Have you ever visited your local pharmacy to pick up a prescription? If the answer is yes, then you probably already met a pharmacy technician. And you didn’t even realize it. These technicians take care of medication dispensing. They work behind the scenes to make certain that you get your prescribed medication. A technician’s duty varies greatly. Technicians support pharmacists with both clinical and admin tasks. It all depends on whether you work in a retail pharmacy, a long-term care facility, a hospital or a mail order pharmacy. You can be tasked with preparing the medication. This includes counting, mixing and labeling bottles. Accuracy is a must!! Even the smallest measuring mistake can risk the safety of your patient. So, a technician’s duty is perfect for perfectionists. Once you get the prescription, you need to screen for potential drug interactions. You are also expected to interact with the customers. This interaction includes answering basic medical questions, handling billing and insurance information as well as product questions. Another important task is inventory management. You need to restock shelves and monitor expiration dates. You also need to organize shipments. In hospitals, technicians may also need to prepare IVs and other medical compounds. Patients typically see technicians at their local chain pharmacy. However, technicians can be found in multiple settings. This provides you with flexibility as far as job location is concerned. You can expect to find employment at: Nursing Homes Assisted Living Facilities Hospitals and Emergency Rooms Pharmaceutical companies Government and Military Health Centers Research Labs Outpatient Clinics Pharmacy Benefit Management The Short Answer is Yes. According to the Bureau of Labor Stats, pharmacy technicians can expect steady employment growth in the years to come. It is expected for 33,000 new pharmacy technician jobs to open by 2026. With a growing aging population, there is a high demand for Pharmacy Technicians. This short program has low barriers to entry. It is perfect for people who want to grow but do not spend 4 years in school. Metric Estimate/Stat Total employed (2023) ~463,900 techs Projected growth (2023–33) +7% (≈497,200 by 2033) Annual job openings ~47,400 Major industries by share Retail 51%, Hospitals 17%, Grocery 10% Florida Average: around $20.01/hour (~$41,620/year) Top-paying industry sectors: Ambulatory healthcare services: $49,920/year Hospitals: $49,310/year Retail general merchandise: $46,180/year Grocery/specialty food stores: $38,810/year Traditional drugstores: $37,900/year Doctors cannot heal without medicine. Moreover, it is for this reason that pharmacy technicians are instrumental to the healthcare system. They make certain that medications are delivered safely and efficiently. They allow Pharmacists to focus on the clinical aspect of health care. In addition, it doesn’t matter if you are behind a counter or preparing the medication for hospital patients. Pharmacy techs make certain that everything runs efficiently. What is the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician? Answer: Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals. They verify prescriptions, counsel patients and make clinical decisions. A technician helps them. They make the medication and manage the workflow. They can’t give medical advice. Do pharmacy technicians need a certification or a license? Answer: It varies from state to state. Some even require state registration and background checks. A good number requires one of two certifications: PTCB (CPhT) or ExCPT (NHA). How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? Answer: It can take between 6 to 12 months to become a technician. In FEI, it can take as little as 11 months. Can pharmacy technicians administer vaccines? Answer: In certain states yes. Effective July 1, 2022 (House Bill 1209), Florida law permits registered pharmacy technicians to become Certified Registered Pharmacy Technicians who may administer CDC-recommended immunizations to adults, including standard, travel-related, and emergency-use vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines during declared emergencies).

The healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing fields, offering strong job security, career advancement, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact. With an aging population, technological advancements, and a greater focus on preventive care, healthcare careers continue to be in high demand. Why Healthcare Careers are in High Demand Healthcare is essential, and as the need for medical services grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals. The aging population requires more medical care, leading to an increased need for healthcare workers across various specialties. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals, urgent care clinics, and specialized medical centers, are expanding to accommodate growing patient needs. Additionally, access to healthcare services has improved, with more people seeking medical attention due to coverage expansion and a greater focus on wellness. Advancements in medical technology also play a significant role, creating new job opportunities in both clinical and administrative settings. Many entry-level healthcare careers provide excellent job prospects, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization. At Florida Education Institute, we offer training for three high-demand healthcare careers. Medical Assistant: A Versatile and Fast-Growing Career Medical assistants play a crucial role in both administrative and clinical aspects of healthcare. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth operations in medical offices, clinics, and hospitals. Their responsibilities include taking patient vital signs, recording medical histories, and assisting physicians with examinations and minor procedures. In some cases, they administer medications and injections under supervision. Beyond patient care, medical assistants handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and managing billing processes. The job outlook for medical assistants is promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to grow 15% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing demand for preventive healthcare services and chronic disease management fuels this growth, making it an excellent time to enter the profession. Pharmacy Technician: Supporting Medication Management Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system by assisting pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications. Their work ensures patients receive the correct prescriptions while also providing guidance on proper medication usage. They are responsible for counting, measuring, and labeling medications, as well as managing inventory and restocking pharmaceutical supplies. In addition to these technical duties, pharmacy technicians assist customers, process insurance claims, and help maintain patient records to ensure safe and efficient medication distribution. This career field continues to expand, with employment expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033. At FEI, we register program graduates with the Florida Board of Pharmacy, making them eligible to work as a pharmacy technician. Medical Office Administrator: The Backbone of Healthcare Facilities Medical office administrators are essential to the operation of healthcare facilities. They oversee the administrative side of medical offices, clinics, and hospitals, ensuring that patient records, insurance claims, and office operations are properly managed. Their role includes scheduling patient appointments, maintaining accurate medical documentation, and handling financial transactions related to billing and insurance. They also oversee office staff and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, creating a seamless experience for both patients and medical providers. With the continued expansion of healthcare facilities, employment opportunities in medical administration are on the rise. For those who prefer an administrative role in the healthcare industry without direct patient care responsibilities, this career offers strong prospects and long-term stability. Healthcare careers provide stability, career growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re interested in patient care, pharmacy support, or medical office management, there’s a path for everyone in the healthcare industry. The demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to rise, making now the perfect time to enter the field. Explore healthcare training programs at FEI and take the first step toward a rewarding career in this growing industry. Contact us to get started!