How in demand are office technicians?

Are Pharmacy Technicians in high demand with the USA's current economy?

• I will be taking a pharmacy technician programs starting in a few days and it lasts for about a few months. I was hoping to obtain my certification after learning more material from the classes followed by taking the PTCB shortly after completion of my program. For lack of better words...today's economy is TERRIBLE. People losing jobs left to right, companies going bankrupt, layoffs, and etc all over the USA. My question is...are pharmacy technicians a recession proof career/job? Is it a profession that is high in demand even in today's economy? I have done some research on RN's (registered nurses) and found that even RN's (a once high in demand career/job) are now having issues with finding jobs. I like many others who have ambitions and dreams would like to have a sense of security in the careers/jobs they choose (which by the way I'm not looking at pharmacy technician as a career, but more as a job that will support me while I study for a degree in higher education.) Thanks in advance Y(~_^)Y

• Answer:

  Data according to the US Dept of Labor: Employment is expected to increase much faster than the average, and job opportunities are expected to be good. Employment of pharmacy technicians and aides is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people—who use more prescription drugs than younger people—will spur demand for pharmacy workers throughout the projection period. In addition, as scientific advances lead to new drugs, and as more people obtain prescription drug coverage, pharmacy workers will be needed in growing numbers. Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 31 percent. As cost-conscious insurers begin to use pharmacies as patient-care centers and pharmacists become more involved in patient care, pharmacy technicians will continue to see an expansion of their role in the pharmacy. In addition, they will increasingly adopt some of the administrative duties that were previously performed by pharmacy aides, such as answering phones and stocking shelves. As a result of this development, demand for pharmacy aides should decrease, and employment is expected to decline moderately, decreasing by 6 percent over the projection period. Job prospects. Job opportunities for pharmacy technicians are expected to be good, especially for those with previous experience, formal training, or certification. Job openings will result from employment growth, as well as the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Despite declining employment, job prospects for pharmacy aides also are expected to be good. As people leave this occupation, new applicants will be needed to fill the positions that remain.