Is it worth becoming a certified pharmacy tech?

Yes, becoming a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) is generally considered worth it for improved salary, better job prospects, career growth, and increased job satisfaction, as certification validates skills, opens pathways to advanced credentials (like PTCB's), and is often required or preferred by employers, despite potential demanding physical aspects of the job.

Is pharmacy tech certification worth it?

Yes, a pharmacy technician certification is generally very worth it, as it significantly boosts employment, earning potential, career advancement (like moving into hospitals or specialized roles), and is often a requirement by employers and states, demonstrating crucial knowledge for patient safety. While some on-the-job training occurs, certification (like the PTCB) validates expertise and opens doors to better jobs and higher pay, making it a key step in the field. 

What are the disadvantages of being a pharmacy technician?

Disadvantages of being a pharmacy technician include high stress from fast-paced, demanding environments, risk of burnout, lower pay than pharmacists, physically tiring work (lots of standing), dealing with rude customers, repetitive tasks, limited advancement without more schooling, and the need for ongoing certification renewal fees and continuing education. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends, are also common, leading to work-life balance challenges. 

Do certified pharmacy techs get paid more?

Highest-Paying Metropolitan Areas for Pharmacy Technicians

Interestingly, the 10 top-paying locations in the U.S. are all in California except for one in Washington, according to the BLS. In fact, the Golden State is the highest paying in the country.

What are the benefits of being a certified pharmacy technician?

Besides joining a rewarding industry, here are 10 reasons to consider becoming a pharmacy tech today.

• 1) Pharmacy technician job growth. ...
• 2) Many job opportunities. ...
• 3) Flexible work schedules. ...
• 4) Job stability. ...
• 5) Learn about new medications. ...
• 6) Variety of work options. ...
• 7) You can work anywhere. ...
• 8) Constant education.

PROS AND CONS OF BEING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN!

Who gets paid more, CNA or pharmacy technician?

Pharmacy technicians generally earn slightly more than CNAs, with median salaries around $43,000-$44,000 compared to CNA averages, which can range from $38,000-$45,000 but often start lower, though earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and employer, with CNAs potentially increasing pay through overtime. Both roles offer similar entry points, but pharmacy techs often see better pay in hospital or outpatient settings, while CNAs provide direct patient care in homes or facilities, with both roles serving as stepping stones in healthcare. 

Is it hard to get pharmacy tech certified?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is not particularly difficult. There are several ways to obtain the necessary training and certification, including online programs and apprenticeship programs. The PTCB offers an assessment exam that can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

Can you make a living off being a pharmacy tech?

Yes, you can make a living as a pharmacy technician, especially by specializing, gaining experience, and working in higher-paying settings like hospitals, but it often requires strategic career moves beyond entry-level retail to achieve a comfortable income. The median salary is around $43,460 (2024), but high earners can reach $70k+ in specialized hospital roles, while advancement to pharmacist (PharmD) significantly boosts earning potential. 

Is pharmacy tech harder than CNA?

Which is harder, CNA or Pharmacy Tech? Academically, Pharmacy Tech training involves more math and memorization of drug names. Physically, CNA work is much harder due to lifting patients and being on your feet for 12 hours.

Do pharmacy techs work 12 hour shifts?

During Peak/high demand, shifts last up to 12 hours (standard full-time shifts are 8-10 hours). Work a flexible schedule - shifts will possibly start and end outside of normal business hours.

What disqualifies you from being a pharmacy tech?

Disqualifications for pharmacy technicians generally involve serious criminal offenses, especially drug-related, theft, fraud, or violent crimes, as well as issues with professional integrity like fraud or dishonesty, though specific rules vary by state, with factors like the crime's nature, time passed, and compliance with parole considered. Mental or physical incapacity affecting job performance, unprofessional conduct, or prior disciplinary actions can also lead to denial, suspension, or revocation of licensure.
 

What type of pharmacy technician gets paid the most?

The pharmacy technicians who get paid the most are in specialized, advanced roles like clinical or informatics specialists, working in hospitals, outpatient care centers, or the federal government, often at higher levels (like Level III) and with advanced certifications in areas like compounding or chemo handling, leading to salaries well into the $60k-$100k+ range, far above retail settings.
 

Is pharmacy tech hard to study?

Because difficulty level is subjective, pharmacy tech school isn't necessarily “hard” for everyone, but it can be intensive. The most common challenges include: Learning a new medical language – Memorizing dozens of drug names and abbreviations can be overwhelming at first.

Is pharmacy tech a lot of math?

There are many math concepts that are used in this career role such as addition and subtraction, fractions, determining percentages, weights, and even measurements. It is vital that you are skilled in math computation and have a strong background in math to ensure patients are receiving the correct dosage of medicine.

Is the PTCB exam hard to pass?

The PTCB exam is considered moderately challenging, requiring solid preparation in math, drug knowledge (names, interactions, side effects), patient safety, and federal requirements, but it's highly passable with a ~70% pass rate and dedicated study, focusing especially on math and drug interactions. Key challenges include time management, extensive drug recall, and tricky conversions, but effective study plans, practice tests, and understanding patterns (like drug suffixes) make it manageable. 

How long will it take to become a pharmacy tech?

Becoming a pharmacy technician typically takes a few months to a year, depending on your chosen path, with most certificate programs (online or in-person) lasting 4-12 months, plus time for externships and certification exams, though some might offer faster options or even on-the-job training that can lead to certification within a year. An Associate's degree takes about two years, while faster learners or intensive programs can finish certificates in as little as 4-6 months. 

Who gets paid more, pharmacy tech or CNA?

Pharmacy technicians generally earn slightly more than CNAs, with median salaries around $43,000-$44,000 compared to CNA averages, which can range from $38,000-$45,000 but often start lower, though earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and employer, with CNAs potentially increasing pay through overtime. Both roles offer similar entry points, but pharmacy techs often see better pay in hospital or outpatient settings, while CNAs provide direct patient care in homes or facilities, with both roles serving as stepping stones in healthcare. 

How hard is it to become a pharmacy tech at CVS?

CVS pharmacy tech training isn't inherently difficult, but its quality varies greatly, often described as a challenging "sink or swim" experience due to inconsistent corporate structure, understaffing, and relying heavily on coworkers and self-learning, making it feel hard when training is poor but manageable with good mentors and your own initiative, involving learning drug names, insurance, and fast-paced workflows. 

What is the passing rate for the pharmacy technician exam?

CPhT Exam Statistics

At the end of 2022, there were 283,229 Certified Pharmacy Technicians in the United States. The overall pass rate for the PCBT's CPhT exam is 70%.

Does CVS or Walgreens pay pharmacy techs more?

Generally, pay between CVS and Walgreens for pharmacy technicians is very comparable, with slight variations depending on location, experience, and specific role (like Certified Tech or Lead Tech), but some data suggests CVS might offer slightly higher hourly rates for technicians, though both face criticism for low starting wages in retail. CVS Health showed higher average hourly pay for technicians in one comparison ($17.65 vs $16.60 at Walgreens), while Pharmacy Technician Guide showed slightly wider ranges for both, with CVS potentially higher overall ($24k-$44k vs $23k-$42k). 

Can I work from home as a pharmacy tech?

Yes, pharmacy technicians can work from home, performing duties like prescription verification, insurance processing, data entry, and patient/provider calls for mail-order, specialty pharmacies, and insurance companies, but the hands-on dispensing and direct patient care aspects typically still require an in-person presence. Remote roles focus on administrative and supportive tasks, often utilizing telecommunication and pharmacy software, offering flexibility away from the retail setting. 

What are the cons of being a pharmacy technician?

Disadvantages of being a pharmacy technician include high stress from fast-paced, demanding environments, risk of burnout, lower pay than pharmacists, physically tiring work (lots of standing), dealing with rude customers, repetitive tasks, limited advancement without more schooling, and the need for ongoing certification renewal fees and continuing education. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends, are also common, leading to work-life balance challenges. 

What does a pharmacy tech do daily?

Common tasks and duties include:

Packing and labeling a prescribed medication. Processing insurance claims. Tracking inventory. Preparing compounded medications using sterile and non-sterile processes.

How much does it cost to become a pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy technician certification costs vary, with the exam fee itself around $129 (PTCB), but total costs depend heavily on your training path, ranging from $400 (online/basic) to over $4,000 (college degrees), including programs from free tuition with associated fees to structured college courses with books, background checks, and state registrations. The certification exam (PTCE) is a key expense, but don't forget costs for training, books, background checks, and potentially immunizations/CPR.
 

What happens if you fail the pharmacy tech exam?

Candidates who fail a PTCB credential exam must wait to receive their official score report before reapplying. Candidates have an unlimited number of exam attempts, although candidates are strongly encouraged to prepare for each attempt.