How Much Does A Pharmacy Technician Make In Illinois

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pharmacy Technician? - scanliner.net

Pursuing My Dream to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

Since I was in high school, I have had an interest and passion in becoming a pharmacy technician. I would tell my friends and family about my dreams to one day make a living by helping others get the medicine they need. Now that I am out of high school and have some life experience under my belt, I decided to go after my dream of becoming a pharmacy technician in Illinois.

Researching Pharmacy Technician Roles and Responsibilities

Before I committed to the idea of becoming a pharmacy technician, I knew that I needed to do some research. I had to make sure that the roles and responsibilities of the job were a good fit for my personality and skill set. I found that the duties of a pharmacy technician are wide and varied and include everything from stocking shelves with medication and counting pills, to speaking with customers, and inputting patient information into the computer. Furthermore, a pharmacy technician is expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of medication, to ensure that the customers receive accurate and safe medication.

After some more digging, I also learned that pharmacy technicians in Illinois generally have an opportunity to work in a variety of places such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, retail stores, and even at doctor's offices. There are also several different specialty areas that a pharmacy technician can explore such as nuclear pharmacy and veterinary pharmacy. I was delighted to find that the profession offers a great degree of flexibility in terms of my career options.

Exploring The Education Requirements

I also researched the education requirements to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois. I learned that the process typically starts with acquiring a high school diploma or GED. After this, I would have to obtain a pharmacy technician certification, either by taking a state-approved certification course with a duration of about 200 hours or by applying for a national certification exam. Once I complete either of these two pathways, I would be prepared to start applying for positions as a pharmacy technician in the state.

Investigating the Potential Earnings

Once I had done my research and decided that this was the profession for me, I wanted to know what kind of wages I could expect to earn. I discovered that the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Illinois was between $33,000 and $44,000. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the wages I could potentially earn for this job were quite respectable. Of course, salary varies based on experience, certifications, and other qualifications.

Finding the Right Training Program

With everything that I had learned about the profession, it was time for me to find a solid training program that could give me the competencies required for me to become a pharmacy technician. After some searching, I was able to find a suitable program nearby. I enrolled and started taking classes that covered topics such as pharmacology, health law and ethics, and pharmacy calculations.

Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

My coursework went well, and before I knew it I had completed all of the requirements for certification. Next, I went on to take the Illinois Board of Pharmacy Examiners (IBPE) Certification Exam. I felt well-prepared for this exam as I had worked diligently to fully understand all of the aspects of the job. After passing the exam, I officially became a certified pharmacy technician in Illinois!

Applying, Interviewing, and Securing a Job

I was super excited to get started on my career as a pharmacy technician. I begun applying for job openings in the area. After submitting many applications, I was invited to interview for several positions. I worked hard to make sure that I was prepared for each of the interviews. I was confident during the interviewing processes and was able to secure a job at a nearby pharmacy.

Beginning My Career as a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

My first few days as a pharmacy technician were both exciting and nerve-wracking. I was both anxious and eager to get started on this new chapter in my life. However, I was fortunate to be surrounded by experienced and knowledgeable co-workers, who were more than willing to teach me the ins and outs of the job. Additionally, I had gone through a comprehensive training program that allowed me to hit the ground running in my new role as a pharmacy technician.

Realizing My Dreams of Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

Today, I look back at my journey to becoming a pharmacy technician in Illinois with a huge sense of pride and accomplishment. It was hard work, but I was able to realized my dreams. Now, I wake up in the mornings excited to go the job because I know that I'm helping others in some small way. Additionally, I am rewarded economically for the work that I do. Becoming a pharmacy technician was one of the best decisions that I could have made for my career and I am looking forward to continuing to work and grow in this profession.