Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Although official certification standards vary from state to state, pharmacy technicians are generally high school graduates and they are often graduates of two-year colleges with specialized health care programs. Excellent skills in reading, writing, and math are required because the job involves understanding and fulfilling very exact orders. Attention to detail is also a job requirement. Some states require pharmacy technicians to be licensed or certified. At small pharmacies, there is not much room for advancement. At larger institutions, a pharmacy technician can obtain a senior position. After getting a few years of experience, some pharmacy technicians decide to go to college to complete the training required to become a registered pharmacist. High school students who do volunteer work or internships at hospitals gain an advantage in the job market by familiarizing themselves with the health care world. Finding a part-time cashier's job at a local pharmacy is also a good stepping stone to later employment.

Job Outlook:
Faster than average employment growth is projected for all occupational groups in health services through 2005. It is estimated that there will be approximately 76,000 pharmacy technicians and assistants by 2005.

Sources of Additional Information:

Contact the volunteer department at your local hospital or write to the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians or the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

For a list of health careers and professional organizations providing specific information on careers, write to: