Job: Pharmacy Technician (United States)

I now finally realize that being a certified pharmacy technician is a joke. It took me 8 years and $8,000 to realize it, but now I do. We are treated like crap by pharmacists, look down at by nurses and physicians (which would be semi worth it if our pay wasn't such crap), our job is demanding and you need to be sharp and smart, but we get paid crap, no matter how many years of experience you have. But as soon as something is wrong, they are quick to blame the pharmacy technician. I've decided...enough is enough and I'm getting out while I still have my sanity and can still put a smile on my face. I'm leaving an oncology practice as a pharmacy technician to go and sell make-up at a Macy's counter for more money and better hours. My advice is...if you're fed-up and unhappy...make that change.

I have been a Certified Pharmacy Tech for a number of years and have finally realized that a pharmacy tech is not truly recognized for all that we do. We are not really appreciated by pharmacists, directors, managers or the hospital administrators. We are basically considered machines, a money making tool for our employer. First of all, being a good technician requires lots of skills. I have had many jobs in my lifetime, jobs that I thought were very important. However, being a technican is far more important than any other job I've had. The pay and importance of this job is so under rated yet it is a very rewarding and extemely important job. In order to be a great technichan you must first be a willing servant to those that are need. You must take pride in what you do. You must be very honest, loyal, detail oriented, quick learner, display great customer service skills, able to calculate and mix all drugs properly using the proper aseptic technique. This also includes chemotheraphy, heart drugs, baby syringes, etc. We must make sure all drugs are prepared and dispersed properly whether it be in solid or liquid form. We must order and put away supplies, answer questions, listen to complaints, multitask, and a host of other duties. It takes a lot of time, patience, attention to detail, and most of being a team player to be a great certified tech. We must able to adapt to change at a moments notice. An example of such would be training new techs and assisting a pharmacist with the training of new pharmacist. Thus, the job of technician is very underrated and underpaid. Although we may love our job as a technicians, we are unable to advance. Yes, one might say that being certified is an advancement but is it really. It is not reflected in our pay. A CPht should start out with nothing less than 19.50 - 25.00 an hour. We should be rated with the nurses because where would the pharmacist, doctors, nurses, etc., be without a good tech. Remember, behind every good man is is a good woman. Being a tech is great. It's wonderful to know that I am doing something that I truly love on a daily basis. I am making a difference. Although I am behind the scenes and receive little to no praise for what I do, I am very instrumental in making life better for those in need and that is my purpose. I am truly here to serve.

I started as a cashier in the front end, then was cross trained to the pharmacy. I did all their little computer training programs and still after a year + wait they still haven't RA Certified me, and better yet I was screwed out of a big bonus for sales and then, told even when my job title is changed I still will not be paid what a technician makes. I am in college right now to become nationally certified and I am planning on looking for employment elsewhere.

Is it worth it, since I do not have as much experience as other pharm techs?

I think it would be, but you have to consider moving, living and other expenses.

Give expectations, assure your workers are all treated fairly and that the all put out the same amont of work. Communicate what's expected on a daily basis and always be firm yet positive. And say hello to everyone with a smile!