How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In Massachusetts

Find the Right Schools and Training Programs

If you are considering a career as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts, you may wonder about the requirements, job prospects, and where to find the proper training. [Leer en español]

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including specific data for Massachusetts, such as salary expectations, employment growth, and the best pharmacy technician schools in the state. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance in this field, this article provides a clear and detailed overview tailored to your needs.

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Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, pharmacy technicians must meet specific requirements set by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. These include:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having a high school diploma or GED (or being enrolled in a program to obtain one)
  • Completing a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program or gaining 500 hours of experience as a pharmacy tech trainee
  • Having no drug-related felony convictions

After completing these requirements, you can take a certification exam to become licensed. Massachusetts recognizes the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) exam.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN MASSACHUSETTS

To become a pharmacy tech in Massachusetts, you must have passed either a Board-approved examination offered by an employer or a Massachusetts Board-approved exam that will include either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) national certification exam or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Several pharmacy technician schools in Massachusetts offer training programs to help you meet the state’s licensing requirements. Here are some notable options:

  • Health Care Training Services (Fall River): Offers a 42-hour course that prepares students for roles in retail and institutional pharmacies.
  • Bunker Hill Community College (Boston) offers a 16-credit program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting.
  • Massasoit Community College (Brockton/Canton): Features a 120-hour certificate program covering pharmacy operations fundamentals.

These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed as pharmacy technicians.

Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a great place to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician, with strong employment growth and competitive wages.

  • Average salary: Pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $45,220.
  • Salary range: The lowest 10% of workers earn $36,280 or less, while the top 10% earn $64,210 or more.
  • Job growth: Employment for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts is projected to grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the national average for all occupations. This is largely due to an increasing demand for prescription medications and healthcare services.
  • Employment opportunities: In 2020, 8,690 pharmacy technicians were employed in the state. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 10,110, with an estimated 800 annual job openings due to growth and turnover.

For more details on salary data in Massachusetts, check out this wage data. For employment trends, see this employment trends data.

Finding Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts

Pharmacy technicians have the flexibility to work in a wide range of settings, including:

  • Retail pharmacies (such as CVS, Walgreens, and other chains)
  • Hospitals and healthcare institutions
  • Long-term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted living centers)
  • Compounding pharmacies
  • Mail-order or online pharmacies

Major metropolitan areas like Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and Cambridge offer the highest concentrations of job opportunities. However, the growing demand for healthcare services ensures that even rural areas of Massachusetts need qualified pharmacy technicians.

FAQS

What are the top pharmacy technician schools in Massachusetts?

Some top schools include Quinsigamond Community College, Bristol Community College, and online programs like Penn Foster Career School.

How do I become a licensed pharmacy technician in Massachusetts?

You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, complete a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program, and pass a criminal background check. After that, you must pass a certification exam (PTCB or ExCPT).

How much can I expect to earn as a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts?

The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts is $45,220. Depending on your experience, you could earn anywhere from $36,280 to $64,210 or more annually.

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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of Massachusetts may also wish to review their options in Rhode IslandConnecticutNew YorkNew Hampshire, and Vermont.