BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN LOUISIANA

If you pay attention to detail and like working at a job where you can help other people, then a career as a pharmacy technician may suit you. Some tasks that pharmacy techs do include printing prescription labels, counting pills, measuring and mixing medication, dispensing prescriptions, and performing administrative work under the supervision of a pharmacist. [Leer en español]

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN LOUISIANA

Louisiana is a little more complicated in its requirements to become a pharmacy technician than other states. Most states require licensure through registration, and some don’t even need that. Certification and training are usually optional.

However, in Louisiana, you must first register as a pharmacy technician candidate. While you are a pharmacy technician candidate, you can work in a pharmacy and perform some tasks while you are training to become a pharmacy technician. The candidate registration expires after two years. Once you have completed all the training requirements, you can apply to become a pharmacy technician.

The requirements are as follows:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Apply and pay the $25 application fee

• Provide proof of your enrollment in an accredited pharmacy technician training program that has been approved by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy

• Complete a criminal background check

• Take and pass either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the Examination for Certification as Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) offered by the National Health career Association (NHA).

After you have completed these requirements, you can apply for your pharmacy technician certificate in the state of Louisiana. The application fee for this is currently $100. This certificate must be renewed annually before June 30th of each year. The renewal fee is $50, and 10 hours of continued education must be completed before renewal as well.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN LOUISIANA

In most states, training is optional, but it is mandatory in Louisiana. If you want to earn your pharmacy tech certificate in the state, you must attend any of the pharmacy technician schools in Louisiana which the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has accredited. There are more than half a dozen accredited pharmacy technician programs in the state, including the following:

Ayers Career College

This program consists of 49 credit hours that can be taken in 36 weeks (less than one year). Classes meet Monday through Thursday during the day. Students will get instruction in a classroom setting as well as hands-on training in mock clinics. An externship is also included. Students completing the program will receive a diploma and be prepared to take the PTCE.

Delgado Community College

The program at Delgado is a 12-month curriculum, and students receive both classroom and clinical instruction. Students will learn by using PioneerRx Software, so they can simulate working in an actual pharmacy. Students will be prepared to take the PTCE when they have completed this program.

Nursing Assistant Network Association

Located in New Orleans, this school offers a program that can be completed in seven and a half months. Students receive a general overview of pharmacology and learn the skills needed to work in a pharmacy setting. Classes can be taken Monday through Thursday, and day and evening classes are available. Students will be able to sit for the PTCE and to work as entry-level pharmacy techs once they have completed the program.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

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CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS

Currently, pharmacy technician jobs are increasing at a national average rate of 12 percent. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, the job market is expected to increase by almost 14 percent in the state of Louisiana between 2016 and 2026.

Louisiana pharmacy techs are also well-paid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that pharmacy techs in the Creole State make an average salary of $32,700 annually or $15.72 hourly. The highest-paid earners in the state can make as much as $44,201 per year.

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WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN LOUISIANA

Pharmacy technicians can work in almost any healthcare setting, including independent and chain pharmacies, hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes. Pharmacy technicians usually work full-time, but some work part-time.

Most pharmacies are open on the weekends, and some are even open 24 hours; therefore, some pharmacy techs might work on nights and weekends. If you are interested in working as a pharmacy technician, then you should also be prepared to stand for several hours and lift heavy loads.

Jobs are available throughout the state, but you are most likely to find work in some of the bigger cities such as Baton Rouge, Covington, Lafayette, Metairie, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Slidell. The highest-paying cities in the state include Baton Rouge, Covington, and Hammond.

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LOUISIANA UNIVERSITIES AND PHARM TECH PROGRAMS

The Louisiana University

The Louisiana State University (LSU-Alexandria) has a Certificate program for Pharmacy Technology with a 41-credit-hour curriculum designed to provide for the development of skills and knowledge to function as a pharmacy technician.

The Unitech Training Academy

The Unitech Training Academy offers a Pharmacy Training Preparedness program at all of their Alexandria, Lake Charles, West Monroe, Lafayette, and other campuses.

The Northshore Technical Community College

the Northshore Technical Community College has a pharm tech Certificate program in Bogalusa that enables students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) that is administered by the Board.

Delgado Community College-New Orleans

Delgado Community College-New Orleans also offers a Certificate program worth looking into. This program is a 12-month curriculum, and students receive both classroom and clinical instruction. Students will learn by using PioneerRx Software, so they can simulate working in an actual pharmacy. Students will be prepared to take the PTCE when they have completed this program.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Louisiana?

Delgado Community College, New Orleans
Northshore Technical Community College, Lacombe
Fortis College, Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Community College, Baton Rouge
Bossier Parish Community College, Bossier City
Remington College, Shreveport

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana?

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal record check
Complete 600 hours of practical experience with a licensed pharmacist
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Louisiana?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Louisiana made an average of $32,700 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $23,220 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $44,210.

ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Area

Ayers Career College

8820 Jewella Ave, Shreveport, Louisiana 71118Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at this College is based at their campus in the city of Shreveport, Louisiana. The college has about 267 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The Pharmacy Technician program, with a program length of 36 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. Ayers Career College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are generally around $14,475 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $925, although this varies from program to program. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Bossier Parish Community College

6220 East Texas, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111-6922Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

This College offers multiple pharmacy technician training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in the city of Bossier City, Louisiana. Most of the school’s 8,464 students are on 2-year programs. Bossier Parish Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the programs are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $3,292 and for students from outside the state in the order of $6,841 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers starting dates in August and January.

Class scheduling: Full-time.

Acceptance Requirements: High School diploma or GED equivalency, 18 years old, WorkKeys, academic rating forms, transcript, interview, and typing proficiency.

General Location Training Sites: In the greater Shreveport/Bossier City area. Academic award: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology: course work includes that for the certificate program plus: 270 contact hours/6 credits in English and 135 contact hours/3 credits each in humanities electives, psychology, college algebra, and specific science electives.

They say: Our program is aimed at preparing our graduates to pass the PTCB examination and work in today’s market successfully. We provide the 600 hours needed for state licensure in controlled, intense learning environments. In addition to the experiential training sites in community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies, sites in long-term care (2) and mental health facilities (1) are available.

We also offer a program called Technical Competency Area in Pharmacy Technician: didactic hours are 405 contact/9 credits and laboratory is 90 contact/2 credits available to technicians who have a permit and want to return to college and complete the pharmacy technician clinical didactic portion of the program. We moved into a new facility in January 2005 with updated labs and classrooms. Financial aid is available to qualified students.

Alexandria, LA Area

Central Louisiana Technical Community College

4311 South MacArthur Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302-3137Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers various Certificate program options. All pharmacy technician programs are based at their campus in the city of Alexandria.

The majority of the school’s 2,242 students are on 2-year programs. Central Louisiana Technical Community College is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $1,447 and for students from outside the state in the order of $2,646 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program.

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Area

Delgado Community College

615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Delgado Community College is based at their campus in the city of New Orleans, LA. The college has roughly 18,698 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs.

Delgado Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $3,302 and for out-of-state students approximately $6,993 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,200, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited.

The program faculty includes 2 technicians, 2 lab/clerical support, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in Fall, Spring, and Summer. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time, Daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: HS diploma or GED, admissions testing, transcript evaluation, completion of prerequisites, 2.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, completion of program application, interview.

General Location Training Sites: Metro New Orleans area. Academic award: Certificate of Technical Studies.

They say: The Delgado Community College Pharmacy Technician Program offers: financial aid, Pharmacy software experience, Internet and database drug information, sterile products training using a laminar flow hood, and lab experience including retail dispensing, long-term care dispensing, unit dosing, cash handling, compounding, cart-filling, and processing physician orders.

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Area

Healthcare Training Institute

322 Williams Boulevard, Kenner, Louisiana 70062-7630Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Healthcare Training Institute is based at their campus in Kenner in Jefferson County.

The majority of the school’s 31 students are on short programs of under two years. Healthcare Training Institute has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are broadly in the order of $16,350 yearly, while study materials may cost about $150. Usually, the program is completed in 18 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Lafayette, LA Area

Infinity College

117 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70501Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Lafayette. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program has AHSP candidate status.

Alexandria, LA Area

Louisiana State University-Alexandria

8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302-9121Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Louisiana State University’s Certificate-level program is taught at its Alexandria campus in Alexandria in Rapides County. Of the 2,229 students, about 1% are postgraduates. Louisiana State University-Alexandria has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are around $5,337 and for out-of-state students likely to be about $9,982 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,200, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers start dates in August.

Class scheduling: Full-Time.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED Equivalency; GPA 2.0 or higher.

General Location Training Sites: Central Louisiana. Academic award: Certificate in Pharmacy Technician.

They say State-of-the-art lab, with six (6) practicing stations capable of both retail and hospital practice. Computers at each station are equipped with hospital software for training purposes. Both an I.V. laminar flow hood and I.V. admixtures bags are available for hands-on sterile product training. Equipment available for compounding, unit dose packaging, and hospital and nursing home care fills are also available for training students. Also, each student will be given the opportunity for a university-based review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Hammond nonmetropolitan area Area

Northshore Technical Community College

1710 Sullivan Dr, Bogalusa, Louisiana 70427Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Northshore Technical Community College’s Certificate program is based at their campus in Bogalusa in Washington County. The majority of the school’s 3,151 students are on 2-year programs. Northshore Technical Community College has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for students living in the state is roughly $3,266 and for students from other states around $6,578 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $1,200, depending on the program chosen. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Baton Rouge, LA Area

Remington College-Baton Rouge Campus

10551 Coursey Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Remington College can be taken at their Baton Rouge Campus campus in the city of Baton Rouge. Most of the school’s 300 students are on 2-year programs. Remington College-Baton Rouge Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are about $15,995 for each academic year. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Lafayette, LA Area

Remington College-Lafayette Campus

303 Rue Louis XIV, Lafayette, Louisiana 70508Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Remington College is based at their Lafayette Campus campus in the city of Lafayette. Most of the school’s 326 students are in 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $15,995 per year. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Shreveport-Bossier City, LA Area

Remington College-Shreveport

2106 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71118Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Shreveport. Most of the school’s 291 students are in 4-year programs. Remington College-Shreveport has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are about $15,995 for each academic year. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Alexandria, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-Alexandria

7228 England Drive, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Unitech Training Academy is based at their Alexandria campus in Alexandria in Rapides County, LA. Most of the school’s 78 students are on short programs of under two years. Unitech Training Academy-Alexandria has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $16,250 yearly, while study materials may cost about $750. Usually, the program is completed in 6 months. This program has AHSP candidate status. The program faculty includes a technician and 4 lab/clerical support. There are starting dates every Monday. You will be required to attend an interview.

Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalency

General Location Training Sites: Alexandria, Louisiana, and within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma.

They say: All students receive one week of orientation where they obtain first aid and CPR certification. Students learn hands-on skills and computer experience specifically through Visual Scripts software. Does our school offer financial aid and does our career services coordinator assist with r? the sum? building, job interviewing, and job placement. Our students are assisted with their state registration and take a review course that helps further their skills and knowledge to prepare for their certification. We also keep up with graduates to assist with their state licensure.

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-Houma

1227 Grand Calliou Road, Houma, Louisiana 70363Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Unitech Training Academy is taught at their Houma campus in the city of Houma, Louisiana. Most of the school’s 70 students are on short programs of under two years. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $16,250 yearly, while study materials may cost about $750. Usually, the program is completed in 12 months. This program has AHSP candidate status. The program staff includes a technician and 4 lab/clerical support. There are starting dates every Monday. You will be required to attend an interview.

Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalency

General Location Training Sites: Houma, Louisiana, and within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma.

Lafayette, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-Lafayette

3605 Ambassador Caffery, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Unitech Training Academy is based at their Lafayette campus in the city of Lafayette. This private, for-profit college has around 129 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. Unitech Training Academy-Lafayette has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is usually about $16,250 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $750. Typically, the program is completed in 12 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Lake Charles, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-Lake Charles

2827 4th Avenue, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601-7887Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Unitech Training Academy is taught at their Lake Charles campus in the city of Lake Charles, LA. Most of the school’s 92 students are on short programs of under two years. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is usually about $16,250 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $750. Typically, the program is completed in 12 months. This program has AHSP candidate status. The program faculty includes a technician and 4 lab/clerical support. There are starting dates every Monday.

Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalency

General Location Training Sites: Lake Charles, Louisiana, and within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma.

New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-Metairie

6660 Riverside Drive, Metairie, LA 70003Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Metairie. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program has AHSP candidate status. The program staff includes a technician and 4 lab/clerical support. There are starting dates every Monday. An interview is required.

Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalency

General Location Training Sites: Metairie, Louisiana, and within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma.

Monroe, LA Area

Unitech Training Academy-West Monroe

111 Crosley Street Suite 4, West Monroe, Louisiana 71291Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Unitech Training Academy’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their West Monroe campus in West Monroe in Ouachita County, Louisiana. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 111 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. Unitech Training Academy-West Monroe has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are about $16,250 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $750. Usually, the program is completed in 12 months. This program has AHSP candidate status. Staff on the program includes a technician and 4 lab/clerical support. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalency

General Location Training Sites: West Monroe, Louisiana, and within a 50-mile radius. Academic award: Diploma.

* 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 Louisiana may also wish to review their options in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.