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
| Programme | City | PTCB credential | ASHP accredited | Federal programme data | Programme hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | Lexington | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| JCTC Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician | Louisville | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College | Owensboro | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Ross Medical Education Center – Bowling Green | Bowling Green | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Sullivan University | Louisville | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 552 total, 200 Contact Hours experiential |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah | CPhT | No | 13 graduates in 2023–24 | Not published |
| Big Sandy Community & Technical College | Prestonsburg | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Hazard Community and Technical College | Hazard | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | Maysville | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | CPhT | No | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| American National University – Louisville | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center Pharmacy Tech | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Central Kentucky Career Academy – Taylor County | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Clark County Public Schools – Clark County Area Technology Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Franklin Simpson High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| HILL- Hub for Innovative Learning and Leadership | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Hazard High School | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Health Career Training Institute | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| KCTCS – Somerset Community College | Not published | CPhT, CSPT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Magoffin County High School Career and Technical Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Meade County Area Technology Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Muhlenberg Job Corps Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| North Central KY AHEC Pharmacy Pipeline Program | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| School in Breckinridge County Area Technology Center – Bridget Education | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| St Elizabeth Healthcare – Pharmacy Technician Academy | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Sullivan University – Lexington | Louisville | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 552 total, 200 Contact Hours experiential |
| Sullivan University – Pharmacy Technician Immunization Administration Training | Louisville | Immunization Administration Certificate | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 552 total, 200 Contact Hours experiential |
| The Medical Institute of Kentucky | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| UKHealthCare | Not published | Immunization Administration Certificate | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| University of Kentucky HealthCare CSPT Prep Course | Not published | CSPT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| University of Kentucky Pharmacy Technician Academy | Lexington | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Warren County Area Technology Center | Not published | CPhT | No | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
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.
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
Pharmacy technician employment in Kentucky is projected to grow 2% between 2024 and 2034, from about 9,990 jobs to 10,220 (Projections Central state projections). That is roughly 940 openings a year, a figure that counts people leaving the occupation as well as new posts, so it is the better guide to how often jobs come up.
Nationally the occupation is projected to grow 6.4% over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), so Kentucky is growing more slowly than the country as a whole.
The median pharmacy technician in Kentucky earns $39,200 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn between $36,330 and $46,470; the lowest tenth earn under $31,760 and the top tenth above $52,640. Kentucky employs about 8,870 pharmacy technicians.
What that is worth where you live. Prices in Kentucky run at 90.2% of the national average (2024, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities), so $39,200 here buys what $43,479 would buy in an average-cost part of the country. Measured that way Kentucky ranks 42 of 51 states for pharmacy technician pay, better than its headline wage suggests because living costs are below average.
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?
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Pharmacy Technician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bluegrass Community and Technical CollegeLexington, KY(859) 246-6200500 Newtown PikeAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,8082024-25 | $4,265 to $10,886by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Jefferson Community and Technical CollegeLouisville, KY(502) 213-2200109 East BroadwayAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,8082024-25 | $5,197 to $12,015by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Owensboro Community and Technical CollegeOwensboro, KY(270) 686-44004800 New Hartford RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,7282024-25 | $3,005 to $9,948by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Somerset Community CollegeSomerset, KY(877) 629-9722808 Monticello StreetAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,7282024-25 | $3,145 to $10,189by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Sullivan UniversityLouisville, KY(502) 456-65043101 Bardstown RdAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Private for-profit | $14,2202023-24 | $24,711 to $31,100by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
West Kentucky Community and Technical CollegePaducah, KY(270) 554-92004810 Alben Barkley DriveAccredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
Public | $4,7282024-25 | $4,091 to $10,930by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Kentucky may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia, Indiana, Missouri, West Virginia, and Illinois.