salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, education, the specific healthcare system, and whether the employer is a corporate or independent entity.

What type of continuing education is mentioned in relation to IV and chemotherapy certifications?

Continuing education programs are mentioned as a requirement for obtaining specialized certifications in IV and chemotherapy, which can enhance earning potential.

How does corporate employment affect the salary of pharmacy technicians?

Pharmacy technicians working for corporate chains like Walgreens or CVS are likely to earn closer to the higher end of the salary range compared to those in independent pharmacies.

What should students consider regarding their potential earnings after graduation?

Students should consider the type of setting they wish to work in, the specific roles they are interested in, and the certifications they might pursue to enhance their earning potential.