In the state of Maryland, all pharmacy technicians are required to register with the Board of Pharmacy before they can begin working.  To qualify for Pharmacy technician registration applicants must either be:

• nationally certified by either the PTCB or ICPT, or
• if not certified, applicants must complete an approved pharmacy technician training program & exam
• are licensed and/or registered or have worked in another state

According to the Maryland Pharmacy board, after February 28, 2009, any non-certified technician who is currently working in a pharmacy, may continue to work without registering, as long as they can show that they are enrolled in a Board approved Pharmacy technician training program.  A technician’s training must include at least 160 hours of work experience and cannot take longer than 6 months to complete.

Once training is completed, technicians must provide evidence that they have also passed a board approved pharmacy technician exam.  This can include passing either the national certifications exam of the PTCB or the exam of the ICPT.  In addition, training and examinations provided by major retail pharmacies and other colleges in Maryland not listed on this page can meet the Board of Pharmacy’s requirements for registration.  A complete list of approved training programs and exams can be found on the Maryland Board of Pharmacy website.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Maryland

Maryland Pharmacy Technician Schools Endorsed
by the ASHP

Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Florestano 306B
Arnold, MD 21012
Phone: (410) 777-7497
Tuition costs: $3,614

This nine-month certificate program has been ASHP accredited since 2004 and prepares students to sit for either of the two national Pharmacy Technician Certification exams (PTCB or ExCPT).  Students also complete an internship of 188-200 hours.  For more information contact the program director Stephanie E Smith-Baker, B.S., CPhT, CAHI (sesmithbaker@aacc.edu) or visit the school’s website: http://www.aacc.edu/healthprofessions/

Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Drive
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Phone: (301) 790-2800
Tuition & Fees: $3,103
For more information contact the Program Director: Elaine R. Ashby, Pharm.D. (erashby@hagerstowncc.edu)

HCC offers a certificate program or a 7 credit letter of recognition program.  Completing the letter program and passing the national certification exam will likely enable many students to gain entry level employment, however in light of today’s competitive job market, enrolling in the certificate program might be a better option for prospective pharmacy technician students.  The certificate program requires completion of a 180 hour internship.

Sanford-Brown Institute
8401 Corporate Drive
Landover, MD 20785
Phone: (301) 683-2603

SBI offers a certificate program in Pharmacy Technology.  For more information about the training program contact SBI directly. Program Director: Latwone D Bethea (lbethea@sblandover.com)

What Do Pharmacy Technicians Earn in Maryland?

The average salaries for Pharmacy technicians in Maryland are about $13.83 per hour or $28,800 per year, which is just slightly above the national average of $13.65/hour or $28,400 annually.  The salary range for Pharmacy technician jobs in Maryland starts at a low of around $9.86 per hour and tops out at around $20.70 hourly.  Pharmacy technician salaries are also determined by the institution or retail store they are employed by.  Salaries will always be higher for techs who are employed by hospitals or companies that provide IV homecare services.

Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Maryland

Finding a Pharmacy technician job in this economy can seem like a daunting task.  With all the Pharmacy Technician schools in Maryland pumping out more and more technicians each year, it can seem like there are more Pharmacy technicians than available jobs in Maryland.

One good way to stay in the loop for Pharmacy technician jobs in Maryland is to go to Indeed.com and set up a free job profile.  When a Pharmacy technician job is posted by a local employer in Maryland, Indeed will send you an email alert.  CareerBuilder.com also offers a similar service.  You may also want to check the websites of local Maryland hospitals and the major retail chains for job postings.  Don’t forget to check with the placement department of the school you attended.

Sources for Maryland wage information: Bureau of Labor & Statistics and Maryland Workforce and Career Information

California Licensing Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians

Before an individual will be allowed to work as Pharmacy Technician in California, they must obtain a license from the State Board of Pharmacy. According to the Board, an individual has four (4) options to qualify for licensure:

• obtain an associate of arts degree in pharmacy technology, or
• complete a program that provides at least 240 hours of training – this can be training typically provided by an employer, or training received as a member of the military (see the specific requirements for C.C.R. Section 1793.6), or
• graduate from a school of pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE), or
• become certified by passing the exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

Pharmacy technicians in California are required to renew their license every two (2) years. Currently the state board does not require technicians to complete continuing education hours prior to license renewal. However technicians who are PTCB certified will be required to complete twenty (20) hours of CE units every two (2) years.

Another option for becoming a pharmacy technician in California is to enroll in a program offered by your County Office of Education/Regional Occupation Program. Los Angeles County offers a program that includes 384 hours of classroom instruction and a 160 hour internship in a retail pharmacy.

Los Angeles County Regional Occupational Program
(562) 922-6850

Please note that the pharmacy technician program offered by Los Angeles County is not available in all counties in California. Check with your specific County office for more information about their services and occupational programs.

Salary Information for Pharmacy Technicians in California

The average Pharmacy technician salary in California is about $17.77 per hour or $37,000 per year, which is substantially higher than the national average of $13.65 hourly or $28,400 annually. The entry level salaries for Pharmacy technician jobs in California start at around $12.67 per hour and reach a high of about $23.17 per hour for technicians with experience.

Sources for Pharmacy Technician Jobs in California

Indeed.com is always a good source for locating available Pharmacy Technician jobs in California. Indeed allows you to set up a free job profile and when a Pharmacy technician job is posted by a local employer in California, you will receive an email alert.

CareerBuilder.com also offers a similar online service, but this technician has found that the postings on Indeed seem to be more relevant and up-to-date. New pharmacy technician grads should also make use of their school’s job placement department for employment leads.

You may also want to apply to retail pharmacies like Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens as a cashier/clerk. Let the pharmacy manager know you are interested in becoming a pharmacy technician and they may be willing to train you.

California Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

The current market for pharmacy technician jobs in California is very competitive. Many people mistakenly think that they can get a job as a pharmacy technician in California simply by taking the PTCB exam and becoming certified. While this is one way in which to qualify for California licensure, it may not be enough to land you a job. In California, many pharmacy managers prefer to hire technicians that have completed a formal training program. Formal training proves to an employer that a prospective hire has the technical skills and practical hands-on experience the job requires.

As the list below shows, there are numerous California community colleges and private-for-profit schools that offer pharmacy technician training. You’ll have many more job opportunities open up for you in California, if you invest in your education.

Northern California Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

Modesto Community College
435 College Avenue #204
Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 931-4243
2011-2012 tuition – $4,950
Program Director: Michael R Spencer, Pharm.D. (mr_spencer@comcast.net)

MCC Pharmacy Technician program is a total of 600 hours that includes a 340 hour externship.

Foothill College
4000 Middlefield Rd., Suite I
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4739
Phone: (650) 949-6970
Program Director: Leonis A Osterdock, R.Ph. (osterdockleonis@foothill.edu)
Tuition costs for California residents are approximately $ $864.00

Foothill College offers both a certificate and a two year AS degree program in Pharmacy Technology that includes a 288 hour externship. The certificate program starts every September and can usually be completed in 9 months.

Anthem College
9738 Lincoln Village Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95827
Phone: (916) 286-3213
Contact: Paul H. Sabatini, CPhT, AS (psabatini@hightechinstitute.edu)
Tuition: $14,000

Charles A. Jones Skills and Business Education Center
5451 Lemon Hill Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-1529
Phone: (916) 433-2600
Tuition: $6850.00
Contact: http://www.caj.edu

The Pharmacy Technician training program is for 42 weeks or a total of 1260 hours and includes a 360 hour externship.

Southern California Schools with Pharmacy Technician Training Programs

North Orange County Community College District
1830 W. Romneya Drive
Anaheim, CA 92801
Contact: Martha Gutierrez (mgutierrez@sce.edu)
Phone: (714) 808-4660

This State board approved, non-credit pharmacy technician certificate program is offered through the School of Continuing Education. The program can be completed in 15-18 months and includes a 320 hour externship.

North-West College
124 South Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Phone: (800) 639-2273 or (626) 960-5046
Program Director: David Francis Jr., Pharm.D. (davef@north-westcollege.edu)

North-West College has 3 other Southern California locations in Pasadena, Pomona and West Covina (all 4 locations of North-West College are accredited by the ASHP). North-West College offers a diploma program with a 240 hour externship. Tuition for the program at is approximately $8575.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science
1731 E. 120th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Phone: (323) 563-5890
Tuition costs: $6,200/year
Program Director: Gail Orum-Alexander, Pharm.D (gailorum@cdrewu.edu)

The University offers a two-year AAS Pharmacy Technician degree program that includes a 320 hour externship in both a hospital and retail pharmacy.

Cerritos Community College
11110 East Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Contact: Hal Malkin, CPhT (hmalkin@cerritos.edu)
Phone: 800-227-6721

CCC offers both a Pharmacy technician Certificate and AAS degree program that includes a 320 hour externship. Graduates can apply for California licensure and are qualified to take the PTCB exam.

Santa Ana Community College
Pharmacy Technology Department
1530 West 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Program Director: KC Huynh, Pharm.D (huynh-dang_kc@sac.edu)
Phone: (714) 564-6650

In 1984, SAC became the first school in the U.S., to have its Pharmacy technician program accredited by the ASHP. SAC offers three Pharmacy technician training programs – a Basic and an Advanced certificate and a 2 year AAS degree. All three programs qualify graduates for California licensure. The Basic certificate has an 80 hour externship and both the Advanced certificate and degree program include a 320 hour externship.

Las Positas College (application submitted for ASHP accreditation)
3000 Campus Hill Drive
Livermore, CA 94551
Phone: (925) 580-1360
Tuition costs: $3200
Program Director: Dennis Ong, Pharm.D may be contacted at (dong@valleycare.com).

After completing a 32-week training program which includes a 360 hour externship graduates can apply for California licensure as a Pharmacy Technician.

Source for Salary and Licensing Information for Pharmacy Technicians in California: Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the California Employment Development Department, and the State Board of Pharmacy

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Alaska

In order to work as a Pharmacy technician in Alaska, an individual must obtain a pharmacy technician license from the State Board of Pharmacy.

To receive a pharmacy technician license in Alaska an applicant must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• have a high school diploma or the equivalent
• not have had any felony convictions, especially drug related and
• be fluent in English

Fees for the pharmacy technician license are $100 and it is good for two (2) years.  All pharmacy technician licenses expire on June 30 of even-numbered years, regardless of when they are first issued (except for new certificates that are issued within 90 days of June 30 – these certificates would be extended to the next expiration period).

Pharmacy Technician Continuing Education in Alaska

Prior to renewal, pharmacy technicians in Alaska are required to complete ten (10) hours of continuing education or they can fulfill this requirement by becoming certified by the PTCB.  Thereafter, a technician can apply any of the 20 CEUs required for PTCB recertification towards the Alaska’s continuing education requirements.

Since the Board of Pharmacy does not currently have formal education requirements, many Alaskan pharmacy technicians receive their initial training on-the-job by the pharmacist in charge.  However in this economy many prospective applicants are having a difficult time landing even entry level pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska – unless they are certified and/or have experience.  The hard truth is that more and more pharmacy managers prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians.

Now the question most often asked is, what is the best, fastest, least expensive way to become certified in Alaska?  Unfortunately there are very few Pharmacy technician schools in Alaska that provide preparation for taking the certification exam – and the one listed below is pretty expensive.  This technician is not a big advocate of spending thousands of dollars on a pharmacy technician education, if the State Board doesn’t require formal training and/or certification in their statutes.

Probably the least expensive way many people have become certified pharmacy technicians is to self-study for the PTCB exam.  Usually they buy a couple of good pharmacy technician textbooks ($100-$200), study a few hours every day and when they have finished going through the workbook and feel comfortable doing the calculations, they sign up to take the exam.  Yes, this route takes some self-discipline, however many pharmacy technicians have successfully done this and gone on to find jobs.

For those individuals that need a more structured learning environment, you may want to consider an online pharmacy technician program that prepares you to take the certification exam, especially if formal training opportunities are limited in your local area.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 161
Anchorage, AK 99508-4614
Phone: (907) 786-6928
Contact Email: anrov@uaa.alaska.edu
Tuition and Fees: approximately $10,588

The University of Alaska offers an Occupational Endorsement Pharmacy Technology Program that consists of six (6) courses or a total of 16 credit hours and takes approximately 9 months to complete. Though the program is not accredited by the ASHP, it is accredited for distance learning and prepares students for the PTCB exam.  All classes are open enrollment and can be taken online, so students can study whenever or where ever they want.  In addition, the classes do not have any prerequisites however prospective students should have good English, math and computer skills to ensure successful completion of the program

What Do Pharmacy Technicians in Alaska Earn?

Because of the remote location, pharmacy technicians in Alaska are always in demand, and command some of the highest wages of any of the 50 states.  According to the Bureau of Labor & Statistics, Pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska pay an average of about $18.75 per hour, which equals an annual salary of $39,000.  If you go the website of the Alaska Department of Labor their statistics on pharmacy technician salaries are probably more realistic.  The state’s DOL has listed a salary range for Pharmacy Technicians jobs in Alaska at around $11.92 to $21.80 per hour, with an average hourly wage of $16.33. Anyway you look at it, this is substantially higher than the national average of $13.65 per hour or $28,400 per year.

Resources for Finding Pharmacy Technician Jobs in Alaska

If you do a Google search for Pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska, the first site that pops up on the page is Indeed.com.  Indeed is a very good resource for locating available pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska.  Indeed allows registered users to set up a free job search profile.  Once you set up your profile Indeed will then send you email alerts when Pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in Alaska.

CareerBuilder.com is another similar site that allows you to set up your job profile and will notify you by email when pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska become available.

Check also with the local retail and hospital pharmacies in your neighborhood.  Check out the career/employment page of their websites for Pharmacy technician job postings.  Another good employment source is the:

Alaska Pharmacists Association
203 W. 15th Ave. #100
Anchorage, Alaska 99501
Phone 907-563-8880

Pharmacy managers sometimes post job openings for technicians on the employment page.

Source for wage information for Pharmacy technician jobs in Alaska is from the Bureau of Labor & Statistics and the Alaska Dept. of Labor.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements in New York

New York is one of seven or so states that do not regulate, require registration, licensure, or certification of their pharmacy technicians.

This technician is not an advocate of spending thousands of dollars to become a pharmacy technician in states like New York that do not regulate their techs.  Anyone wishing to enter the field can apply to their local New York community pharmacy and if hired receive their training on-the-job.  However in today’s economy, applicants may be experiencing a lot of competition for any of the entry-level pharmacy technician jobs that become available in New York.

However you do have a couple of alternatives.  There are several community colleges in New York that offer pharmacy technician training programs through the adult or continuing education department of each school (see below).  The programs are usually non-credit but offer a less expensive way to prepare for entry into the healthcare industry.  The classes also prepare students to take the national pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCB).

Additionally, there are a couple of schools that offer an internship, where students gain hands-on experience working in a pharmacy.   Pharmacy employers usually prefer to hire technicians who are PTCB certified and/or are experienced.

Another way to become a pharmacy technician in New York is to buy a couple of good textbooks for about $100 or so and study for pharmacy technician certification exam on your own.  Yes, this route takes some self-discipline however many pharmacy technicians have done this, successfully passed the exam and gone on to find jobs.

What Do Pharmacy Technician Jobs Pay in New York?

Pharmacy technician salaries in New York average about $13.84 an hour and $28,800 annually, which is just a little higher than the national average of $13.65 per hour or $28,400 per year.  The salary range for entry level jobs for Pharmacy technicians in New York starts at a low of about $9.46 an hour and reach a high of about $21.65 per hour for experienced techs.

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training in New York

HVCC and the Workforce Development Institute offer both an on-campus and online training that prepares students for entry-level pharmacy positions and to take the national certification exam (PTCB). Tuition: $1,525 plus approximately $150 for course textbooks.

Classroom course consists of 108 hours of instruction, including an 18-hour internship in a pharmacy.  The online class is also for 108 hours of instruction however check with the school to see if an externship is offered with this particular class.

To qualify for HVCC pharmacy technician program individuals:

• must be 18 years of age and
• possess a High School Diploma or GED and
• a minimum 10th grade reading and math skill levels and
• must not have any felonies or drug-related convictions and
• pass a background check

Corning Community College
Academic & Workforce Development
318 Madison Ave.
Elmira, New York 14901
Phone: 607-937-6879
Contact: Joann Kowalski (jkowalsk@corning-cc.edu)

CCC offers a 120-hour program that prepares students for the national pharmacy technician certification exam through the PTCB.  Tuition, books and exam:  $1300.00

York College / CUNY
94 – 20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd,
Jamaica, NY 11451
Phone: 718-262-2000

York College’s course is a 39-hour program that prepares students to take the PTCB exam.  Tuition: $849.00

New York Medical Training Center
36-09 Main Street, 5th Floor
Flushing, New York 11354
(Corner of Main Street & Northern Blvd)

NY Medical Training Center offers a 250-hour pharmacy technician program that includes a 120-hour internship.  Tuition: $999

Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11235-2398
Phone: (718) 368-5000

KCC offers 120 hours of instruction that covers medical terminology, pharmacy calculations and pharmacology concepts.  The tuition for each class is $275.

Onandaga Community College
4585 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, NY 13215
Phone: (315) 498-2622

OCC offers a 50 hour course that prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam and gain entry-level employment.  Tuition $999

SUNY Rockland Community College
145 College Road
Suffern, NY 10901
Phone: (845) 574-4000

RCC also offers a 50-hour course that prepares students for entry-level pharmacy positions and to take the PTCB exam.  Tuition $999

CUNY Bronx Community College
Philosophy Hall, Room 14
2155 University Avenue
Bronx, New York 10453
Phone: (718) 289-5170
Contact: cps@bcc.cuny.edu

BCC offers an 80 hour program that prepares students to take the PTCB exam.  Tuition: $799

Resources for Finding Pharmacy Technician Jobs in
New York

A good place to start when looking for a pharmacy technician job in New York is to go to Indeed.com and set up a job profile.  Whenever new pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in New York, Indeed will send you an email alert.

Setting up a profile on CareerBuilder.com will also bring new job postings to your email box.  In addition, be sure to check the websites of major retail pharmacy chains and hospitals in your local area for job openings.

Source for wage information for pharmacy technician jobs in Hawaii are the Bureau of Labor & Statistics and New York Dept. of Labor

Pharmacy Technician Requirements in New Jersey

To work in the state of New Jersey as a pharmacy technician, all an individual has to do is register with the Board of Pharmacy.  Registration requires pharmacy technician applicants to:

• be at least 18 years of age
• have graduated from high school or its equivalent
• submit with the application a fee of $85 (effective June 1, 2012 the total will increase to $120), and
• pass a background check

Like so many other U.S. states, the New Jersey Board does not have formal educational requirements for their pharmacy technicians.  Traditionally, technicians receive their initial training on-the-job by the pharmacist-in-charge.  However the board does regulate what a technician’s on-the-job training should encompass and how many technicians a licensed pharmacist may supervise.

A New Jersey pharmacist cannot supervise more than 2 technicians at a time.  If a pharmacy wanted to exceed this 1:2 ratio, then the Board steps up the educational requirements for all technicians working in that particular pharmacy.

Each pharmacy technician would either need to pass a board approved national certification exam (like the PTCB), or complete a board approved training program that includes a formal test.  Please note this scenario is the exception not the rule.  (More information pertaining to this can be found in the Board of Pharmacy Laws, section 45:14-80 and in the Pharmacy Regulations, sections 13:39-6.6 through 13:39-6.15)

The New Jersey board also regulates pharmacy technician applicants who are apparently hired to work in a pharmacy but have not registered with the board.  This is a one-time deal and is only good for 180 consecutive days.  The technician must still submit an application to the board for registration within the first 10 days of employment. If at the end of the 180 days, the tech has not completed the registration process normally required, the applicant tech must cease working in the pharmacy.

Pharmacy techs are required to renew their registration with the New Jersey Board every two (2) years.  There is a 30 day grace period after expiration, however after 30 days the pharmacy technician registration will receive an administrative suspension. No continuing education hours are required for renewal unless the technician is PTCB certified.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Jersey

Since formal education is not a requirement to become a pharmacy technician in New Jersey, an individual might wonder if enrolling in an expensive pharmacy technician training program is worth it.  Additionally, the economy has affected every industry including healthcare and many newly graduating pharmacy technicians are having difficulty finding a job.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics sees demand for technicians increasing until 2016, however if you spend a little time on job forums like the one found on Indeed.com, you get a feeling the Pharmacy technician job market in New Jersey might be a little saturated.

Before enrolling in any Pharmacy Technician school in New Jersey, this technician suggests that you check with the school’s placement department and find out how many of their students are actually finding jobs after graduation.  What is the average length of time it takes their graduates to secure employment?  How many receive employment offers before they finish their externship?

As an alternative to formal training, it may be easier and far less expensive to become a NJ pharmacy technician by simply buying a couple of used textbooks for $100 or so, and studying on your own to take the PTCB exam ($129).

Ultimately though, the path you choose depends on your educational and career goals.

If you live in Passaic County and are unemployed you might want to check out the free pharmacy technician training program offered at:

Passaic County Community College
For information and to apply, please call
Lynn Wood: 973-684-5663 or
E- mail: HCTraining@pccc.edu
For a direct link to the program click here

This program is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor HGEI Grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and is free to qualified applicants

Sanford-Brown Institute – Iselin
675 US Route 1, 2nd Floor
Iselin, NJ 08830
Phone: (732) 623-5784
Program Director: Pilar Perez-Jackson, CPhT (pperez-jackson@sb-nj.com)
Tuition, fees and books are approximately $13,000 (all inclusive)

SBI offers a certificate program with a 180-hour internship that is accredited by the ASHP.

Salary Information for Pharmacy Technicians in New Jersey

Pharmacy technician salaries in New Jersey average about $13.99 an hour and $29,100 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $13.65 per hour or $28,400 per year.  The salary range for entry level jobs for Pharmacy technicians in New Jersey starts at a low of about $10.47 an hour and reach a high of about $19.69 per hour for experienced techs.

Job Resources for Pharmacy Technicians in New Jersey

When looking for a Pharmacy technician job in New Jersey, it’s always good to start your search on Indeed dot com.  Indeed lets you set up a free job profile and will send you email alerts when Pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in New Jersey.

CareerBuilder.com offers a similar service however this technician has found that the jobs leads on Indeed.com are usually more relevant and up-to-date.

Source for Pharmacy Technician salary information in New Jersey: Bureau of Labor & Statistics and NJ Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development

Pharmacy Technician Education Requirements in Texas

In Texas, Pharmacy Technicians have traditionally received their training on-the-job, supervised by a licensed Pharmacist (Board rule §297.6).  However it seems more and more pharmacy managers prefer to hire individuals that have graduated from a structured training program and have some practical experience.

The Texas Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) recognizes this trend and supports individuals who may choose to enroll in a school that provides specialized pharmacy technician training.  The TSBP suggests that if individuals are considering a certificate or degree program, select one that is “board approved” and ASHP accredited.  Why is ASHP accreditation for a Texas pharmacy technician training program so important?

ASHP accreditation guarantees that graduates of the program:

• have completed at minimum, a 160 hour internship and
• have completed the required training to prepare sterile products and IV admixtures

In Texas, to receive on-the-job training through an employer or participate in a school’s internship program, an individual must first register with the TSBP as a pharmacy technician trainee.  Pharmacy technician trainee registrations are valid for two years only and may NOT be renewed.

Additionally, the Texas Board of Pharmacy also requires pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified by the PTCB.  To be clear, an individual can register as a pharmacy technician in Texas without working as a trainee or having formal training if they have already obtained PTCB certification.

Salary Information for Texas Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technician wages in Texas average about $14.20 per hour or $29,500 annually.  This is slightly above the national average of $13.65 hourly or $28,400 per year.  The entry-level salary range for Pharmacy Technician jobs in Texas starts at a low of about $10.44 per hour and tops out at about $18.51 per hour for experienced techs.  Of course it should be noted that all Pharmacy technician salary information is approximate and will vary depending upon the pharmacy setting, the technician’s work experience and training, and the job’s geographical location.

Texas Pharmacy Technician Job Resources

Indeed.com is a great resource for locating available Pharmacy Technician jobs in Texas.  Individuals can set up a free job search profile and Indeed will send you an email alert when Pharmacy Technician jobs are posted by local Texas employers.  CareerBuilder.com also has a similar service available for Pharmacy Technicians.  If you have completed a formal training program in Texas, don’t forget to utilize the college’s job placement service for employment leads.

Continuing Education for Pharmacy Technicians in Texas

Pharmacy technicians in Texas must renew their registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy every two years.  Pharmacy technicians are also required to complete twenty (20) hours of approved continuing education prior to the renewal date.  Currently certified technicians can use the same 20 hours of CE to meet both TSBP and PTCB requirements. Pharmacy technician trainees are exempt from having to complete CE hours.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Texas:

Cisco Junior College
Abilene Education Center
717 E. Industrial Blvd.
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325) 794-4441
Tuition costs: $3,060.00

CJC offers a Certificate program with a 288 hour internship that can usually be completed in one year.  Contact the program director for more information: Kelly L Meyer, B.S., CPhT, PhTR (kelly.meyer@cisco.edu)

Amarillo College
P.O. Box 447
Amarillo, TX 79178
Phone: (806) 356-3655

For more information about the pharmacy technician certificate program contact: Shawna Lopez, CPhT, BAAS (smlopez@actx.edu)

Austin Community College
3401 Webberville Road
Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 223-5949
Contact: Lisa A. McCartney, AAS, CPhT (lmccartn@austincc.edu)
Approximate cost for tuition, books and fees is $2857

ACC offers a two semester certificate program that includes a 256 hour externship. Except for the clinical training and a few classes that require on-campus labs, all other pharmacy technician classes are available online.  Students can also obtain certification in sterile product preparation.

Del Mar College
101 Baldwin Boulevard
Corpus Christi, TX 78404
Phone: (361) 698-2822
Program Director: Rolando S Longoria, R.Ph. (rlongoria@delmar.edu)
Tuition costs: $1077.00

All graduates of the Del Mar College program receive an AAS degree in Pharmacy Technology that includes a 640 hour internship.

Richland College   
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas, TX 75243-2199
Phone: (972) 238-6038
Program Director: LiAnne C Webster, R.PhT., CPhT (LiAnneWebster@dcccd.edu)

Richland College offers two distinct Pharmacy Technician certificate programs – Community and Institutional.  The Community program is not ASHP accredited but students will complete a 96 hour internship in a retail pharmacy.  After completing the Community program, students can opt to continue their training by enrolling in the ASHP accredited Institutional Pharmacy Technician program.  Students will complete additional classroom hours and a 144 hour internship in an institutional pharmacy.  Upon completion of either program, students will be eligible to take the PTCB certification exam.  The school claims a 100% pass rate on the PTCB exam and 100% employment. Tuition costs are $3,015 to complete both the Community and Institutional Pharmacy Technician programs.

Sanford-Brown College- Dallas Campus
1250 W. Mockingbird Lane, Suite 150
Dallas, TX 75247
Phone: (214) 765-8928
Contact: Brandon C. Stewart (bstewart@sbdallas.com)

SBC-Dallas offers a Pharmacy Technician certificate program that requires students to complete a 180 hour externship.  For more information about the program and tuition please contact the program adviser.

El Paso Community College   
6701 South Desert Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79932
Phone: (915) 831-8836
Program Director: Nader Rassaei, CPht, B.S., M.A., M.D. (NRassaei@EPCC.edu)
Tuition costs: $1,745.00

Students can choose to complete either a three semester certificate of completion or a two year AAS degree in Pharmacy Technology. Students will also gain 256 hours of work experience by participating in the program’s internship. EPC also has online classes available and offers certification in sterile product preparation.

Houston Community College
Coleman College of Health Sciences
2450 Holcombe Boulevard, Suite #3
Houston, TX 77021
Phone: 713-718-7353

Coleman College offers a 26 week (two semesters) Pharmacy technician certificate program. During the second semester, students will rotate through three different pharmacy settings as part of their 400 hour internship. Coleman is a state of the art facility with retail and hospital labs, sterile/chemo products preparation and a Pyxis med-station.  Contact the program adviser for more information: Jeff C Gricar, MEd., CPhT (jeff.gricar@hccs.edu)

Lone Star College-North Harris Campus 
2700 W. W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073
Phone: (281) 618-5727 (College)
Program Director: Nancy L Lim, Ph.D. (Nancy.L.Lim@lonestar.edu)
Tuition costs: $1500

LSC offers both a certificate and AAS degree program in pharmacy technology.  The degree program requires applicants to be PTCB certified and registered with the Texas Board of Pharmacy.  To attain IV certification students must complete 160 hours of their 320 hour internship in a hospital.

Medical Education and Training Campus (application submitted for ASHP accreditation)
3071 Wilson Way, Fort Sam
Houston, TX 78234-2195
Phone: (210) 808-2201
Contact: John D Catoe, Maj, USAF, BSC (john.d.catoe.mil@mail.mil)

Program is open to military personnel only in conjunction with the US Dept of Veteran Affairs.  Training sites for the pharmacy technician program include Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX Brooke Army Medical Center and Ft Sam Houston, Texas.

San Jacinto College, North Campus  
5800 Uvalde Road
Houston, TX 77049
Phone: (281) 998-6150
Program Director: Shalonica Cluse, M.S., CPhT (shalonica.cluse@sjcd.edu)
Tuition: $1140

Both the North and South Campuses of SJC offer a pharmacy technician certificate program that includes a 320 hour internship.  The hands-on internship is divided equally between retail and institutional pharmacy settings.  SJC also offers IV certification and job placement assistance.

San Jacinto College, South Campus
13735 Beamer Road
Houston, TX 77089
Phone: (281) 669-4702

SJC’s full-time day program starts every Fall semester and their part-time evening program is offered in the Spring semester.  For more information contact the program director: Alexander C. Okwonna, PharmD, RPh (Alexander.Okwonna@sjcd.edu)

Sanford-Brown College – Houston Campus   
9999 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77042
Phone: (713) 986-4617
Program Director: Bryan Stout, CPhT, RPhT (bstout@sbhouston.com)

SBC-Houston offers a Pharmacy Technician certificate program that requires students to complete a 180 hour externship. 

Sanford-Brown College – Houston North Loop Campus
2627 N. Loop West, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (832) 325-4506
Contact: William G. Kole, III, BS (wkole@sbnorthloop.com)

SBC-North Loop offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree with a 180 hour clinical externship. For more information about the program and tuition please contact the program adviser.

The University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Boulevard, Route G01
Galveston, TX 77555-0701
Phone: 409-772-6981

UTMB offers an eight (8) month, 820 hour certificate program that includes a 440 hour internship in both retail and hospital pharmacy settings.  Contact the course adviser for more details about their program : Madeline F Jensen-Grauel, B.S. Ed., M.Sc. (mfjensen@utmb.edu)

Angelina College
3500 South First (Hwy. 595)
P. O. Box 1768
Lufkin, TX 75902-1768
Phone: (936) 639-5433

Angelina College offers a nine (9) month certificate program in Pharmacy Technology that begin each Fall semester.  Contact for more information is: Contact: Elaine Young, M.Ed., CPhT (eyoung@angelina.cc.tx.us)

South Texas College
P.O. Box 9701
McAllen , TX 78502-9701
Phone: (956) 872-3003

STC has both a certificate program and AAS degree in pharmacy technology.  For more program information contact: Isaac D. Rodriguez (irodz@southtexascollege.edu)

Lamar State College – Orange   
410 Front Street
Orange, TX 77630
Phone: 409-882-3035
Contact: Randy G Ford, CPhT (randy.ford@lsco.edu)
Tuition costs: $2872.00

LSCO offers a 9-month certificate program that gives students the opportunity to gain experience in 3 different clinical settings – retail, hospital and long-term care, when they fulfill the requirements of a 320 hour externship.

Northwest Vista College  
3535 N. Ellison, Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: (210) 486-4839

NVC has two certificate pharmacy technician programs.  One is a Fast-Track program that prepares students to take the PTCB exam (Students will not participate in a clinical internship).  The second is an ASHP accredited program that includes 320 hours of experiential training.  For more information contact the program adviser: Christie E Martin (cmartin52@alamo.edu)

College of the Mainland
1200 Amburn Road
Texas City, TX 77591
Phone: (409) 938-1211
Program Director: Bridget R. Mahoney, R.Ph. (bmahoney@com.edu)
Tuition costs: $1200.00 approx

COM offers a certificate program with a 144 hour externship in both retail and hospital pharmacies.  A miniature pharmacy was contributed by Walgreens to enhance the student’s classroom experience.

Lone Star College – Tomball Campus 
Health Science Building
700 Graham Drive
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: (281) 357-3634
Contact: Diana V. Broome, CPhT (diana.v.broome@lonestar.edu)
Tuition costs: $1500

LSU’s certificate program offers IV certification training, includes a 320 hour internship and is known for their 100% pass rate for the PTCB exam.  Financial aid is available for those who qualify as well as assistance with job placement for graduates.

Vernon College    
4105 Maplewood Ave.
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Phone: (940) 696-8752 x3231
Program Director: Katrina Brasuell, BS, CPhT, PhTR (kbrasuell@vernoncollege.edu)

Vernon College of Wichita Falls, Texas offers a certificate program with day and evening classes available and includes a 196 hour externship.

Sources for wage and job information: Bureau of Labor & Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission

Colorado is one of only seven or so states in the U.S., that currently does not require the registration, licensing or certification of their Pharmacy technicians, though the Board of Pharmacy has planned for future discussions on this issue.  However, because many Colorado pharmacy technicians are trained on-the-job, the board does regulate what training pharmacy technicians receive from their employer, and what tasks a pharmacist may delegate to a technician.

Prospective pharmacy technicians are required to:

• be at least 18 years of age and
• have graduated from high school or possess a GED and
• provide proof of a clear background check (i.e. no felony drug convictions)

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Colorado

In this rather competitive job market, many people looking to get an entry level pharmacy technician job in Colorado may have a difficult time finding an employer who will hire them straight off the street without any training or experience.  Completing an accredited training program at a Colorado pharmacy technician school will give you the hands-on training and experience employers are looking for.

The following Colorado community colleges all offer pharmacy technician training that is accredited by the ASHP.  All programs prepare students to work in either retail or institutional pharmacies and upon program completion, students will also be eligible to take either the PTCB or ICPT certification exam.

Arapahoe Community College
5900 South Santa Fe Drive
Littleton, CO 80160-9002
Phone: (303) 797-5962
Contact: Sue Treitz, BSN, M.A. (sue.treitz@arapahoe.edu) or
Contact: Dr. Larry Allen, Academic Coordinator (pharmacy@arapahoe.edu)
Phone: (303) 797-5944

The twenty-three (23) week pharmacy technician certificate program includes fifteen weeks of classroom study followed by an eight (8) week internship that enables students to experience both retail and institutional settings.  Most of the program’s classes are conducted online though students also gain hands-on experience in on-campus labs. Total program costs for tuition, books and supplies will be approximately $4116.

Front Range Community College
3645 West 112th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80030
Phone: (303) 404-5393
Contact: Linda Calvert, B.S., CPhT (Linda.Calvert@frontrange.edu)
Approximate tuition, books and supplies: $4696.

The certificate program consists of three 5-week classroom modules during the first semester and two 5-week internships of 160 hours each in an institutional and retail pharmacy during the second semester.  The job placement rate is approximately 88%.  This pharmacy technician training program is also accredited by the ASHP.

Pikes Peak Community College
5675 S. Academy Blvd., CC13
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: (719) 502-3344
Contact: Nicole Motes (nicole.motes@ppcc.edu)

PPCC offers both a certificate and AAS degree for pharmacy technicians.  Both programs require students to complete a 320 hour internship divided equally between retail and institutional pharmacy settings after initial classroom instruction. Certificate program cost is approximately $4060 for tuition, fees and books. Job placement rate is approximately 75%.

Employment Outlook and Pay for Colorado Pharmacy Technicians

The Colorado Department of Labor estimates that there will be approximately 200 – 300 pharmacy technician job openings each year until around 2018.  The average annual pay for pharmacy technicians in Colorado is approximately $30,600, which is slightly higher than the national average of $28,400 per year.  Entry level salaries for pharmacy techs in Colorado start around $22,000 per year, with top salaries reaching $40,600 annually.

Pharmacy Technician Job Resources in Colorado 

There are a couple of good job location resources available to pharmacy technicians in Colorado.  A good place to begin your job search is to set up a free profile with Indeed.com and Career Builder.com.   Both will send you an email alert when Pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local Colorado employers.   It’s been my experience however that the job postings on Indeed are more current than the listings on Career Builder.  Of course, your experience may be totally different.

Source for Colorado wage and job information: Bureau of Labor and Statistics and Colorado Dept. of Labor

Interested in working as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?  All the information about Rhode Island pharmacy technician licensing requirements, training and schools, wages and job opportunities can be found right here on this page.  So let’s get started!

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Training Requirements

To work or receive training as a pharmacy technician or assistant in Rhode Island, an individual must first apply for a license with the Rhode Island Department of Health/Board of Pharmacy (high school students are exempt from this requirement).

The license application has three (3) different classifications for Pharmacy Technicians in Rhode Island:

• Pharmacy Technician I
• Pharmacy Technician II
• Pharmacy Technician by endorsement

An individual applying as a Pharmacy technician I is considered a Pharmacy technician trainee and will most likely receive on-the-job training from the pharmacist in charge, as the PIC must sign an individual’s license application certifying that they will receive the required training.

Licensing requirements for a Pharmacy Technician I require an individual to be:

• 18 years of age unless you are a student working in a pharmacy as part of a high school career exploration program.  Students participating in these programs are exempt from the licensing requirements
• High school graduate or GED or current enrollment in a vocational or high school that will lead to an equivalent outcome
• No felony drug related convictions (subject to waiver at Board’s discretion)
• Current enrollment in a Pharmacy Technician I training program approved by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.  This training is usually employer based.

To apply as a Pharmacy technician II, an applicant must meet the first four (4) requirements as listed above for Pharmacy technician I and additionally are required to have successfully completed one of the following Board approved training programs:

• ASHP Training Program  (CVS Caremark – see below)
• US Military or Public Health Service
• A Regionally accredited College, University or Secondary Educational Program
• PTCB or EXCPT Certification Examination

Applying for licensure as a Pharmacy Technician by endorsement requires an individual to fulfill the first four (4) requirements listed under Pharmacy technician I and additionally:

• Be currently licensed or registered in another State which has similar RI Board of Pharmacy requirements for technicians (you will need to submit a copy of your State’s license or registration with the application)
• The RI Board requires all out-of-state endorsement applicants to have their licensing or registration status verified by mailing the Interstate Verification Form to each state in which they are or have been licensed or registered (see page 11 of the application for the form)
• For those applicants applying as a Pharmacy Technician II only, you would need to submit a copy of your PTCB or EXCPT certification and/or submit verification that you have completed an approved training program.

All Pharmacy Technician licenses expire annually on June 30 and must be renewed by July 1^st.  The license renewal fee is $40.

Pharmacy Technicians Schools in Rhode Island

The CVS Caremark training program is the only pharmacy technician training program in Rhode Island that is accredited by the ASHP.  There are currently sixty (60) CVS retail pharmacies located throughout Rhode Island.

The CVS Pharmacy Customer Care Center in Highland Corporate Park in Cumberland also employs pharmacy technicians, who answer calls and provide solutions for pharmacy customers, prescribers and insurance providers.  In order to work at the Care Center a pharmacy technician must be PTCB certified.

CVS Caremark also maintains distributions centers within Rhode Island and throughout the US that provide employment for pharmacy technicians.

CVS Pharmacy Technician Job Training can be obtained through both the Providence Skills Center and the Community College of Rhode Island.

Providence Skills Center
31 Providence Place
Providence, RI 02903
Contact Stefanie at 401-437-8885 x301 for more information

The pharmacy technician training program at Providence is sponsored by CVS Pharmacy.  Individuals who qualify and are between 18 to 21 years of age, will receive 96 classroom hours over approximately eight weeks and complete a 36 hour externship.  Completion of training will allow individuals to apply for licensing as a Pharmacy Technician I.  Individuals over 21 years of age can contact Workforce Solutions for a similar program at (401) 861-0800.

Community College of Rhode Island – Knight Campus
400 East Ave.,
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone (401) 455-6070
Program Coordinator: Sue Caressimo (scaressimo@ccri.edu)
Cost for the program: $3000 (financial aid is available through the WIA to qualified applicants)

Offers a RI Board of Pharmacy approved Pharmacy Technician II training program that also prepares students to take the PTCB certification exam.  After a student completes the 105 classroom hours, they have approximately two weeks in which to take the PTCB certification exam and obtain their license from the RI Board.  Once licensed, students will enter and complete a 60 hour externship.  The Pharmacy Technician II training program is offered as part of the Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

What Pharmacy Technicians Earn in Rhode Island

Pharmacy Technician wages in Rhode Island average about $13.77 per hour or $28,600 annually, which is slightly above the national average of $13.65 hourly or $28,400 per year.  The salary range for Pharmacy Technician jobs in Rhode Island starts at about $10.03 per hour and reaches a high of about $19.19 per hour.

Resources for Finding a Pharmacy Technician Job in Rhode Island

My favorite resource for locating available Pharmacy Technician jobs in Rhode Island has always been Indeed.com.  You can set up a free profile on Indeed and when Pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in Rhode Island Indeed will send you an email alert.

CareerBuilder.com has a similar service available however I have gotten better results from Indeed.  The school you attend for your Pharmacy technician training should also be able to give you leads for available jobs in Rhode Island.

Sources for Licensing, Wage & Job Information: Bureau of Labor & Statistics, the RI Dept. of Labor & Training and the RI Dept of Health/Board of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Kansas

Before you can work as a pharmacy technician in Kansas, you will need to register with the State Board of Pharmacy.  Registration is only required once, which means your initial registration number is good for life.  If you work at more than one pharmacy or you change jobs, just show your registration card to your employer.

In addition to registering, pharmacy technicians in Kansas are also required to pass an examination approved by the board within 30 days of becoming registered.  Pharmacy technicians receive their training on-the-job from the pharmacist in charge and according to guidelines established by the board.  From what I could gather from the regulations, the pharmacist-in-charge also administers the exam.  It consists of 20 questions and a passing grade of 75% is required.  Would a certified pharmacy technician be required to take this exam?  Good question!  For more information, I would advise contacting the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy technicians are required to renew their registration every two years on or before October 31.  The year of renewal is determined by the last number on your registration card.  If the last number is an even number, then you will renew your registration on even years.  If the last number is an odd number, you will renew on odd years.

The form for renewing your registration is not found on the Board’s website.  Renewals are mailed out to you home address, so be sure to keep the Board updated if you move.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Kansas

North Central Kansas Technical College
2205 Wheatland Avenue
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 623-6160
Brian Dechant (bdechant@ncktc.edu)

NCKTC offers an ASHP accredited one year certificate program or a two year AAS degree in Pharmacy Technology.  The estimated total costs for the 2012-2013 certificate program is $5286 and $5607 for the AAS degree program.  Each student also completes an externship of 180/360 hours.

North Central Kansas Technical College video:

Hutchinson Community College  
1300 N. Plum
Hutchinson, KS 67501
Phone: (620) 665-3346
Cristal M Greene, CPhT (greenec@hutchcc.edu)
Tuition costs: $3000.00
Externship of 240 hours

HCC offers a pharmacy certificate program that is primarily conducted online except for an on-campus 2 day laboratory.  Full time students can usually complete the program in 3 semesters.

Wage Information for Kansas Pharmacy Techs

Wages for Pharmacy technicians in Kansas averaged about $12.67 per hour or $26,400 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $13.65 per hour or $28,400 per year.  The salary range for pharmacy technician jobs in Kansas start at around a low of $8.75 per hour and moves upward to around $17.86 per hour.

Job Resources for Pharmacy Technicians in Kansas

A good place to start when looking for pharmacy technician jobs in Kansas is online.  If you do a Google search for “pharmacy technician jobs in Kansas”, you’ll probably find Indeed.com in the top two spots.  Indeed allows you to set up a free profile and when Pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in Kansas, Indeed will send you email alerts.

CareerBuilder.com offers a similar service, however it has been my experience that Indeed seems to have more up-to-date pharmacy tech job listings than Career Builder.  If you graduated from a pharmacy technician school in Kansas, the placement office is also a good source for job leads.

Source for wage information as of 2010:  Bureau of Labor & Statistics and the Kansas Dept. of Labor.   See our Disclaimer.

Requirements for Pharmacy Technicians in Louisiana

In order to practice as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana, you must obtain a Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate.  However, before an individual can obtain a Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate, you are required to:

• complete a board approved training program that includes 600 hours of practical experience and
• pass a board-approved examination (PTCB certification exam)

Start Here First – because, before you can begin to participate in a training program and earn the practical experience hours required, you must first obtain a Pharmacy Technician Candidate Registration.

The Pharmacy Technician Candidate Registration is good for up to 18 months and allows you to work in a pharmacy while you are completing the board approved training program and accumulating the required 600 hours of practical experience.  Please note: this registration is only good for 18 months and is NOT renewable.

To receive your pharmacy technician candidate registration, you will need to:

• be at least 18 years old and
• a high school graduate or the equivalent
• submit the Application for Pharmacy Technician Candidate Registration along with a check/money order for $25
• submit a copy of a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers
• submit a copy of your High school diploma, GED certificate, University degree or high school/university transcript
• provide proof of enrollment in a board-approved training program or if you are already PTCB certified, submit your PTCB certificate

Note: applicants who already possess PTCB certification are not required to be enrolled in a board approved training program.  However PTCB certification by itself cannot be used to work as a technician – you still must complete 600 hours of experiential training.

Now that you are registered as a Pharmacy technician candidate, you will need to earn at least 600 hours of practical experience with at least 200 of those hours earned during the structured part of the training program.  All hours earned must be supervised and documented by a pharmacist preceptor. [i]

PTCB Certification is Required in Louisiana

After completing your board approved training program, you will now need to set up a time to take PTCB’s pharmacy technician certification exam.

When you have completed all of the training requirements and have received you PTCB certification, it is now time to apply to the board for your Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate.  You will need to:

• Submit the Application for Pharmacy Technician Certificate with a check/money order for $100
• submit a legible copy of your PTCB certificate
• provide documentation of the 600 hours of practical experience you earned by submitting the Pharmacist Preceptor’s Affidavit(s)
• submit a copy of your certificate of completion from your Board-approved training program (you do not need to provide this proof, if you earned your hours under an 18-month registration and were PTCB certified)

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training in Louisiana

The Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy maintains a list of over 400-plus retail pharmacies, schools and hospitals that provide board approved pharmacy technician training programs (see the list).  However there are only three pharmacy technician schools in Louisiana on the list that are also accredited by the ASHP.  The three schools are listed below.

Needless to say, with that many board approved pharmacy technician training programs, ASHP accreditation probably doesn’t matter all that much, unless you are planning to become a pharmacist.  Then you might want to consider the Associate of Applied Science degree offered by Bossier Parish Community College.

Bossier Parish Community College
6220 East Texas Street
Bossier City, LA 71111
Phone: 318-678-6215
Program Director: Terri K Mundy, R.Ph. (tmundy@bpcc.edu)
Approximate tuition costs: $2870

BPCC offers both a Pharmacy Technician certificate course and an Associate of Applied Science degree.  Students will complete approximately 400 hours of practical training in at least two different pharmacy settings as part of the program.

Students will complete a total of 400 hours of clinical training in both a retail and hospital pharmacy as part of the Pharmacy Technician certificate program.  The program can usually be completed in two semesters with full time attendance.

Louisiana State University at Alexandria
8100 Highway 71 South
Alexandria, LA 71302-9121
Phone: (318) 473-6466
Program Director: Dusty J Nassif, Pharm.D. (dnassif@lsua.edu)
Approximate tuition/fees: $6530 for 40 credit hours
LSU offers a certificate program with a 490 hour externship.

Certificate Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements

All Louisiana Pharmacy Technician Certificate registrations must be renewed annually by June 30.  Submit the renewal application and a $50 check/money order to the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.

All Louisiana Certified Pharmacy Technicians must also complete ten (10) ACPE or other board approved continuing education hours prior to renewing their certificate (your first renewal is exempt from this requirement).  You can also use the 10 CEUs towards the twenty (20) hours of CE that PTCB certification requires for renewal every 2 years.

Wages for Pharmacy Technicians in Louisiana

Pharmacy technician wages in Louisiana average about $13.25 per hour or $27,600 annually, which is slightly lower the national average of $13.65 hourly or $28,400 per year.  The salary range for Pharmacy technician jobs in Louisiana starts at around $9.91 per hour and reaches a high of $17.73 per hour.

Job Resources for Pharmacy Technicians in Louisiana

Indeed.com is always a good source for locating available Pharmacy technician jobs in Louisiana.  Indeed allows you to set up a free profile as a technician and will send you email alerts when pharmacy technician jobs are posted by local employers in Arizona.

CareerBuilder.com is another similar resource for pharmacy technician job seekers in Louisiana. You can set up a job profile and just like Indeed, Career Builder will send notifications to your inbox when pharmacy tech jobs are posted by employers.  Personally I have found that Indeed sends out more current job postings than Career Builder, but it doesn’t hurt to set up profiles with both.

Source for wage information is the Bureau of Labor & Statistics and LA Workforce Commission