Are you considering a career in healthcare but not sure which path to take? Two popular options to consider are becoming a pharmacy technician or a respiratory therapist. Both professions offer rewarding work in the medical field, but they have different job descriptions, educational requirements, and career outlooks. In this blog post, we will explore the similarities and differences between pharmacy technicians and respiratory therapists to help you make an informed decision about your future career.

What is a Pharmacy Technician and Respiratory Therapist?

Pharmacy Technician:

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They assist in the preparation and dispensing of prescription medications to patients. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Receiving and verifying prescriptions
• Counting and measuring medications
• Labeling and packaging medications
• Managing inventory and ordering supplies
• Providing customer service and answering questions

Pharmacy technicians work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and understand how to take them safely.

Respiratory Therapist:

A respiratory therapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory disorders. They work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who have conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. Respiratory therapists perform a range of duties, including:

• Conducting diagnostic tests to assess lung function
• Administering medications and treatments, such as oxygen therapy and inhalation therapy
• Monitoring patients' respiratory status and adjusting treatments as needed
• Educating patients on proper breathing techniques and self-care strategies
• Assisting with emergency procedures, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Respiratory therapists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. They collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients with respiratory conditions.

Difference between a Pharmacy Technician and Respiratory Therapist

While both pharmacy technicians and respiratory therapists work in the healthcare field, there are significant differences between the two professions. Here are some key distinctions:

Scope of Practice:

• Pharmacy technicians primarily assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
• Respiratory therapists, on the other hand, have a broader scope of practice. They assess, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory disorders, working closely with physicians to develop and implement treatment plans.

Patient Interaction:

• Pharmacy technicians interact with patients on a regular basis, providing them with medication information and answering their questions. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients understand how to take their medications safely and effectively.
• Respiratory therapists also have patient interaction, but it is usually focused on providing education and support related to their respiratory conditions. They may teach patients how to use inhalers or other respiratory devices and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications to improve their lung health.

Work Environment:

• Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. They may work regular business hours or have evening and weekend shifts, depending on the facility.
• Respiratory therapists primarily work in hospitals, although some may also work in clinics or home healthcare settings. They often work in critical care units or emergency departments and may be required to work evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts to provide round-the-clock care.

Pharmacy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Job Description

Pharmacy Technician:

• Receive and verify prescriptions from patients or healthcare providers
• Count, measure, and package medications accurately
• Label medications with appropriate instructions for use
• Manage pharmacy inventory and order supplies as needed
• Provide customer service and answer questions about medications

Respiratory Therapist:

• Assess patients' respiratory status and perform diagnostic tests
• Administer medications and treatments to improve lung function
• Educate patients on proper breathing techniques and self-care strategies
• Monitor patients' response to treatments and adjust as necessary
• Assist with emergency procedures, such as CPR, in respiratory distress situations

Pharmacy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Education and Training

Pharmacy Technician:

• Most pharmacy technician programs require a high school diploma or equivalent for admission.
• Programs can range from a few months to two years in length and may result in a certificate or associate degree.
• Coursework typically includes topics such as pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, and medication safety.
• Some states require pharmacy technicians to be certified, which involves passing an exam and meeting specific requirements.

Respiratory Therapist:

• To become a respiratory therapist, you must have a minimum of an associate degree in respiratory therapy.
• Programs typically take two to four years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
• Coursework covers subjects such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and respiratory care procedures.
• Respiratory therapists must also obtain a state license, which requires passing a national examination.

Pharmacy Technician vs Respiratory Therapist: Career Outlook and Salary

Pharmacy Technician:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $34,020 in May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $26,710 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,130.

Respiratory Therapist:

• The BLS projects that employment of respiratory therapists will grow 19 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The median annual wage for respiratory therapists was $63,950 in May 2020, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $45,330 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $88,090.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a career as a pharmacy technician or a respiratory therapist is a personal decision that depends on your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Both professions offer opportunities to make a positive impact on patients' lives and contribute to the healthcare field. Consider factors such as the level of patient interaction, scope of practice, and educational requirements when making your decision. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a career that aligns with your passion and values.

Dreambound's programs extend across various locations. Visit these blogs for a thorough exploration of the two vocations, encompassing details on their requirements and insights on how to get started:

• Pharmacy Technician in Colorado
• Respiratory Therapist in Colorado
• Pharmacy Technician classes near you
• Respiratory Therapist classes near you