If you're looking to start a career in healthcare, you might consider becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or a pharmacy technician. Both roles are rewarding but differ in their responsibilities and training. In this blog, we’ll compare LVNs and pharmacy technicians, covering their job duties, educational requirements, and career outlook and salary.

Key Points

• LVNs provide direct patient care, while pharmacy technicians focus on medication management and dispensing.
• LVNs must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to become licensed, whereas pharmacy technicians often need certification, which involves passing an exam.
• Becoming an LVN typically takes about one year, while pharmacy technician training can range from a few months to two years.
• The average LVN salary is $59,730 per year, while the average pharmacy technician salary is $40,300 annually.

What is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Pharmacy Technician?

Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)

A licensed vocational nurse, also known as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in some states, provides basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and doctors. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. LVNs perform tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, dressing wounds, and assisting with personal hygiene.

Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician works in a pharmacy setting, assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications to patients. They work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for tasks such as filling prescriptions, measuring medication quantities, labeling bottles, and maintaining inventory. They may also interact with patients, providing them with information about their medications and answering questions.

Difference between a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Pharmacy Technician

While both licensed vocational nurses and pharmacy technicians work in healthcare, there are several key differences between the two professions:

Scope of Practice

• Licensed vocational nurses have a broader scope of practice compared to pharmacy technicians. They are involved in direct patient care and perform tasks such as administering medications, providing wound care, and assisting with activities of daily living.
• Pharmacy technicians primarily focus on medication management and dispensing. They work under the supervision of pharmacists and do not have direct patient care responsibilities.

Training and Education

• Licensed vocational nurses require more extensive education and training compared to pharmacy technicians. They must complete a state-approved nursing program, which typically takes around one year to complete. After completing their education, LVNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed.
• Pharmacy technicians can enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed a pharmacy technician training program or have earned a pharmacy technician certification. These programs can take anywhere from a few months to two years to complete.

Job Responsibilities

• Licensed vocational nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care. They monitor patients' conditions, administer medications, insert catheters, and assist with medical procedures. LVNs also communicate with patients and their families, providing education and emotional support.
• Pharmacy technicians focus on medication management. They work closely with pharmacists to fill prescriptions, measure medications, and maintain accurate records. They may also handle insurance claims and communicate with healthcare providers and patients regarding medication-related issues.

Work Environment

• Licensed vocational nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They may also provide home health services, visiting patients in their homes.
• Pharmacy technicians primarily work in pharmacies, both retail and hospital-based. They may also work in long-term care facilities or mail-order pharmacies.

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Pharmacy Technician: Job Description

Licensed Vocational Nurse

• Administer medications and treatments to patients
• Monitor patients' vital signs and report any changes to healthcare providers
• Assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and their families
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans

Pharmacy Technician

• Fill prescriptions accurately and efficiently
• Measure medication quantities and label bottles
• Maintain inventory and order supplies
• Communicate with patients regarding medication instructions and potential side effects
• Assist pharmacists with administrative tasks, such as handling insurance claims

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Pharmacy Technician: Education and Training

Licensed Vocational Nurse

• Complete a state-approved nursing program, typically taking around one year
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
• Some states may have additional requirements for licensure, such as a criminal background check or fingerprinting
• Continuing education may be required to maintain licensure

Pharmacy Technician

• High school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement
• Complete a pharmacy technician training program or earn a certification
• Some states require pharmacy technicians to register with the state board of pharmacy
• Continuing education may be required to maintain certification

Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Pharmacy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

Licensed Vocational Nurse

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for licensed vocational nurses was $59,730 in May 2023, according to the BLS.

Pharmacy Technician

• The BLS projects that the employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $40,300 in May 2023, according to the BLS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become a pharmacy technician and a licensed vocational nurse?

To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need a high school diploma and may benefit from completing a pharmacy technician training program or obtaining certification. Certification often involves passing an exam. For licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), you must complete a state-approved nursing program, usually lasting about a year, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Both roles may also require meeting additional state-specific requirements, such as background checks.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician and a licensed vocational nurse?

Becoming a pharmacy technician usually takes a few months to two years, depending on whether you complete a training program or earn certification. In contrast, becoming a licensed vocational nurse typically requires about one year of education in a state-approved nursing program, followed by passing the NCLEX-PN exam.

Final Thoughts

Both licensed vocational nursing and pharmacy technician careers offer unique opportunities to make a difference in the healthcare field. Licensed vocational nurses provide direct patient care, while pharmacy technicians focus on medication management. When choosing between these two professions, it's important to consider your interests, strengths, and career goals. Whether you prefer hands-on patient care or working behind the scenes in a pharmacy, both professions offer fulfilling and rewarding careers in healthcare.

Dreambound's educational programs cater to a wide range of locations, ensuring accessibility for individuals eager to explore new horizons. Delve into a more comprehensive understanding of the possibilities within these two vocations by visiting:

• Licensed Vocational Nurse in Arizona
• Pharmacy Technician in Arizona
• Licensed Vocational Nurse classes near you
• Pharmacy Technician classes near you