In an ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the importance of medications and their distribution cannot be overstated. Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists work as distributors and researchers to help people live their healthiest lives. Their contributions to healthcare and society impact many steps in the patient-care process.
Like any industry, there are several ways to enter pharmaceuticals. The two most common and straightforward are through becoming a pharmacy technician or becoming a pharmacist. Both of these career paths have different requirements and timelines, and each can give you a different outcome in your daily responsibilities.
Let’s talk about the differences between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist.
Pharmacy Technician vs Pharmacist
What’s the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist? The distinctions become clear once you start comparing job responsibilities, education level, and salary ranges. Here’s a closer look:
What Are Some Duties of a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions and interacting with customers and patients. Their days are filled with clerical work and helping pharmacists with their roles. They may manage the pharmacy inventory, process patient payments, help with insurance paperwork, clean the pharmacy, and prepare medications for pharmacists. Their knowledge of the medical industry helps them do their jobs well. Pharmacy techs also provide valuable feedback to pharmacists on areas for systematic improvement.
What Are Some Duties of a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists take the lead when it comes to filling patient prescriptions. They must understand complex drug interactions in order to safely advise patients in their treatment.
In their role, pharmacists are expected to collaborate across the healthcare continuum with doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers, who all work towards the goal of improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. Pharmacists also manage pharmacy techs, ensuring that their work is correct and efficient. Some pharmacists even dispense vaccines and provide other healthcare services, such as administering tests for viruses.
Should I Become a Pharmacy Technician Before a Pharmacist?
If you’re considering entering the pharmacy industry, starting as a pharmacy technician is a good way to get your feet wet. (However, it’s important to remember that pharmacists aren’t only relegated to retail pharmacy work!) As a pharmacy tech, you’ll get hands-on experience in the field, as well as practical knowledge of medications, dosage, and working with consumers. This can be a valuable first step before you commit to a full PharmD degree.
Not sure about what a PharmD entails? Read our blog, What is a PharmD?
Do You Need a PharmD to be a Pharmacist?
In order to practice pharmacy at the professional level, you need to pursue a PharmD. You’ll take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and other disciplines, while also having the opportunity for professional development and internships. Through your program, you’ll learn by completing clinical work and interacting with real patients and doctors to help patients receive the medication and treatment they need.
With your PharmD, you can work in retail pharmacies or in distinct roles within healthcare specialties like ambulatory care or oncology. Your added experience and time invested in your studies will help you to provide the best patient care possible, and you’ll be confident in the recommendations and advice you give to people who ask.
Want to see more of what you can do with your PharmD? Check out our blog, 6 Surprising Careers in Pharmacy Besides Retail Pharmaceuticals.
In order to pursue a PharmD, you’ll need to join a pharmacy program and complete at least four years of school. The hands-on experience you’re afforded during a PharmD program includes interdisciplinary collaboration, and you will practice interacting with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. Having that experience before you graduate will give you confidence in your interactions across the healthcare industry throughout your career as a pharmacist. Effective patient care begins with collaboration and clear communication across care teams, and pharmacists can play a major role in helping bring treatment plans to fruition.
Start Impacting Lives in the Corner Pharmacy and Beyond: Pursue a PharmD at KGI
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) prepares students for the increasingly diverse roles pharmacists play in providing healthcare, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of patient care. With ten different rotations prior to graduation, PharmD graduates from KGI leave campus with a wealth of knowledge and experiences in a variety of pharmacy settings.
In addition to the core PharmD, students can also receive a certificate in one of four areas:
- Medication Therapy Outcomes (MTO)
- Healthcare Management (HCM)
- Pharmacy Informatics (PI)
- Medical and Clinical Affairs (MCA)
KGI’s legacy is built on its leadership. By leveraging close biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry ties with strengths in computational sciences and entrepreneurship, KGI has a PharmD program unlike any other. The experiences you’ll have in our Doctor of Pharmacy program will increase your competitiveness in the job market and your competency in your field.
Want to know more about what you can do with a degree in pharmacy? Download our guide, Handling Healing: Why Are Pharmacists Important in the Healthcare System?
In our guide, you’ll learn all about where a PharmD can take you and how pharmacists are changing the landscape of healthcare.
Don’t miss out on this valuable resource!
The pharmacist’s role is more vital than ever. Will you answer the call to help improve healthcare from the lab and beyond? Request more information about KGI’s PharmD today to learn more. Ready to start your PharmD journey? Apply today! 
