If you are a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can employ to achieve this goal. By taking proactive steps and investing in your professional development, you can improve your chances of earning a better salary in the field.

Obtain Certification through PTCB or ExCPT: Becoming certified through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can demonstrate your commitment to the field and increase your marketability to employers. Local institutions such as the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association may offer resources and support for certification exams.

Pursue Continuing Education: Continuing education courses can help you stay current with industry trends and expand your skill set. Consider enrolling in programs offered by local colleges or online platforms to enhance your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Gain Experience in Various Pharmacy Settings: Working in different pharmacy settings, such as retail, hospital, or long-term care facilities, can broaden your experience and make you a more versatile pharmacy technician. Look for opportunities to gain experience in diverse settings to increase your value to employers.

Negotiate Your Salary: When applying for a new job or seeking a raise, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania and be prepared to make a case for why you deserve to be compensated at a higher rate based on your experience and qualifications.

Network with Professionals in the Field: Building relationships with other pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into salary trends and job prospects in Pennsylvania. Consider joining professional organizations such as the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association to expand your network and stay informed about industry developments.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Pennsylvania can be a rewarding endeavor. This career path allows you to work in a variety of healthcare settings. You'll be helping patients receive the medications they need.

Here are three key steps you can take to get started on this career path in the Keystone State.

Get a High School Diploma or GED

This is the first step towards becoming a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania. It is a prerequisite for most pharmacy technician programs and job postings. Having a strong background in mathematics, science, and health can be particularly beneficial for this role.

It's important to note that while Pennsylvania doesn't require pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified, many employers prefer it.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program

Formal training helps you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for this role. Programs are offered at various institutions such as Penn Foster College and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

These programs cover areas like pharmacy law, medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and more. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative, consider online certification training like the one offered by Stepful. This platform provides cost-effective training that can be completed at your own pace.

Gain Experience and Certification

While not mandatory in Pennsylvania, having experience can increase your job prospects. Consider applying for entry-level positions, internships, or volunteering in a pharmacy. This can help you develop practical skills and understand the day-to-day workings of a pharmacy.

Additionally, consider getting certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). While Pennsylvania law doesn't require national certification, many employers prefer or require it. This certification shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful pharmacy technician.

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

Exploring a career in healthcare in Pennsylvania? Pharmacy technician roles continue to offer reliable job opportunities across the state as demand grows for skilled support in pharmacies and clinical environments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In Pennsylvania, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 8,940 pharmacy technicians employed in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area, which includes parts of Pennsylvania. The state's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.159 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.04, indicating a slightly higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.