BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN CONNECTICUT
A pharmacy technician is someone who works under the supervision of a pharmacist, preparing medication by counting pills, mixing and measuring liquids, labeling prescriptions, and keeping track of dosages of prescribed medicines. If you choose to become a pharmacy technician, you may interact with patients or store customers to answer any questions and provide information to medical professionals. [Leer en español]
The healthcare field continues to grow, leading to many possible career opportunities. If you become a pharmacy tech in Connecticut, you’ll have work skills that are in high demand.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN CONNECTICUT
Getting a high school diploma or equivalent is the first step toward becoming a pharmacy tech in Connecticut. Learning the skills needed to work in this field can be done through on-the-job training or postsecondary education. While a degree or certificate isn’t required, having it can make you a more attractive candidate to future employers.
Formal training programs last from six months to two years and can be found in vocational schools, community colleges, hospitals, or the military. Training includes math that will be used on the job in a pharmacy, record keeping, dispensing medication, ethics, and pharmacy law.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN CONNECTICUT
The best way to be competitive in the job market is to be able to demonstrate to a potential employer that you’ve had formal training in the pharmacy tech field. Some pharmacy technician programs that can give you the skills you need to start your career as a pharmacy technician include:
- Middlesex Community College. This certification program lasts 10 weeks and includes all the skills and training you need to be prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam. All classes are taught by licensed pharmacists.
- Penn Foster Career School. Many students require flexibility in class schedules. Penn Foster’s online pharmacy technician program can be completed in as few as 9 months. You can enroll in the course whenever you’d like, and online support is always available for students. At the end of your pharmacy tech program, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience at a CVS/pharmacy or Walgreens near you as part of our required hands-on training externship. More information.
PHARMACY TECH CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING IN CONNECTICUT
In Connecticut, you are required to obtain certification before you can practice as a pharmacy technician. You can apply to obtain certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. You must have a high school diploma and a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, a two-hour multiple-choice test with 90 questions. Passing the certification exam qualifies you as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
To apply for licensure in the state of Connecticut when you have a position at a pharmacy in the state, fill out the online application. Your employer will need to verify your employment and training. Your license will need to be renewed annually by March 31.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized organization that administers the certification exam. It helps employers in identifying qualified pharmacy technicians and can help job seekers stand out when applying for jobs.
The PTCB also offers Continuing Education (CE) programs to maintain your CPhT status. You are required to complete 20 hours of CE every two years to stay in good standing.
Once you’ve met all the requirements for becoming a pharmacy tech in Connecticut and have obtained your certification, you can get started on a successful career in the healthcare field. You’ll gain experience with customer service skills, math and science principles, drug information, and more. With the right combination of knowledge and experience, you’ll be able to make a difference in providing quality care to patients.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment of pharmacy technicians to grow faster than average for all occupations. Growth is expected to be 14 percent between 2020 and 2030. Increased demand for prescription medications is expected because of an aging population and higher rates of chronic diseases among all age groups.
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in 2020 was $36,740, meaning that half of all those who had this position earned more and half earned less. The annual mean salary for Connecticut pharmacy technicians is $36,640 and the hourly mean is $17.62 per hour.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECH IN CONNECTICUT
When you work as a pharmacy tech in Connecticut, you’ll have the opportunity to work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and pharmacies. Many healthcare facilities are open 24 hours a day, so you may work at a variety of hours, which could be during the day, at night, and on weekends.
Pharmacists are being expected to take on expanding roles, including tasks such as giving flu shots. This means pharmacy technicians pick up more and more tasks formerly done by pharmacists. The job outlook for pharmacy techs in Connecticut appears very promising throughout the state.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Connecticut?
- Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
- Middlesex Community College, Bedford, MA
- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Connecticut?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- As the Connecticut Commission on Pharmacy requires that 1 in 3 pharm techs are certified, employers prefer PTCB certification.
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Connecticut?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Connecticut made an average of $34,530 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $24,440 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $47,620.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
You may also want to check out options in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.