Pharmacy Notes: Key Terms, Case Study, Careers - PDF

Chapter 14: Pharmacy Key Terms: ➔​ Compounding: ​ The actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions. ➔​ Consultant pharmacists: ​ Pharmacists who travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor...

Chapter 14: Pharmacy Key Terms: ➔​ Compounding: ​ The actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions. ➔​ Consultant pharmacists: ​ Pharmacists who travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients' drug therapy. ➔​ Internships: ​ Supervised, practical experience to aid professional development. ➔​ Medication profile: ​ A computerized record of the customer's drug therapy. ➔​ Nuclear pharmacists: ​ Pharmacist who prepares and dispenses radioactive pharmaceuticals. ➔​ Nutrition support pharmacists: ​ Pharmacist that helps determine and prepare nutrition formulas given intravenously. ➔​ Pharmaceutical chemistry: ​ Physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage forms. Also known as pharmaceutics. ➔​ Pharmaceutical industry pharmacist: ​ Pharmacist that works the sales, research and development, or marketing divisions of pharmaceutical companies. ➔​ Pharmaceuticals: ​ Medicinal drugs. ➔​ Pharmaceutics: ​ The branch of pharmacology concerned with the preparation, use, or sale of medicinal drugs. ➔​ Pharmacoeconomics: ​ The analysis of the costs and benefits of different drug therapies. ➔​ Pharmacology: ​ The study of the effect drugs have on the human and animal bodies. ➔​ Pharmacotherapists: ​ Health professional that specializes in drug therapy and works closely with physicians. ➔​ Pharmacy administration: ​ The study of business aspects of pharmacy use and management. ➔​ Pharmacy aides: ​ Often a clerk or cashier who primarily answers telephones, handles money, stocks shelves, and performs other clerical duties. ➔​ Pharmacy technicians: ​ Technician who helps licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. ➔​ Radiopharmacists: ​ Applies the principles and practices of pharmacy and radiochemistry to produce radioactive drugs that are used for diagnosis and therapy. ➔​ Side effects: ​ Secondary and usually adverse effects of a medication or treatment.  Do Nows: 02/10/2025 Issues for Discussion 1 Medications are sometimes expensive; for this reason, consumers sometimes look to online, out-of-country retailers to purchase medications at a lower price. Discuss what dangers may be present when buying medications from an online, out-of-country retailer. At minimum, address issues such as the possibility of purchasing counterfeit medications or whether the retailer possesses a legitimate license or certification. Buying medications from online, out-of-country retailers can be risky due to several factors: ​ Counterfeit Medications – Some websites sell fake drugs that may not contain the correct active ingredients or might have harmful substances. ​ Lack of Regulation – Out-of-country retailers may not follow the same safety and quality standards as pharmacies regulated by the FDA. ​ Incorrect Dosages – Medications may be mislabeled, leading to incorrect dosages that can be dangerous. ​ Expired Medications – Some online sellers distribute expired drugs, which can be less effective or even harmful. ​ Legal Issues – Importing certain medications without a prescription or from unauthorized sources may be illegal. ​ Lack of Professional Guidance – Purchasing from unlicensed sources means customers might not receive proper instructions or warnings about drug interactions. ​ Financial Scams – Some websites are scams that take money without delivering the medication. ​ Delivery and Storage Issues – Medications may not be stored properly during shipping, which can affect their potency and safety. Buying medicine from an online, out-of-country retailer might seem cheaper, but it’s risky. There’s no way to be sure the medication is real, safe, or legal. It’s always safer to get prescriptions from a licensed pharmacy. 02/11/2025 Case Study: A Pharmacy Career You are working as a pharmacy technician at a major drugstore chain. You have worked closely with the pharmacists over the past few years and studied hard for your pharmacy certification, which you earned last year. Your responsibilities have increased, and you are now able to take on an additional administrative duty. You enjoy the work and have decided to pursue a degree as a pharmacist once you have finished your first two years in college. Based on the information you have read about pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as well as the case study, answer the following questions: 1.​ Identify the new administrative responsibility you have as a pharmacy technician. A.​ Consulting with a customer about a new prescription. B.​ Completing the final review of the medication before dispensing it to the customer. C.​ Taking inventory of the pharmacy stock in preparation for placing a drug order with the manufacturer. D.​ Administering and documenting a flu shot given to a customer. 2.​ Which national exam did you sit for to obtain your pharmacy technician credential? A.​ PTCE B.​ NAPLEX C.​ MPJE D.​ PCAT 3.​ Determine the undergraduate course that would best support your goal of becoming a pharmacist. A.​ History 101 B.​ Geography 101 C.​ Statistics 101 D.​ Art Appreciation 101 4.​ Along with completing an application for pharmacy school, the next steps you will need to complete are to …….. A.​ Prepare for an interview and sign up for classes. B.​ Take an entrance exam and choose your housing. C.​ Take an entrance exam and prepare for an interview. D.​ Call to see if you were accepted and sign up for classes.  Notes: Pharmaceutical Partners ➔​ One of the main tools of physicians treating patients is medication. Medicines are prescribed to prevent, treat, and cure illnesses and diseases. Although doctors prescribe pharmaceuticals, the professionals who dispense the medication are pharmacists. The de Pharmacists Significant Points ​ Pharmacists counsel patients and plan drug therapy programs. ​ Pharmacists have direct patient contact in both clinical and retail settings. ​ Earnings are relatively high, but some pharmacists are required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. ​ Pharmacists must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a series of examinations to be licensed. Work Description ➔​ Pharmacists advise health professionals and the public on the proper selection and use of medicines. The special knowledge of the pharmacist is needed because of the complexity and potential side effects of the large and growing number of pharmaceutical products on the market. ➔​ In addition to providing information, pharmacists dispense drugs and medicines prescribed by physicians, dentists, and other health professionals. Pharmacists must understand the use, composition, and effects of drugs and how they are tested for purity and strength. Because of the introduction of new medications and the complexity of these medications, pharmacists must engage in continuing education activities. Compounding–the actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions–is now only a small part of a pharmacist's practice, as most medicines are produced by pharmaceutical companies in the dosage and form used by the patient. ➔​ Pharmacists practicing in community or retail pharmacies have many duties. They counsel patients and answer questions about prescription drugs, such as those regarding possible adverse reactions or interactions. They provide information about over-the-counter drugs and make recommendations after asking a series of health questions, such as whether the customer is taking any other medications. Such pharmacists also give advice about durable medical equipment and home healthcare supplies. Pharmacists must work in coordination with insurance companies on behalf of the patient, completing and submitting necessary paperwork to ensure eligible medication costs are covered under the patient's insurance policy. Those pharmacists who own or manage community pharmacies may sell non-health-related merchandise, hire and supervise personnel, and oversee the general operation of the pharmacy. ➔​ Many pharmacists working in a community or retail setting are called upon by patients to provide patient care activities, such as immunizations and simple diagnostic tests, along with some forms of therapy management. Pharmacy departments often make space for a private area way from the flow of customer traffic, allowing the pharmacist to meet with the customer to complete a medication review, provide a yearly flu shot, or assess a patient's blood pressure to determine the patient's health status. These specialized services help patients manage conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure. ➔​ The widespread use of computers in community and retail settings allows pharmacists to create medication profiles for their customers. A medication profile is a computerized record of the customer's drug therapy. Pharmacists use these profiles to ensure that harmful drug interactions do not occur and to monitor a patient's compliance with the doctor's instructions by comparing how long it takes the patient to finish the drug against the recommended daily dosage. ➔​ Pharmacists in hospitals and clinics dispense medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and side effects of drugs. They may make sterile solutions, buy medical supplies, teach students majoring in health-related disciplines, and perform administrative duties. They also may be involved in patient education, monitoring of drug regimens, and drug use evaluation. In addition, pharmacists work as consultants to the medical team on drug therapy and patient care. In some hospitals, they make hospital rounds with physicians, talking to patients and monitoring pharmaceutical use. Their role is crucial to safe, efficient, and proper therapeutic care. ➔​ Not all clinical pharmacists work in a traditional hospital or clinic setting. Pharmacists who work in home health care monitor drug therapy and prepare infusions–solutions that are injected into patients–and other medications for use in the home. ➔​ Pharmacotherapists specialize in drug therapy and work closely with physicians. They may make hospital rounds with physicians, talking to patients and monitoring pharmaceutical use. ➔​ Nutrition support pharmacists help determine and prepare the drugs needed for nutrition. Some pharmacists work in oncology (cancer) and psychiatric drug treatment. ➔​ Some pharmacists prepare and dispense radioactive pharmaceuticals. Called radiopharmacists or nuclear pharmacists, they apply the principles and practices of pharmacy and radiochemistry to produce radioactive drugs that are used for diagnosis and therapy. ➔​ Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists work in the sales, research and development, or marketing divisions of pharmaceutical companies. Because pharmacists understand patients and how patients use their medications, their insight is valuable to pharmaceutical companies. These pharmacists may work to develop new drugs, designing and running clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of these new drugs. They may work to establish safety regulations and ensure quality control of the drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical companies. ➔​ Pharmacists use their basic educational backgrounds in a host of federal and state positions. At the federal level, pharmacists hold staff and supervisory posts in the U.S. Public Health Service, the Veterans Administration, and the Food and Drug Administration and in all branches of the armed services. Certain of these posts provide commissioned officer status; others come under the heading of civil service. ➔​ State and federal boards are boards charged with regulating the practice of pharmacy to preserve and protect public health. These legal boards governing pharmacy practice usually employ pharmacists as full-time executive officers. One or more inspectors, frequently also pharmacists, serve each state. As state health agencies consolidate their purchases, pharmacists are often engaged as purchasers of medical and pharmaceutical supplies on a mass scale. ➔​ Nearly every state has an active pharmaceutical association that employs a full-time executive officer. This officer is usually a graduate of a college of pharmacy. Several national professional associations are also guided by pharmacists with an interest and special talent in organizational work.  ➔​ Other pharmacists are engaged in highly specialized tasks. There are pharmacists in advertising, packaging, technical writing, magazine editing, and science reporting. Pharmacists with legal training serve as patent lawyers or as experts in pharmaceutical law. Pharmacists are found in U.S. space laboratories, aboard ships such as the S.S. Hope, and directing giant manufacturing firms. Work Environment ➔​ Pharmacists usually work in clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated areas that resemble small laboratories. Shelves are lined with hundreds of different drug products. In addition, some items are refrigerated, and many substances (narcotics, depressants, and stimulants) are kept under lock and key. Pharmacists spend much time on their feet. When working with dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists must take the proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks and working with special protective equipment. ➔​ Many community and hospital pharmacies are open around the clock, so pharmacists may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Consultant pharmacists may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients' drug therapy. Although most pharmacists work full time, some pharmacists work part time. Employment Opportunities ➔​ Pharmacists held about 321,700 jobs in 2019. About 42% worked in retail settings, which include community pharmacies that were either independently owned or part of a drugstore chain, grocery store, department store, or mass merchandiser. Most of these community pharmacists were salaried employees, but some were self-employed owners. About 26% of pharmacists worked in hospitals. A small proportion worked in mail order and Internet pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, offices of physicians, and the federal government. Educational and Legal Requirements ➔​ A license is required in all states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. In order to obtain a license, pharmacists must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from a college of pharmacy and pass several examinations. There are 141 Doctor of Pharmacy programs fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as of 2020. Education and Training ➔​ Pharmacists must earn a PharmD degree from an accredited college or school of pharmacy. The PharmD degree has replaced the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, which is no longer being awarded. To be admitted to a PharmD program, an applicant must have completed at least two years of specific professional study. This requirement generally includes courses in mathematics and natural sciences, such as chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, most applicants have completed three or more years at a college or university before moving on to a PharmD program, although this is not specially required. Most PharmD programs require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). Many pharmacy schools also interview prospective students to determine their fit and enthusiasm for the pharmacy program. PharmD programs generally take four years to complete. Courses offered at colleges of pharmacy are designed to teach students about all aspects of drug therapy. In addition, students learn how to communicate with patients and other healthcare providers about drug information and patient care. Students also learn professional ethics, concepts of public health, and medication distribution systems management. In addition to receiving classroom instruction, students in PharmD programs spend about one-fourth of their time in a variety of pharmacy practice settings under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. ➔​ Some colleges of pharmacy also award a Master of Science degree or PhD degree. Both degrees are awarded after the completion of a PharmD and are designed for those who want additional clinical, laboratory, and research experience. Areas of graduate study include pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry (physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage forms), pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body), and pharmacy administration. Many master’s and PhD degree holders go on to do research for a drug company or teach at a university. ➔​ Other options for pharmacy graduates who are interested in further training include one- or two-year residency programs or fellowships. Pharmacy residencies are postgraduate training programs in pharmacy practice and usually require the completion of a research project. These programs are often mandatory for pharmacists who wish to work in hospitals. Pharmacy fellowships are highly individualized programs designed to prepare participants to work in a specialized area of pharmacy, such as clinical  practice or research laboratories. Some pharmacists who own their own pharmacy obtain a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Others may obtain a degree in public administration or public health. Licensure ➔​ License to practice pharmacy is required in all states, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. To obtain a license, a prospective pharmacist must graduate from a college of pharmacy that is accredited by the ACPE and pass a series of examinations. All states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia require the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge. The vast majority of states and the District of Columbia also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests pharmacy law. Both exams are administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Of the states and territories that do not require the MPJE, each has its own pharmacy law exam. In addition to the NAPLEX and MPJE, some states and territories require additional exams that are unique to their jurisdiction. ➔​ A pharmacist who wishes to specialize in an area of medical care may become certified from a national association as one who possesses an advanced level of knowledge in the respective area. For example, the Certification Board for Diabetes Educators may certify those pharmacists with advanced knowledge of diabetes. Similarly, the Board of Pharmacy Specialties offers certification in specialty areas such as nutrition, oncology, critical care, and pediatrics. These certification boards require varying degrees of work experience in addition to passing an exam and paying a fee. ➔​ All jurisdictions except California currently grant license transfers to qualified pharmacists who already are licensed by another jurisdiction. Many pharmacists are licensed to practice in more than one jurisdiction. Most jurisdictions require continuing education for license renewal. Those interested in a career as a pharmacist should check with individual jurisdiction boards of pharmacy for details on license renewal requirements and license transfer procedures. ➔​ Graduates of foreign pharmacy schools may also qualify for licensure in some U.S. states and territories. These individuals must apply for certification from the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC). Once certified, they must pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  exam, and Test of Spoken English (TSE) exam. They then must pass all of the exams required by the licensing jurisdiction, such as the NAPLEX and MPJE. Other Qualifications ➔​ Prospective pharmacists should possess scientific aptitude, good interpersonal skills, and a desire to help others. They also must be conscientious and pay close attention to detail, because the decisions they make affect human lives. Advancement ➔​ In community pharmacies, pharmacists usually begin at the staff level. Pharmacists in chain drugstores may be promoted to pharmacy supervisor or manager at the store level, then to manager at the district or regional level, and later to an executive position within the chain’s headquarters. Hospital pharmacists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. After they gain experience and secure the necessary capital, some pharmacists become owners or part owners of independent pharmacies. Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry may advance into marketing, sales, research, quality control, production, or other areas. Employment Trends ➔​ Employment is expected to decrease overall through 2029. As a result of job growth, the replacement of workers leaving the occupation, and the limited capacity of training programs, job prospects are mixed. Employment Change ➔​ Employment of pharmacists is expected to decline by 3% between 2019 and 2029. Where a pharmacist works drives in part whether there is an increasing or decreasing need for a pharmacist. The advent of fulfilling prescriptions via mail order or online has decreased the demand for pharmacists working in retail settings. Some tasks previously performed by pharmacists in a retail setting, such as collecting patient information and preparing select medications, have been delegated to pharmacy technicians, allowing pharmacists to focus on patient care but lessening the need for as many pharmacists as before. Conversely, hospitals and clinics have seen a need to increase the number of pharmacists on their staffs and have asked  pharmacists to assume some patient care tasks such as testing blood sugar or cholesterol. ➔​ The increasing numbers of middle-aged and older people–who use more prescription drugs than younger people–will continue to spur demand for pharmacists throughout the projection period. As the population ages, assisted-living facilities and homecare organizations should see particularly rapid growth. Other factors likely to impact the demand for pharmacists include scientific advances that will make more pharmaceutical products available, higher rates of chronic diseases, and increasing coverage of prescription drugs by health insurance plans and Medicare. Demand will also be impacted as cost-conscious insurers, in an attempt to improve preventive care, use pharmacists in areas such as patient education and the administration of vaccines. ➔​ Demand may increase in managed care organizations where pharmacists analyze trends and patterns in medication use and in pharmacoeconomics–the cost and benefit analysis of different drug therapies. New jobs also are being created in disease management–the development of new methods for curing and controlling diseases–and in sales and marketing. Rapid growth is also expected in pharmacy informatics–the use of information technology to improve patient care through medication use. Job Prospects ➔​ The number of pharmacy schools has grown in recent years, producing a greater number of pharmacy school graduates. With larger graduating classes, there is more competition for pharmaceutical jobs. Students who choose to complete residency programs or certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialists gain additional experience and greater job prospects. Table 14.1 shows some projection data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. Earnings ➔​ The median annual wage and salary of pharmacists in May 2020 was $128,710. The lowest 10% earned less than $85,210, and the highest 10% earned more than $164,980 per year. Related Occupations ➔​ Pharmacy technicians and pharmacy aides also work in pharmacies. Persons in other professions who may work with pharmaceutical compounds include biological scientists, medical scientists, chemists, and materials scientists. Increasingly, pharmacists are involved in patient care and therapy, work that they have in common with physicians and surgeons.  Pharmacy Technicians and Aides Significant Points ​ Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience. ​ Many technicians and aides work evenings, weekends, and holidays. ​ About 51% of jobs are in a retail setting. Work Description ➔​ Pharmacy technicians and aides help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties within a pharmacy setting. Pharmacy technicians generally are responsible for receiving prescription requests, counting tablets, and labeling bottles, while pharmacy aides perform administrative functions such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. In organizations that do not have aides, however, pharmacy technicians may be responsible for these clerical duties. ➔​ Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have various responsibilities, depending on state rules and regulations. Technicians receive written prescription requests from patients. They also may receive prescriptions sent electronically from doctors’ offices, and in some states they are permitted to process requests by phone. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles as well as prepare insurance claim forms. They may organize inventory and alert the pharmacist to the need to restock medications or supplies. Technicians always refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist. ➔​ In hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, technicians have added responsibilities, including preparing sterile solutions and delivering medications to nurses or physicians. Technicians may also record the information about the prescribed medication in the patient’s profile.  ➔​ Pharmacy aides work closely with pharmacy technicians. They primarily perform administrative duties such as answering telephones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. They also may prepare insurance forms and maintain patient profiles. They may organize inventory and alert pharmacists to shortages in medications or supplies. Unlike pharmacy technicians, pharmacy aides do not prepare prescriptions or mix medications. Work Environment ➔​ Pharmacy technicians and aides work in clean, organized, well-lit, and well-ventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or to use stepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves. ➔​ Technicians and aides often have varying schedules that include nights, weekends, and holidays. In facilities that are open 24 hours a day, such as hospital pharmacies, technicians and aides may be required to work nights. Many technicians and aides work part-time. Employment Opportunities ➔​ Pharmacy technicians and aides held about 461,200 jobs in 2019. Of these, about 422,300 were pharmacy technicians and about 38,900 were pharmacy aides. About 51% of jobs were in a retail setting, and about 17% were in hospitals. Educational and Legal Requirements ➔​ There is no national training standard for pharmacy technicians, but employers favor applicants who have formal training, certification, or previous experience. There also are no formal training requirements for pharmacy aides, but a high school diploma may increase an applicant’s prospects for employment. Education and Training ➔​ There are no standard training requirements for pharmacy technicians, but some states require a high school diploma or its equivalent. Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. On-the-job training generally ranges between 3 and 12 months. ➔​ Formal technician education programs are available through a variety of organizations, including community colleges, vocational schools, hospitals,  and the military. These programs range from six months to two years and include classroom and laboratory work. They cover a variety of subject areas, such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn the names, actions, uses, and doses of the medications with which they work. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. After completion, students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree, depending on the program. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists accredits pharmacy technician programs. ➔​ There are no formal education requirements for pharmacy aides, but employers may favor applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Experience operating a cash register, interacting with customers, managing inventory, and using computers may be helpful. Pharmacy aides also receive informal on-the-job training that generally lasts less than three months. Certification and Other Qualifications ➔​ In most states, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the state board of pharmacy. Eligibility requirements vary, but in some states applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and pay an application fee. ➔​ Most states do not require technicians to be certified, but voluntary certification is available through several private organizations. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association administer national certification examinations. Certification through such programs may enhance an applicant’s prospects for employment and is required by some states and employers. To be eligible for either exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and no felony convictions of any kind. In addition, applicants for the PTCB exam must not have had any drug-related or pharmacy-related convictions, including misdemeanors. Many employers will reimburse the cost of the exams. ➔​ Under these programs, technicians must be recertified every two years. Recertification requires 20 hours of continuing education within the two-year certification period. Continuing education hours can be earned from several different sources, including colleges, pharmacy associations, and pharmacy  technician training programs. Up to 10 hours of continuing education also can be earned on the job under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist. ➔​ Good customer service and communication skills are needed because pharmacy technicians and aides interact with patients, coworkers, and healthcare professionals. Basic mathematics, spelling, and reading skills also are important, as technicians must interpret prescription orders and verify drug doses. Technicians also must be precise: Details are sometimes a matter of life and death. Advancement ➔​ Advancement opportunities generally are limited, but in large pharmacies and health systems, pharmacy technicians and aides with significant training or experience can be promoted to supervisory positions. Some may advance into specialty positions such as chemotherapy technician or nuclear pharmacy technician. Others may move into sales. With a substantial amount of formal training, some technicians and aides go on to become pharmacists. Employment Trends ➔​ Employment is expected to grow about as fast as other occupations, and job opportunities are expected to be good. Employment Change ➔​ Employment of pharmacy technicians and aides is expected to increase by 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people–who use more prescription drugs than younger people–will spur demand for pharmacy workers throughout the projection period. In addition, as scientific advances lead to new drugs and as more people obtain prescription drug coverage, pharmacy workers will be needed in growing numbers. Prescription drug coverage will continue to rise following the introduction of federally mandated health insurance. ➔​ Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 4%. As cost-conscious insurers begin to use pharmacies as patient-care centers and pharmacists become more involved in patient care, pharmacy technicians will continue to see an expansion of their role in the pharmacy. In addition, they will increasingly adopt some of the administrative duties that were  previously performed by pharmacy aides, such as answering phones and stocking shelves. As a result of this development, demand for pharmacy aides should decrease. Job Prospects ➔​ Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification. Job openings will result from employment growth as well as the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. ➔​ Despite declining employment, job prospects for pharmacy aides also are expected to be good. As people leave this occupation, new applicants will be needed to fill the positions that remain (see Table 14.2). Earnings ➔​ Median annual wages of pharmacy technicians in May 2020 were $35,100. The lowest 10% earned less than $25,400, and the highest 10% earned more than $50,430. ➔​ Median hourly wages of wage and salary pharmacy aides were $15.15 in May 2020. The middle 50% earned $29,280 annually. The lowest 10% earned less than $20.960 and the highest 10% earned more than $50,390 annually. ➔​ Certified technicians may earn more than noncertified technicians. Some technicians and aides belong to unions representing hospital or grocery store workers. Related Occupations ➔​ Other occupations related to health care include dental assistants, medical assistants, medical records and health information technicians, medical transcriptionists, and pharmacists.