BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN KENTUCKY
If you’re interested in a healthcare career but less sure about the prospect of medical school or college, a job as a pharmacy technician may be right for you. In this role, you’ll dispense prescriptions, manage inventory, prepare certain types of medication, and complete administrative tasks to support pharmacists. [Leer en español]
Pharmacy techs are in high demand across the country. Each state has its requirements to begin working, so take a look at the qualifications you’ll need to work in Kentucky below.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Pharmacy techs must be at least 16 years of age to work in Kentucky. They should register with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of beginning work and must display their registration in their workplace upon receipt.
Students enrolled in approved training programs do not need to register to complete the clinical component of their program. While a high school degree or GED is not required, employers may stipulate this as a qualification at their discretion.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN KENTUCKY
Prospective pharmacy techs may be trained by a licensed pharmacist or through formal pharmacy technician programs. These are generally available at community colleges and pharmacy technician schools across the state, and most require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Before enrolling, ensure that the pharmacy technician programs you have chosen have approval from the state Board.
The following pharmacy technician schools in Kentucky are among those that offer pharmacy technician programs:
Jefferson Community College
The Community College’s pharmacy tech program confers a diploma and two certificates upon completion. Courses prepare students to take the national certification exam and work in hospitals or other pharmacy environments.
Ross Medical Education Center
Students at Ross complete a 36-week program that includes six weeks of externships, allowing them to practice real-world applications of their skills. The course is divided into six modules, which cover pharmacy operations, calculations, ethics, terminology, compounding, and more.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Kentucky requires that pharmacy technicians register with the state Board and renew their licenses each year to continue working.
National certification is not required to begin working as a pharmacy technician in Kentucky. However, earning the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician will also qualify you for higher-paying jobs in the future. 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.
You must meet continuing education requirements and renew this certification every two years to remain in good standing with the national board.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS
The Projections Managing Partnership estimates that jobs for pharmacy technicians will grow at an average national rate of 12 percent during the 10 years to 2026. In Kentucky, pharmacy technicians are expected to enjoy a job growth rate of 17.2 percent during the same period.
Average annual salaries in the state, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, are $30,140, with average hourly salaries at about $14.49 per hour.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN KENTUCKY
Once you receive your certification, you will be able to work in independent or chain drugstores, hospital pharmacies, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Many of these employers are open late and on weekends, so you should expect to work at night and on the weekends as part of your normal schedule. Part-time and full-time roles may be available at any of them. Also, you should be comfortable standing for long periods and occasionally moving heavy boxes of inventory.
Higher-paying pharmacy tech jobs are typically located in larger cities, such as Louisville and Lexington, where salaries match the higher cost of living. However, pharmacy technicians can find work anywhere in the state.
WELL-KNOWN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
The Ashland Community and Technical College are worth checking out. They have a Certificate program that can be completed in one year or two years for their Associate program.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Kentucky?
- Jefferson Community and Technical College, Louisville
- Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Lexington
- American National University, Lexington
- Hussian College-Daymar College, Bowling Green
- Hopkinsville Community College, Hopkinsville
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Kentucky?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Kentucky?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Kentucky made an average of $29,270 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $20,400 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $39,730.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Kentucky may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia, and Illinois.