BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN ARIZONA
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Arizona could be a rewarding career if you’re interested in working directly with pharmacists to prepare medications by mixing, counting, labeling, and recording dosages.
The demand for pharmacy technicians is rising in Arizona, making it a promising place to begin your journey in this healthcare field. Based on the latest data available, this guide will take you through the essential information on requirements, training, and career outlook for Arizona pharmacy technicians.
Why Choose a Pharmacy Technician Career in Arizona?
In Arizona, pharmacy technicians enjoy a strong job market and competitive wages. The state’s healthcare industry is expanding rapidly, driven by the needs of an aging population. Employment projections show continued growth in the field, with pharmacy technicians playing a key role in supporting pharmacists and improving patient care. [Leer en español]
You can review Arizona’s latest employment and wage data here and here.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arizona
Arizona offers several training options for those pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician. Here are some of the most respected programs from pharmacy technician schools in Arizona:
- Penn Foster (Online): Penn Foster offers a flexible, online pharmacy technician program that can be completed in as few as nine months. It includes hands-on externship opportunities with national pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens.
- Arizona College (Glendale Campus): This 34-week program includes classroom instruction and hands-on training, with an externship for real-world experience.
- Carrington College (Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson Campuses): This program offers a balance of theory and practical application, with options for certificates (completed in less than 9 months) and associate degrees (completed in less than 2 years).
- Pima Medical Institute (Mesa, Tucson Campuses): This 9-month certificate program covers critical skills like prescription preparation, customer service, inventory management, and IV therapy.
Certification Requirements in Arizona
After completing your pharmacy technician training, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCE is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and tests your knowledge of the following:
- Pharmacy laws and regulations
- Medication safety
- Medication storage and inventory control
- Prescription interpretation
Passing the PTCE allows you to apply for a full Pharmacy Technician License in Arizona. You can also apply for a Pharmacy Technician Trainee License while completing your training. Once licensed, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years, completing 20 hours of continuing education, which includes at least 2 hours of pharmacy law.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations for Pharmacy Technicians in Arizona
The demand for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is growing rapidly, with employment expected to increase by 23% between 2020 and 2030. This reflects the growing need for healthcare services as the population ages. According to the latest data:
- The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is $45,260.
- Entry-level technicians earn around $35,630, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $57,240.
You can more detailed salary information here.
Regarding job opportunities, 940 job openings are expected annually across the state due to new positions and replacement needs, with total employment projected to increase from 9,330 in 2020 to 11,450 by 2030. Learn more about employment trends.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Arkansas?
- Arkansas State University, Beebe
- Remington College, Little Rock
- Walmart Stores, Bentonville
- Penn Foster Career College, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Arizona?
- Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Complete a pharmacy technician training program and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Apply for certification through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.
- Complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, including 2 hours of pharmacy law.
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Arizona?
As of the latest data, pharmacy technicians in Arizona earn an average annual salary of $45,260. Entry-level positions start at $35,630, while experienced pharmacy technicians can earn as much as $57,240.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
See options in the neighboring states of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.