Introduction

When it comes to choosing a vocational training program, it's important to find a career path that aligns with your interests and goals. Two popular options in the healthcare field are becoming a personal trainer and nutrition coach or a pharmacy technician. While both of these careers have their own unique benefits, there are some key differences to consider before making a decision. In this blog post, we will explore the job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks for personal trainers and nutrition coaches versus pharmacy technicians.

What is a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach?

A personal trainer and nutrition coach is a professional who helps clients achieve their fitness and health goals. They design customized exercise programs, provide guidance on proper nutrition, and offer support and motivation to their clients. Personal trainers and nutrition coaches typically work in fitness centers, health clubs, or as self-employed professionals.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They assist with dispensing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service. Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Difference between a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach and a Pharmacy Technician

While both personal trainers and nutrition coaches work in the healthcare field, there are some key differences between these professions and pharmacy technicians. Here are a few points to consider:

• Job Focus: Personal trainers and nutrition coaches primarily focus on helping clients improve their overall health and fitness through exercise and nutrition. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, are responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations.
• Patient Interaction: Personal trainers and nutrition coaches work closely with clients on a one-on-one basis, providing guidance and support throughout their fitness journey. Pharmacy technicians, while they may interact with patients, primarily focus on behind-the-scenes tasks and do not have as much direct patient interaction.
• Scope of Practice: Personal trainers and nutrition coaches are not required to be licensed or certified in all states, although obtaining certification through organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE) is highly recommended. Pharmacy technicians, on the other hand, must complete a formal education and training program and pass a certification exam to practice in most states.

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach vs Pharmacy Technician: Job Description

Now let's take a closer look at the job descriptions for personal trainers and nutrition coaches versus pharmacy technicians.

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach:

• Design individualized exercise programs based on client's goals, needs, and physical abilities.
• Provide guidance on proper nutrition and create meal plans to support clients' fitness goals.
• Demonstrate exercises and techniques to clients, ensuring proper form and safety.
• Motivate and support clients to help them stay on track with their fitness and health goals.
• Monitor clients' progress and adjust exercise programs as needed.
• Stay up to date on the latest research and trends in exercise science and nutrition.

Pharmacy Technician:

• Assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to patients.
• Manage inventory, including receiving and stocking medications.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as answering phones and processing insurance claims.
• Provide customer service and answer questions from patients.
• Help maintain a clean and organized work environment.
• Follow all state and federal regulations regarding medication dispensing and patient privacy.

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach vs Pharmacy Technician: Education and Training

The education and training requirements for personal trainers and nutrition coaches differ from those of pharmacy technicians.

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach:

• While not required in all states, obtaining certification through organizations like NASM or ACE is highly recommended.
• Certification programs typically include coursework in exercise science, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition.
• Personal trainers and nutrition coaches can also pursue additional certifications in specialized areas, such as weight loss or strength training.
• Continuing education is important for personal trainers and nutrition coaches to stay current on the latest research and trends in the field.

Pharmacy Technician:

• Completion of a formal education and training program is required.
• These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, and some hospitals.
• The length of the program varies, but most can be completed in less than a year.
• After completing the program, pharmacy technicians must pass a certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach vs Pharmacy Technician: Career Outlook and Salary

The career outlook and salary potential for personal trainers and nutrition coaches versus pharmacy technicians can vary.

Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of fitness trainers and instructors is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for fitness trainers and instructors was $40,510 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $76,930.

Pharmacy Technician:

• The BLS projects that employment of pharmacy technicians will grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $35,100 in May 2020, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $48,010.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a personal trainer and nutrition coach or a pharmacy technician ultimately depends on your interests and goals. If you have a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their health goals, becoming a personal trainer and nutrition coach may be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you are interested in the healthcare field and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, a career as a pharmacy technician may be a better fit. It's important to carefully consider the job descriptions, education and training requirements, and career outlooks for each profession before making a decision.

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

• Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach in Tennessee
• Pharmacy Technician in Tennessee
• Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach classes near you
• Pharmacy Technician classes near you