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4P071 Career Guide

Air Force

4P071: Pharmacy Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Pharmacy Technician (4P071)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 4P071 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Pharmacist

$132K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PharmD degreeNAPLEX & MPJE ExamsState Pharmacy License

Pharmacy Technician

$38K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTCB or ExCPT)

Medical Science Liaison

$160K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

PharmD or advanced scientific degreeStrong communication skillsPharmaceutical industry knowledge

Healthcare Administrator

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA)Project management skillsKnowledge of healthcare regulations

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in related fieldSales experienceProduct knowledge training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 4P071 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

This role requires strict adherence to protocols for drug storage, dispensing, and documentation, including controlled substances, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Your meticulous approach to following established procedures and regulations translates to roles requiring precision and adherence to standards.

Resource Optimization

Managing pharmacy inventories, requisitioning supplies, and developing efficient work methods to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources are key aspects of this role.

Your experience in optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes can be applied to roles focused on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

System Modeling

Maintaining and operating pharmacy information systems, revising data automation needs, and developing quality assurance programs require an understanding of system dependencies and process flows.

Your understanding of system dynamics and process optimization allows you to analyze and improve complex workflows.

Situational Awareness

Constant monitoring of drug storage areas, usage, and potential adverse reactions while simultaneously addressing patient and prescriber needs requires a high degree of vigilance and real-time assessment of the environment.

Your ability to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the environment and adapt to changing circumstances is valuable in roles requiring proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been rigorously ensuring adherence to pharmaceutical regulations and protocols. This experience directly translates to ensuring companies comply with industry-specific laws and regulations, mitigating risk and maintaining ethical standards.

Health and Safety Manager

SOC 11-9199.09

You've been responsible for maintaining safe storage and handling procedures for medications and monitoring for adverse reactions. This is directly applicable to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment, identifying hazards, and implementing preventative measures.

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041.00

You've been developing and directing pharmacy quality assurance programs and conducting inspections. This experience enables you to assess processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement quality control measures in various industries, ensuring products and services meet established standards.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Pharmacy Technician Apprentice Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in Allied Health Sciences

Topics Covered

  • Pharmaceutical Calculations
  • Pharmacy Law and Ethics
  • Medical Terminology
  • Drug Classifications and Indications
  • Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
  • Inventory Management
  • Pharmacy Information Systems
  • Prescription Processing

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)75% covered

While military training covers many aspects of pharmacy operations, review retail pharmacy practices, insurance procedures, and specific state laws regarding pharmacy technician duties. Focus on current pharmacy software systems and customer service skills.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Compound Sterile Preparations Technician (CSPT)Pharmacy Management CertificationHealthcare Quality Certification (e.g., Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality - CPHQ)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Composite Health Care System (CHCS)Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
Pharmacy Information System (PIS)Pharmacy Management Software (e.g., Rx30, PioneerRx)
Controlled Substance Management SystemNarcotics Tracking Software (e.g., QS/1, EnterpriseRx)
Medical Logistics (MEDLOG) systemsHospital Supply Chain Management software (e.g., GHX, Tecsys)
Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) standardized pharmaceutical compounding equipmentPharmaceutical compounding equipment (e.g., fume hoods, autoclaves, mixers)

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