Licensed Vocational Nurse vs Pharmacy Technician
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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.
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:
