5 answers
Lavernius
Student
Troutdale, Oregon
3
Questions
Asked
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What sort of benefits are common for pharmacy techs?
What sort of benefits are common for pharmacy techs? I ask as I have several pre-existing conditions and need health insurance, but I am looking to head into a job where insurance is typically provided. I would also like to hear about any non-healthcare related benefits that are common for the field.
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5 answers
Nick D’Angelo, PharmD, CSP, MSCS
Pharmacist
18
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Nick’s Answer
Health insurance, retirement contribution match, and employee purchase program/discounts are included in most large employers. Some companies may require you to work for up to 90 days before your benefits kick in though. With the current lack of quality employees, definitely negotiate. Most employers will make concessions to get an efficient and competent employee onboard their organization.
Jennifer Torres
Medical Information Specialist
21
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Lavernius,
It depends on the employer. In the USA FMLA doesn't kick in until you have reached 1,250 hours at an employer.
Most companies won't offer full benefits unless you're full time. Some will offer part timers partial benefits (medical/vision) at 20-30 hours. Many states also offer Medicaid and disability benefits if you can not work more than 20 hours.
In my experience, hospitals have better benefits, especially state hospitals, but they're very strict about the amount of time you can miss.
As a chronically ill individual, I used to love compounding and IV preparation in hospital pharmacy because you can sit (which means less inflammation, and pain), but the fluorescents used to give me terrible migraines. We were able to make accommodations based on the disabilities for comfort.
I work from home now in a sector of pharmacy (on the regulatory side) called Medical Information, and it's wonderful, but you DO need a life sciences or professional degree (RN, BSN, MD, PharmD, RPH, etc).
It depends on the employer. In the USA FMLA doesn't kick in until you have reached 1,250 hours at an employer.
Most companies won't offer full benefits unless you're full time. Some will offer part timers partial benefits (medical/vision) at 20-30 hours. Many states also offer Medicaid and disability benefits if you can not work more than 20 hours.
In my experience, hospitals have better benefits, especially state hospitals, but they're very strict about the amount of time you can miss.
As a chronically ill individual, I used to love compounding and IV preparation in hospital pharmacy because you can sit (which means less inflammation, and pain), but the fluorescents used to give me terrible migraines. We were able to make accommodations based on the disabilities for comfort.
I work from home now in a sector of pharmacy (on the regulatory side) called Medical Information, and it's wonderful, but you DO need a life sciences or professional degree (RN, BSN, MD, PharmD, RPH, etc).
Kiffany Trevithick
Certified pharmacy technician
7
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Kiffany’s Answer
Your benefits are defined by your employer. Every company is different. It has nothing to do with being a pharmacy technician.
Sheila Arrington, RPh, PMP
Healthcare Leader | Operations Manager | Registered Pharmacist | Project Management Professional
6
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Benefits are determined by your employer. They are usually based on if you are full time or part time, hourly or salaried. Most pharmacy technician positions are hourly.
Many companies offer health, vision, dental, 401k/retirement, paid time off, bonuses, employee perks/discounts. Some benefits require full time employment.
Most job postings have a link or list benefits for the position. If benefits are not listed on the job posting, usually a quick online search for the company will link to benefits.
You mentioned you have pre-existing conditions. I would advise you to be sure you are interested in a pharmacy technician position for the position itself. Working in a pharmacy can be very stress at times and often require long hours standing. I’m not sure if these factors are applicable for consideration based on your conditions.
The hours are often varied and often require weekends (which might be beneficial if you need week days off for doctor’s appointments).
Many companies offer health, vision, dental, 401k/retirement, paid time off, bonuses, employee perks/discounts. Some benefits require full time employment.
Most job postings have a link or list benefits for the position. If benefits are not listed on the job posting, usually a quick online search for the company will link to benefits.
You mentioned you have pre-existing conditions. I would advise you to be sure you are interested in a pharmacy technician position for the position itself. Working in a pharmacy can be very stress at times and often require long hours standing. I’m not sure if these factors are applicable for consideration based on your conditions.
The hours are often varied and often require weekends (which might be beneficial if you need week days off for doctor’s appointments).
Tejas Patel
Retail and Clinical Pharmacist
2
Answers
Carol Stream, Illinois
Updated
Tejas’s Answer
Healthcare and other benefits will vary from company to company. The benefits (good vs. bad) will depend more on the company itself rather than you being pharmacist vs pharmacy tech. To make it worth your while, I encourage you to apply to a full-time position. My former company offered very nice benefits for techs and pharmacists alike. Non-healthcare benefits can include tuition reimbursement, various discounts, and other perks that tend to open the longer you stay with the company.