In the classic holiday movie "It's a Wonderful Life," young George Bailey sees his boss, Mr. Gower the pharmacist, mistakenly filling a prescription with poison pills, and saves the patient and the pharmacist by alerting the grief-stricken Mr. Gower to the error. Though George's job was probably closer to pharmacy aide than pharmacy technician, his actions illustrate the precise, life-and-death nature of the pharmacy profession.

What does a pharmacy technician do?
Pharmacy technicians work alongside licensed pharmacists to provide medication and other health care products to patients.

Should I pursue formal pharmacy technician training?
Absolutely. Employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed formal pharmacy technician training, such as a diploma, certificate, or associate degree program. Just be sure that your pharmacy technician training program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

What will I learn in a pharmacy technician training program?
Formal pharmacy technician training programs require classroom and lab work in areas such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, chemistry, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmacy law and ethics, and customer service. An important aspect of pharmacy technician training is the internship experience, which provides a bridge to future employment.

How can I attain pharmacy technician certification?
Those who wish to earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) may take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Some states and employers require certification; employers may even reimburse your exam costs. You must complete 20 continuing education hours every two years to keep your pharmacy technician certification current.

How is the pharmacy technician job market?
Excellent! According to the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA), annual pharmacy technician job openings exceed 39,000, and current job growth is 28.8 percent.

How much does a pharmacy technician job pay?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median hourly earnings of pharmacy technicians were $11.37 in May 2004, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $16.61. The NPTA estimates that pharmacy technicians earn about $23,650 per year, and the highest-paid earn more than $32,240. Of course, those with pharmacy technician certification may earn more, and evening and weekend shift work can increase earnings as well.