Are you considering a pharmacy career but aren’t sure whether you’re best suited to become a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician? Both are essential roles that contribute significantly to patient care and the healthcare system, but they involve different responsibilities and require different skill sets.
Understanding the key differences between these two paths can help you make an informed decision about which career is the best fit for you.
What Is a Pharmacist?
A pharmacist is a licensed medical professional who dispenses prescription medication and educates patients about drugs and their intended use, proper storage and potential side effects.
They may also administer vaccines for illnesses such as the flu and COVID and provide guidance on general health topics.
Depending on their role, pharmacists may supervise pharmacy technicians and interns and assist with billing issues.
What Is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in dispensing medication, balancing both backroom tasks and customer-facing duties.
Their responsibilities often include collecting patient information, measuring and packaging medication, labeling prescriptions, managing inventory, processing payments, answering customer questions and entering patient data into a database.
Similarities Between a Pharmacist & Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacist and pharmacy technician share many similarities, including a strong knowledge of medications and a solid understanding of pharmaceuticals. They both help patients understand how to take medications and will advise on proper storage and potential side effects.
Both roles must adhere to strict regulatory guidance and standards and focus on patient care. Soft skills such as organization, good communication and attention to detail are also key to succeeding in the field.
Differences Between the Roles
The roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians differ significantly in terms of education, responsibilities and decision-making authority.
Education
Pharmacists require significantly more education than pharmacy technicians. To become a pharmacist, you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited school or university.
In contrast, pharmacy technicians typically need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and the completion of a training program or certification. Popular certifications include Certified Pharmacy Technician offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and Certified Pharmacy Technician offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NAH).
Some individuals become pharmacy technicians by completing a postsecondary pharmacy technology program, typically offered by community colleges or vocational schools. These programs usually take about a year to complete, though some may be longer and can lead to an associate’s degree.
Responsibilities
A pharmacist’s responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the role and employer, but in general, they will dispense medication, advise patients on drug interactions and potential side effects, collaborate with healthcare providers on treatment plans and administer vaccines.
A pharmacy technician provides support to pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medications, labeling prescriptions, managing inventory and handling customer interactions.
Core Courses & Competencies
The education of a pharmacist will include courses and training in pharmacology (the study of the effects of drugs and other chemical agents on living organisms), medical chemistry, patient care, clinical practice, drug interactions and pharmacy law.
Pharmacy technicians learn about calculations, medical terminology, inventory management and basic pharmacology.
Required Licensing & Certifications
Pharmacists must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and some states may require additional exams such as the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
For pharmacist technicians, certification through organizations like the PTCB or NHA may be required in some states.
Career advancement
Pharmacists can specialize in fields such as cardiology, oncology, critical care or pediatrics. They can also advance to management or clinical positions or pursue roles in education or research, depending on their career goals and interests.
Pharmacy technicians can become lead technicians, and if they desire, obtain certifications that will help them transition to pharmacy school to become a pharmacist.
Salary & Job Outlook
The salary for each position will vary depending on responsibilities, employer, how much experience is required and location. In general, pharmacists earn approximately $136,000 per year while pharmacy technicians can expect around $40,000 per year.
The job outlook for both positions is favorable with a 5% job growth rate for pharmacists and a 7% job growth rate for pharmacy technicians.
How to Become a Pharmacist
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process to become a pharmacist.
- Complete pre-pharmacy coursework: Some PharmD degree programs may require an undergraduate degree, but many only require the completion of prerequisite or undergraduate coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, math and physics.
- Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (if required): The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized assessment of whether you’re ready for a PharmD program. Though it’s no longer required by most schools, some still use it as part of the admission process.
- Apply to PharmD programs: Once you’ve completed the necessary coursework, and, if required, the PCAT, you’re ready to apply to PharmD programs. Most schools require prospective students to submit their applications through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) system.
- Once accepted, enroll in a PharmD program: You then will begin your coursework and practical training.
- Complete Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs): During the program, you will complete the APPEs, which are hands-on rotations in real-world pharmacy settings.
- Pass licensure exams: A degree alone is not enough to become a pharmacist; you must pass the NAPLEX and MPJE. Some states may have additional requirements.
- Obtain state licensure: Once you’ve passed your exams, you can apply for state licensure through your state’s board of pharmacy.
- Consider postgraduate training (optional): You can also choose to pursue postgraduate training to become specialized in a particular area of pharmacy medicine, such as oncology, pediatrics or clinical research.
- Look for employment: While pharmacists commonly work in traditional settings like retail and hospital pharmacies, they also find opportunities in clinics, outpatient care centers and long-term care facilities. Additionally, they can work for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research institutions, universities and government or regulatory agencies.
- Renew licenses and certifications: The specific requirements vary by state, but in general, a pharmacist’s license must be renewed every 1–3 years.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Interested in what it takes to become a pharmacy technician? Here’s a quick overview:
- Research requirements in the state in which you intend to work: Some states may require a formal education while others prefer certain certifications.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED: Most pharmacy technician positions require at least a high school diploma (or equivalent).
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program (optional but recommended): While not always required, completing a training program can deepen your knowledge and show potential employers that you’re serious about your career.
- Gain on-the-job experience and training: This may be optional or required, depending on the state.
- Earn a pharmacy technician certification: Consider either Certified Pharmacy Technician offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and Certified Pharmacy Technician offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
- Obtain licensure or registration (if required): Requirements vary by state, so check your state’s regulations to see if you need to be licensed, registered or certified.
- Look for employment: Pharmacy technicians can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare systems, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities and pharmaceutical companies.
- Maintain licensure and certification: Pharmacy technicians must stay up to date with certification and license renewal requirements.
Pharmacist vs. Pharmacy Technician: Which Career Is Right for You?
Whether you choose to become a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician will depend on several factors, including your career goals, desired level of education, financial investment, preferred responsibilities and salary expectations.
Becoming a pharmacist requires a greater commitment in terms of time, education and finances. It also comes with increased responsibilities and a higher salary as a result. But if you’re interested in more of a leadership role that involves collaborating with healthcare providers, advising patients and clinical decision-making, becoming a pharmacist may be the right path for you.
In contrast, pharmacy technicians play a vital support role, providing patient care and handling medications, and their responsibilities typically include more administrative tasks.
Consider talking to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians about their career. Job shadowing, informational interviews and connecting with pharmaceutical professionals on LinkedIn can help you gain a better understanding of each position to determine which is the right choice for you.
Depending on the state and the role, a pharmacist may be able to adjust medication dosages and provide direct patient counseling. Pharmacists are able to verify and approve prescriptions before they dispense, whereas pharmacy technicians can only fill prescriptions.
While pharmacy technicians can offer general guidance, they cannot provide clinical advice. Pharmacists are also typically able to administer vaccines.
A pharmacist must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree whereas a pharmacy technician typically needs a high school diploma (or equivalent) and the completion of a training program or certification. A popular certification for pharmacy techs is Certified Pharmacy Technician, which is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association.
It depends on the state in which you intend to work. Pharmacy techs don’t always need to be certified, but it’s highly recommended and often required for certain positions.
In addition to a strong understanding of pharmaceuticals, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians need good communication, customer service and problem-solving skills. They must also have strong attention to detail. If managing a pharmacy, strong leadership and organizational skills are important.
Absolutely! However, it does require significantly more education, including completing prerequisite coursework, earning a PharmD degree and passing the required licensing exams
There is a substantial salary difference between the two positions. Most pharmacists make well over six figures — averaging around $136,000 — while pharmacy technicians earn around $40,000.
Yes — there is a growing need for both positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% job growth rate for pharmacists and a 7% job growth rate for pharmacy technicians, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Elevate Your Pharmacy Career With a Degree From Marshall University
At Marshall University’s School of Pharmacy, we prioritize active learning across all our programs. Our educational approach is centered on interactive teaching, teamwork and peer learning in small, innovative classrooms.
In addition to our PharmD program, Marshall offers a range of exciting opportunities within the School of Pharmacy, including the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Master’s Degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration Program.
We prepare students for success in diverse healthcare environments through rigorous coursework in biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical sciences. With state-of-the-art studio classrooms and laboratories, you’ll engage in hands-on learning that equips you for a successful career.
