Philadelphia, PA, is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a thriving healthcare industry. As a pharmacy technician, you have a vital role to play in the city's healthcare ecosystem. With numerous top-ranked hospitals, medical research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, Philadelphia offers a wide range of job opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
In this article, we'll explore the top pharmacy tech jobs in Philadelphia, PA, and provide you with valuable insights into the job market, salary ranges, and the skills required to succeed in this field. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced pharmacy technician, we'll help you navigate the job market and find the best opportunities in the city.
Job Market Overview
The demand for pharmacy technicians is high in Philadelphia, driven by the city's large population, aging demographics, and the increasing need for healthcare services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, this growth rate is still expected to result in over 1,000 new job openings in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Top Pharmacy Tech Jobs in Philadelphia, PA
Here are some of the top pharmacy tech jobs in Philadelphia, PA, along with their average salary ranges:
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Pharmacy Technician - Hospital Average salary: $44,000 - $60,000 per year Hospitals in Philadelphia, such as the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, employ pharmacy technicians to assist with medication dispensing, inventory management, and patient care.
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Pharmacy Technician - Retail Average salary: $35,000 - $50,000 per year Retail pharmacies like CVS Health, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have numerous locations throughout Philadelphia and employ pharmacy technicians to assist with customer service, medication dispensing, and store operations.
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Pharmacy Technician - Clinical Research Average salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year Clinical research institutions, such as the Wistar Institute and the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, employ pharmacy technicians to assist with clinical trials, medication management, and data collection.
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Pharmacy Technician - Pharmaceutical Industry Average salary: $55,000 - $75,000 per year Pharmaceutical companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Merck have operations in Philadelphia and employ pharmacy technicians to assist with manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
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Pharmacy Technician - Long-term Care Average salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, employ pharmacy technicians to assist with medication management, resident care, and administrative tasks.
Skills Required
To succeed as a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia, you'll need to possess the following skills:
- Communication skills: Effective communication is critical in a pharmacy setting, where you'll interact with patients, healthcare professionals, and other staff members.
- Attention to detail: Pharmacy technicians must be meticulous in their work, ensuring accuracy and precision when dispensing medications and performing other tasks.
- Organizational skills: Pharmacy technicians must be able to prioritize tasks, manage inventory, and maintain a clean and organized workspace.
- Technical skills: Proficiency in pharmacy software, automated dispensing systems, and other technology is essential for pharmacy technicians.
- Certification: While not always required, certification as a pharmacy technician (CPhT) or certified pharmacy technician (CPHT) can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.
Education and Training
To become a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia, you'll typically need to complete a post-secondary education program in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, vocational schools, or universities and may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree.
Some popular pharmacy technician programs in Philadelphia include:
- Community College of Philadelphia: Offers a certificate program in pharmacy technology.
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine: Offers an associate's degree program in pharmacy technology.
- Temple University: Offers a certificate program in pharmacy technology.
Gallery of Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia?
+The average salary for a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia ranges from $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the employer, location, and level of experience.
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia?
+While certification is not always required, it is highly recommended to become certified as a pharmacy technician (CPhT) or certified pharmacy technician (CPHT) to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the profession.
What are the top pharmacy tech jobs in Philadelphia?
+The top pharmacy tech jobs in Philadelphia include pharmacy technician - hospital, pharmacy technician - retail, pharmacy technician - clinical research, pharmacy technician - pharmaceutical industry, and pharmacy technician - long-term care.
If you're passionate about healthcare and want to make a difference in the lives of patients, a career as a pharmacy technician in Philadelphia may be the perfect fit for you. With numerous job opportunities, competitive salaries, and a range of settings to choose from, you can find a pharmacy tech job that suits your skills and interests.