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Medical Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician

Medical Assistant vs Pharmacy Technician

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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.

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:

Sunshine Tupan
Written by
Sunshine Tupan

Sunshine is a member of the School Growth team at Dreambound, where she assists students and schools with their billing and onboarding needs. She is a licensed mechanical engineer. Outside of work, she enjoys road trips with her family, discovering cozy cafes, and exploring her love for art.

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