Immunization technicians fulfill the important role of protecting individuals and communities from disease outbreaks. An immunization technician is responsible for administering vaccines safely by following guidelines set forth by health and government agencies.
What exactly does an immunization technician do? We’ve included a summarized job description below, along with immunization technician job outlook forecasts and certification requirements, to help you gain a better understanding of what nationally certified immunization technicians can expect.
The Job Description
As an immunization technician, you are required to fully understand immunization safety. Those hiring you expect you to be skilled in how to administer injections properly. Vaccination specialists need training to become proficient in the process for immunizations, staying up to date on changes in everything from community policies to injection techniques.
When you work as an immunization technician, you can expect your job duties to include:
- Administering vaccines correctly and safely
- Engaging with vaccine recipients in a positive, professional manner
- Understanding and adhering to immunization requirements
- Ensuring that the right vaccines are being administered in the correct doses
- Serving populations of varying ages and demographics
- Properly preparing and disposing of needles, syringes, and related items
- Handling and updating immunization records
- Taking samples
- Labeling items
- Recording findings
- Maintaining patient confidentiality
Immunization technicians work to protect individuals and communities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, achieving community immunity results in fewer people getting sick in an outbreak.
Immunization Technician Job Outlook
What are the job prospects for immunization technicians?
Those who have attained immunization technician certification can expect an advantage over practicing technicians working their way up to being certified.
Immunization technicians often find jobs as pharmacy technicians or community health workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is favorable, expected to grow by five percent through 2031. The projected growth for community health workers is 21% through 2030, a faster than average rate.
The employment marketplace ZipRecruiter reports that, on average across the United States, immunization technicians earn nearly $63,000 per year, or about $30 per hour.
Certification
Attaining immunization technician certification can go a long way in qualifying you for more jobs in the field, including better-paying ones.
Being a certified immunization technician shows employers that you:
- Have achieved a demonstrable level of proficiency in administering vaccines
- Are a professional immunization technician who has taken a comprehensive course and passed a qualifying exam
- Can be trusted to interact safely and properly with individuals getting immunized
- Have the skills necessary to do the job well
- Understand the importance of both safety and guest service when interacting with the community
Having immunization technician certification proves that you are capable of handling the expectations that come with the job.
To Learn More
The National Association of Phlebotomy Technician Professionals (NAPTP) offers a convenient way to attain immunization technician certification through an online, self-paced course.
The NAPTP Immunization Course is a completely online class designed to prepare you for the exam that, when passed, officially provides you with certification. Taking this course at your own pace, you’ll learn the necessary skills and information required to serve as an immunization technician.
Contact us today to learn more about what the NAPTP offers and how this organization can help you advance in your career.
