Introduction
Pharmacy technician in New York is an important part of the healthcare team. They work under the supervision of pharmacists to dispense medications, manage inventory, and provide customer service. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, becoming a pharmacy technician in New York is a great option.
Interested in the world of pharmacy? Learn How to become a Pharmacy Technician and unlock a fulfilling career in healthcare.
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, and they have completed an approved pharmacy technician training program. They may also be required to pass a certification exam.
The first pharmacy technician certification exam was administered in New York in 1968.
— Did you know?
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician in New York?
There are many reasons why you might want to become a pharmacy technician in New York. Here are a few of the benefits:
- High job growth: The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow faster than average in the coming years. This is due to the increasing number of people who are taking prescription medications, as well as the aging population.
- Good salary: The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in New York is $39,890. This is a good salary for a job that does not require a college degree.
- Variety of job opportunities: Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. This gives you the flexibility to find a job that fits your interests and career goals.
Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New York
To become a pharmacy technician in New York, you must meet the following requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent
You must have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to become a pharmacy technician in New York.
500 hours of pharmacy technician experience
In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, you can meet the education requirement for pharmacy technicians in New York by having 500 hours of pharmacy technician experience. This experience can be gained through an internship, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.
The experience must include a variety of tasks, such as:
- Dispensing medications
- Managing inventory
- Providing customer service
- Preparing medications
- Compounding medications
- Processing insurance claims
The median annual salary for a pharmacy technician in New York is $39,890. The top 10% of earners make more than $55,000 per year
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Licensure Requirements
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE): In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician in New York, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is a national exam that tests your knowledge of pharmacy technician skills and knowledge. You can take the PTCE at a testing center in New York.
- Submit an application to the New York State Board of Pharmacy: Once you have passed the PTCE, you must submit an application to the New York State Board of Pharmacy. The application process includes submitting your PTCE scores, transcripts from your pharmacy technician training program, and a criminal background check.
- Pay a license fee: There is a $75.00 application fee for the first time license and a $100.00 renewal fee.
If you meet all of the licensure requirements, you will be issued a license to work as a pharmacy technician in New York. Your license will be valid for two years.
Here are some resources that you can use to learn more about the licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in New York:
- New York State Board of Pharmacy: The New York State Board of Pharmacy has a website that provides information about the licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is the organization that administers the PTCE. Their website provides information about the PTCE and how to register for the exam.
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists also has a list of approved pharmacy technician training programs on their website.
- National Pharmacy Technician Association: The National Pharmacy Technician Association also has a list of approved pharmacy technician training programs on their website.
Career Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in New York
The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in New York is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing number of people who are taking prescription medications, as well as the aging population.
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Employment (2021) | 52,700 |
Employment growth (2020-2030) | 12% |
Median annual salary | $39,890 |
Median hourly wage | $19.24 |
Top 10% wage earners | $55,000 or more |
Most common job settings | Hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities |
As you can see, the employment of pharmacy technician in New York is projected to grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030. This is faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of pharmacy technicians is being driven by the increasing number of people who are taking prescription medications, as well as the aging population.
Salary Range for Pharmacy Technicians in New York
The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in New York is $39,890. The top 10% of earners make more than $55,000 per year.
Salary Range | Percentage of Earners |
---|---|
$29,000 – $39,000 | 33.9% |
$39,000 – $49,000 | 29.5% |
$49,000 – $59,000 | 17.8% |
$59,000 – $74,999 | 11.7% |
$75,000 – $99,999 | 6.1% |
$100,000 or more | 0.9% |
As you can see, the median salary for pharmacy technicians in New York is $39,890. However, there is a wide range of salaries, with some technicians earning as little as $29,000 and others earning as much as $100,000 or more.
The salary for pharmacy technicians in New York can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, education, and location. For example, pharmacy technicians with more experience tend to earn more than those with less experience. Additionally, pharmacy technicians who work in hospitals or other healthcare settings tend to earn more than those who work in retail pharmacies.
Job Duties for Pharmacy Technicians in New York
The job duties of pharmacy technicians in New York vary depending on the setting in which they work. However, some common job duties include:
- Dispensing medications
- Managing inventory
- Providing customer service
- Preparing medications
- Compounding medications
- Processing insurance claims
Conclusion
Becoming a pharmacy technician in New York is a great way to start a career in healthcare. The job outlook is positive, the salary is good, and there are a variety of job opportunities available. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, I encourage you to research the requirements and take the necessary steps to get started.
Sources
- New York State Board of Pharmacy
- New York State Department of Health – Pharmacy
- New York State Department of Education – Pharmacy Technician Certification
- New York State Pharmacy Technician Association (NYSPTA)