A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREER IN NORTH DAKOTA
If you are interested in helping people through a healthcare career but are unsure about the years of higher education often required to attain one, you might want to consider becoming a pharmacy technician. In this role, you’ll assist pharmacists by dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, and completing other administrative tasks. Each state has its requirements for licensing pharmacy technicians, and this guide will help you understand the qualifications for working in North Dakota. [Leer en español]
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To become a pharmacy technician in North Dakota, you must be at least 18 years old and register with the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy. You must also complete an accredited training program and receive your national certification. Technicians in training may receive a permit and begin working before graduation and certification as long as they fulfill these requirements within two years.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN NORTH DAKOTA
Formal pharmacy technician programs are available at technical schools and community colleges throughout North Dakota. When selecting a program, check that it is approved by the state Board to ensure that you will qualify for national licensing exams upon completion. Two pharmacy technician schools in North Dakota options include:
- North Dakota State Community College. North Dakota State offers a two-year associate’s degree and a one-year certificate program for pharmacy technicians. Courses in both programs can be taken online or on campus, and students receive classroom, laboratory, and practical experience in each. These pharmacy technician programs are the only accredited, on-campus options available in North Dakota.
- Penn Foster. Students who prefer online learning can consider Penn Foster’s affordable pharmacy technician program, which includes the option to complete an externship at a local CVS or Walgreens pharmacy. Students can complete the program at their own pace.
LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
Pharmacy technicians in North Dakota must register with the state Board and renew their licenses each year. There are no continuing education requirements for this registration. The Board also mandates that all pharmacy technicians take and pass a national certification exam.
Receiving your national certification can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs and will allow you to accept additional responsibilities in the workplace. To receive this designation, you must register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, have a high school diploma or GED, pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and pay a fee of $129. After receiving your Certified Pharmacy Technician certificate, you must complete continuing education requirements every two years to retain its validity.
CAREER AND SALARY ESTIMATES
On average, pharmacy technicians in North Dakota can earn $39,770 per year, based on reporting from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Jobs for pharmacy technicians in North Dakota are increasing, and the Projections Managing Partnership estimates a growth of 19.2 percent in the 10 years to 2026. This strongly outpaces the national average growth rate of 12 percent for this field during the same period.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN NORTH DAKOTA
As a pharmacy technician, you can find work in independent or chain drugstores, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes, among other healthcare facilities. Part-time and full-time roles are available, and both may require employees to work nights and weekends due to the extended hours during which pharmacies are typically open. You should be prepared to stand for the majority of your shift and lift heavy boxes of inventory when asked.
The highest-paying pharmacy tech jobs can be found in larger cities, such as Bismarck. However, pharmacy technicians are in high demand in North Dakota, and work should be available throughout the state.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in North Dakota?
- Rasmussen College, Fargo
- North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
- Rasmussen College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in North Dakota?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Complete an accredited training program
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT exam
- Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification or NHA certification
How much do pharmacy technicians make in North Dakota?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of North Dakota made an average of $39,770 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $31,480 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $49,620.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of North Dakota may also wish to review their options in Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota.