Want to switch careers to pharmacist assistant? This article can help you
Are you tired of your current job and longing for a new career that is stable, well-paid, and meaningful?
Pharmacist Assistant may be the perfect fit for you! As the healthcare industry continues to expand, so does the need for skilled pharmacist assistants.
This article delves into the industry's outlook, essential qualifications, recommended training programs, and real-life success stories to guide you on this journey.
Data speaks:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that by 2032, the demand for pharmacists will grow by 6%, much faster than the 3% average growth rate for all occupations.
Pharmacist assistants can work in hospitals, community pharmacies, chain drugstores (such as CVS, Walgreens), nursing homes, and even pharmaceutical companies.
During the epidemic, chain drugstores even offered signing bonuses to alleviate staff shortages to attract pharmacists, which indirectly drove the demand for assistant positions.
To become a pharmacist assistant from scratch, you need to know :
Duties of a pharmacist assistant:
✅ Assist pharmacists in dispensing and managing drug inventory
✅ Provide medication guidance and services to patients
✅ Process insurance claims and prescription drug orders
✅ Maintain daily operations of the pharmacy
Four steps to change careers with zero foundation: from training to employment
1. Choose an authoritative training course
Pharmacist assistants need to master skills such as prescription processing, drug management, and patient communication. The following is a recommendation for a certified training program in the United States:
🔹 Penn Foster Career School -Pharmacy Technician Program
Features: Nationally renowned online course, 6-12 months of flexible learning, including internship arrangements.
Certification: Accredited by the American Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCE), students can apply for the national certification exam (CPhT).
Cost: About $1,200, support installment payment12.
🔹 Ashworth College - Pharmacy Technician Career Diploma
Features: Online courses + practical toolbox (including drug models, measurement tools), suitable for zero foundation.
Certification: Meets the standards of the American Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Cost: 1,200~1,500, including textbook fees12.
🔹 Stepful Online Pharmacist Training Program - Pharmacy Technician Program
Features: This four-month online program focuses on practical skills, provides PTCB exam preparation, and offers internship opportunities in partnership with national pharmacies.
Certification: Certified by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Cost: Tuition is $1,999, and potential scholarships can reduce the cost to $1,449.
2. Obtain industry certification
🚀 CPhT certificate: Universal in the United States, can be obtained by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), the examination fee is $129.
🚀 State license： Some states (such as California and Texas) require additional application for a license to practice, and need to submit training certificates and pass background checks.
3. Accumulate practical experience
✔Internship opportunities: Most training courses provide internships in cooperative pharmacies, such as Walgreens, CVS and other chain drugstores.
✔Part-time entry: Start as a pharmacy clerk or dispensing assistant, and obtain certificates while working.
4. Effective job search strategy
✔Resume optimization: highlight keywords such as "CPhT certification" and "prescription processing experience".
✔Platform recommendation: Indeed, LinkedIn, HealthcareJobsite focus on medical positions, with transparent salaries and many opportunities.
Real-Life Success Story: Exploring a New Career Path
📌 Sarah, 28, Former Retail Employee
Sarah had always been interested in the healthcare industry but didn’t have a medical background. She completed the online Pharmacy Assistant Program through Penn Foster Career School in 9 months and successfully passed the CPhT exam.
Now, Sarah is working as a pharmacist assistant for a chain drugstore, making $38,000 per year and is very satisfied with this stable and meaningful job.
📌 John’s Career Development
John completed the Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Program and began working in a hospital pharmacy. His dedication and continued professional development led to his promotion to Senior Pharmacy Technician and an increase in salary.
Seize the opportunity and start your career as a pharmacist assistant!
Pharmacist assistant is a career full of opportunities. Even if you don't have a medical background, you can realize your career dream through professional courses and your own efforts.
Choose the course that suits you, and start your career as a pharmacist assistant!