Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician, which one is better for me? – Part II

If you are considering a career in the world of health, you have probably considered medical assistant or technician in pharmacy as possible options. Both careers are good to start in this field, offering mostly good work environment, plus the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who need it.

What is a pharmacy technician?

The pharmacy technician works together with the certified pharmacist to provide drugs to a wide variety of patients. The pharmacy technician handles inventory, counts medication, and completes the forms and doses. Those who want to enter the world of pharmacy can obtain the necessary certifications to work in this field through an accredited school to work in places like Walgreens. Most programs take less than a year to complete, which is comparable to the length of training for medical assistants.

Although certification is not required in all states, it is recommended to maximize the opportunity for income in this field. The average salary for a pharmacy technician is approximately $ 31,750 plus benefits. People who choose this career can work half or full time. The pharmacy technician may require working several hours, especially in places that are open 24 hours a day. This is a field that offers multiple employment opportunities and has a projected employment increase of 12%.

What is the difference between one and the other?

Both careers involve work in health-related environments, working with patients to ensure their health. Depending on the work environment, medical assistants and pharmacy technicians can be in the same place regularly.

The pharmacy technician must be certified in his career, and the employer will require drug testing and a criminal record even before being hired. Although certification is not required for medical assistants, getting certifications as such is highly recommended. The medical assistants who have the certifications will have greater opportunities to grow throughout their career.

Employment and salary.

Both careers are projected to grow in the coming years, providing excellent development and greater job opportunities for both professions. In addition, those who work in these careers will have an average salary of $ 30,000 plus benefits.

Before choosing a career in the world of health, you should take the time to understand both parts of each job. This will allow you to choose the program that best suits your life so you can work on something that gives you satisfaction for the rest of your life. If you have any doubt, please, contact us.