As of June 1st, 2012, the state of Texas features nearly four thousand hospital and retail pharmacies. Altogether, they employ approximately 28,260 full time pharmacy technicians, along with another twelve thousand (or so) who work part time. Pharmacy technicians are assistants to licensed pharmacists, frequently helping with the handling of prescription medications and other federally controlled substances. Therefore, it is crucial to most licensed pharmacists to obtain licensed technicians as assistants. Many pharmacists will only hire licensed assistants, although regulations regardi