BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN IDAHO
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists by dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, and completing other administrative work. The job is ideal for those who enjoy healthcare and the opportunity to help others. Pharmacy technicians are in high demand throughout the country, but each state has its licensing requirements. The following information will help you become a pharmacy technician in Idaho. [Leer en español]
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Pharmacy technicians must be at least 18 years old to practice in Idaho, though 16-year-olds may register as pharmacy technicians in training if they are currently enrolled in a school-supervised program and receive a waiver. Pharmacy technicians must submit to a background check and have a high school diploma or GED, a copy of which should be submitted along with fingerprints, a copy of their government-issued ID, and a Non-Criminal Justice Applicant Privacy Statement.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN IDAHO
Community colleges and technical schools throughout Idaho offer pharmacy technician programs for aspiring pharmacy techs. Be sure that the program you select is approved by the State Board before enrolling. The following pharmacy technician schools offer acceptable programs:
- Carrington College. Carrington offers a nine-month certificate program and a two-year associate’s degree program for pharmacy technicians. Both offer theory and practical training elements to prepare students for real-world work.
- North Idaho College. Students at North Idaho College will learn through online theory courses, on-campus labs, and experiential learning opportunities in the community. The program teaches a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacy law, and the classification and use of 200 prescription drugs.
- Idaho State University. Idaho State operates basic and advanced technical certificate programs, which can be completed in one to one-and-a-half years. Students will participate in labs, classroom instruction, and practicums at local pharmacies.
- Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
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CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Before beginning work in a pharmacy, pharmacy technicians and technicians in training must register with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy, which will issue a license after receiving a completed application and proof of the applicant’s graduation from an accredited training program. This license must be renewed each year before June 30.
The state of Idaho does not require pharmacy technicians to have national certification. However, receiving this certification can lead to higher-paying jobs in the future and will earn technicians the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician. To apply, pharmacy technicians must register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and pay a fee of $129. Certified pharmacy technicians must complete continuing education requirements and renew their certification every two years to maintain it.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS
Jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow rapidly in Idaho. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, the field will increase by 22.5 percent in the 10 years to 2026. The national average growth rate during the same period, meanwhile, is 12 percent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average annual salary for a pharmacy technician in Idaho is $36,910. This salary can be higher for those with national certification.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN IDAHO
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including independent or chain drugstores, hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Part-time and full-time roles are available. Many pharmacies are open late, so you may be asked to work nights or weekends. Be prepared to stand for long periods and lift heavy loads of medication as well. The highest-paying jobs can be found in cities like Boise, which offer higher salaries to compensate for the cost of living. However, pharmacy technicians are in high demand and work can be found throughout the state.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Idaho?
- Carrington College, Boise
- Idaho State University, Pocatello
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
- Rasmussen College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Idaho?
- You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. (16
- -year-olds may register if enrolled in a school-supervised program
- Obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification
- You must complete a background check
- You must complete a fingerprint check
- Obtain 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 2 hours of pharmacy law
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Idaho?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Idaho made an average of $35,920 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $25,870 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $48,160.
ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS
Boise City-Nampa, ID Area
Carrington College-Boise
do not remove this text1122 North Liberty Street, Boise, Idaho 83704-8742iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Carrington College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are imparted at their Boise campus in the city of Boise, Idaho. Most of the school’s 552 students are on 2-year programs. Carrington College-Boise has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the programs are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $54,125 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $4,079, although this will depend on the program. This program has AHSP candidate status.
Lewiston, ID-WA Area
Lewis-Clark State College
do not remove this text500 8th Avenue, Lewiston, ID 83501iPharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Lewiston. This public college has a region of 4,304 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. Lewis-Clark State College has institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be in the order of $8,624 and for students from outside the state in the order of $19,142 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,632, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program has AHSP candidate status.
Boise City-Nampa, ID Area
Milan Institute-Boise
do not remove this text8590 W. Fairview Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83704-8320iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Milan Institute’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Boise campus in the city of Boise. Milan Institute-Boise has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.* tuition fees are usually about $12,468 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,240, as necessitated by the chosen program.
Milan Institute-Nampa
do not remove this text1021 W. Hemingway, Nampa, Idaho 83651iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Milan Institute is offered at their Nampa campus in Nampa in Canyon County. Most of the school’s 255 students are on short programs of under two years. Milan Institute-Nampa is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is broadly about $12,111 yearly, while study materials may cost about $936. Usually, the program is completed in 9 months.
Coeur d’Alene, ID Area
North Idaho College
do not remove this text1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814-2199iPharmacy Technology – Certificate Program
North Idaho College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at its campus in the city of Coeur d’Alene. This public college has a region of 6,029 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. North Idaho College has institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $2,974 and are $3,982 and $7,654 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost around $1,250, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited.
* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Idaho may also wish to review their options in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.