Key Points:

• Medical Assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks, while Pharmacy Technicians focus on pharmacy-related duties like filling prescriptions and assisting pharmacists.
• Medical Assistants typically earn a slightly higher median salary compared to Pharmacy Technicians.
• Both fields are expected to see steady job growth.
• Medical Assistants often require a postsecondary certificate or diploma, while Pharmacy Technicians may need a certificate or diploma, or in some cases, an associate's degree.
• Training for both can range from several months to two years, with Pharmacy Technician programs generally being more expensive.

When it comes to choosing a career in the healthcare field, there are many options to consider. Two popular choices are becoming a medical assistant or a pharmacy technician. While both roles involve working in a medical setting, there are some key differences between the two. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be a medical assistant and a pharmacy technician, and highlight the differences between the two roles. We will also discuss the job description, education and training requirements, career outlook, and salary potential for both positions.

What is a Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional who performs administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other healthcare professionals. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Some of the duties of a medical assistant include taking patient histories, scheduling appointments, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with minor procedures. They may also be responsible for performing basic laboratory tests and administering medications as directed by a healthcare provider.

On the other hand, a pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their main role is to assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications to patients. Pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Some of their responsibilities include receiving and verifying prescriptions, counting and measuring medications, and labeling medication containers. They may also handle insurance claims and provide customer service to patients.

Difference between a Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician

While both medical assistants and pharmacy technicians work in the healthcare field, there are several key differences between the two roles:

• Job Duties: Medical assistants primarily work in clinical settings and perform both administrative and clinical tasks. They are responsible for assisting healthcare providers with patient care and performing basic medical procedures. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, work in pharmacy settings and focus on the preparation and dispensing of medications.

• Supervision: Medical assistants typically work under the direct supervision of a physician or other healthcare professional. They may also work closely with nurses and other members of the healthcare team. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and may also work closely with pharmacy aides and other pharmacy staff.

• Scope of Practice: Medical assistants have a broader scope of practice compared to pharmacy technicians. They are trained to perform a wide range of clinical tasks, such as taking vitals, administering injections, and collecting laboratory specimens. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, have a more specialized role focused on medication preparation and dispensing.

• Work Environment: Medical assistants can be found in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may work with a variety of patients and healthcare providers. Pharmacy technicians primarily work in pharmacy settings, such as retail pharmacies and hospitals. They may interact with patients, but their main focus is on medication-related tasks.

Medical Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Job Description

• Medical Assistant: As mentioned earlier, medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks. Some of their specific job duties may include:

  • Taking patient histories and recording vital signs
  • Preparing patients for examinations and assisting with minor procedures
  • Administering medications as directed by a healthcare provider
  • Scheduling appointments and managing patient records
  • Performing basic laboratory tests and collecting specimens

• Pharmacy Technician: Pharmacy technicians focus on medication-related tasks. Some of their specific job duties may include:

  • Receiving and verifying prescriptions
  • Counting and measuring medications
  • Labeling medication containers and preparing them for dispensing
  • Assisting with inventory management and medication ordering
  • Handling insurance claims and providing customer service to patients

Medical Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Education and Training

• Medical Assistant: To become a medical assistant, individuals typically need to complete a post-secondary certificate or diploma program. These programs can be completed in as little as 9 months to 1 year. The curriculum typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical billing and coding, and clinical procedures. Some medical assistants may also choose to pursue an associate's degree in medical assisting.

• Pharmacy Technician: The educational requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state. In some states, individuals can become pharmacy technicians with a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a pharmacy technician training program. These programs are typically offered by vocational schools, community colleges, and online institutions. They can range in length from a few months to 2 years and cover topics such as pharmacy law and ethics, medication safety, and pharmaceutical calculations.

Medical Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

• Career Outlook: Both medical assisting and pharmacy technician roles are expected to see growth in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for healthcare services and the expanding role of medical assistants in patient care. Employment of pharmacy technicians is also expected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is mainly due to the aging population and increased prescription medication use.

• Salary: The salary potential for medical assistants and pharmacy technicians can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and work setting. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for medical assistants was $35,850 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,930, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $51,850. For pharmacy technicians, the median annual wage was $34,020 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,450, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,130.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a medical assistant or a pharmacy technician ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Both roles offer opportunities to work in the healthcare field and make a positive impact on patient care. Consider factors such as job duties, work environment, and educational requirements when making your decision. It may also be helpful to speak with professionals currently working in these roles or shadow them to get a better understanding of what each job entails.

Dreambound provides programs in several locations. Get detailed information about these two vocations by checking:

• Medical Assistant in Arizona
• Pharmacy Technician in Arizona
• Medical Assistant classes near you