BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MINNESOTA

Working as a pharmacy technician may be right for you if you’re interested in the healthcare industry but want to avoid long years of medical school.

As a pharmacy technician, you will support a licensed pharmacist by dispensing and sometimes mixing prescriptions, managing inventory, and assisting with administrative tasks. Every state has its own licensing and education requirements, and this guide will give you an overview of Minnesota’s rules. [Leer en español]

PRELIMINARY QUALIFICATIONS

Aspiring pharmacy technicians in Minnesota must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. They must also register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy and complete an approved training program, such as a technical or vocational school course or a qualifying employer-based program.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAMS

Pharmacy technician programs can last anywhere from around six months to two years, depending on whether you are receiving a certificate or an associate’s degree. Technical schools and community colleges throughout the state offer relevant courses. Be sure to search pharmacy technician programs that are Board-approved to ensure that you’ll qualify to take any licensing exams. You may want to consider the following schools:

Hennepin Technical College

Hennepin’s pharmacy technician program consists of 34 credits and results in an associate’s degree. Courses include law and ethics, terminology, pharmacy practice, and chemistry in addition to two externships.

Hibbing Community College

Hibbing Community College’s associate’s degree program takes two years to complete and includes psychology, computer, and communication courses in addition to pharmacy-specific courses.

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen offers a nine-month certificate program that includes a virtual or on-location practicum to let students use their knowledge in real-world settings. Students can complete the program online or on campus and transfer their credits to an associate’s degree program if desired.

Penn Foster Career School

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

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CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

Pharmacy technician licensure in Minnesota expires each year. As a licensed pharmacy technician, to renew your license, you must complete an employer-based, 480-hour training program or successfully completion of a Board-approved training program. While national certification is not required, obtaining your Certified Pharmacy Technician designation can be beneficial to your career.

National certification allows you to take on additional work responsibilities and may qualify you for higher-paying jobs in the field.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD

You must have a high school diploma or GED, register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and pay a fee of $129 to receive your certification.

To keep it current, pharmacy technicians must renew their certification every two years and complete approved technician continuing education requirements.

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CAREER GROWTH AND SALARY ESTIMATES

Jobs for pharmacy technicians in Minnesota are expected to grow by 10.2 percent in the 10 years to 2026, according to the Projections Managing Partnership. This is slightly lower than the national growth rate for this field of 12 percent during the same period.

Salaries for pharmacy technicians in Minnesota typically average $37,670 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though Certified Pharmacy Technicians typically receive higher compensation.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MINNESOTA

Depending on your professional interests, you can work in a hospital, nursing home, chain, independent drugstore, or clinic, among other healthcare facility options. Note that because many of these places are open late at night and on weekends, you may be asked to maintain a nontraditional schedule.

Pharmacy technicians must typically be comfortable standing for long periods and moving equipment and inventory as well.

Minnesota, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other large cities typically have the highest concentration of pharmacy technician jobs available, and these jobs offer higher salaries to compensate for the cost of living in an urban area. If you would prefer to work elsewhere, most communities will have relevant jobs available.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Minnesota?

Saint Paul College, St. Paul
Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis
Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester
Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Granite Falls
South Central College, North Mankato

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota?

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Apply for registration as a Pharmacy Technician
Complete an on-the-job program that includes at least 240 hours of theoretical and practical instruction within the first 18 months of receiving your license, or
Complete an approved vocational training program

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Minnesota?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Minnesota made an average of $37,670 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $26,170 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $51,020.

ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Area

Hennepin Technical College

9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Hennepin Technical College can be taken at their campus in Brooklyn Park in Hennepin County, Minnesota. This public college has in the order of 6,402 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $4,998 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $2,000, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in August/January.

Class scheduling: Part-time, evening.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma or GED

General Location Training Sites: Mpls/St. Paul Metro Area. Academic award: Diploma.

They say: We can provide students with financial aid and assistance with registration. We have a state-of-the-art computer system with pharmacy-specific software, that students work with within our laboratory.

Duluth, MN-WI Area

Hibbing Community College

1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, Minnesota 55746

Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Hibbing Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Hibbing. The college has roughly 1,376 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

Hibbing Community College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the programs are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is around $5,293 and for out-of-state students in the order of $6,475 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $900, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The staff of the program includes 2 pharmacists. The school offers starting dates at the end of August.

Class scheduling: full-time, part-time, daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED equivalent, admissions/placement testing in reading and math.

General Location Training Sites: mainly northern Minnesota, limited availability elsewhere in the state.. Academic award: A.A.S. (2 years) or Diploma (1 year). They say New lab facility, outpatient and inpatient skill development, prescription processing software, designed to prepare students to take the national certification examination financial aid available, assistance with state registration, and experiential sites available in and out of the area.

Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Area

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537-1000

Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Minnesota State Community and Technical College offer multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Fergus Falls, MN. The college has around 6,464 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. Minnesota State Community and Technical College have institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $5,338 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,960, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: full-time, part-time, daytime classes.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency. Academic award: A.A.S. (2 years) Diploma (1 year).

They say A newly remodeled lab with a state-of-the-art computer system, unit dosing, narcotic area, i.v. laminar-flow hoods, outpatient (retail) pharmacy, compounding area, and full inventory. The program is designed to prepare the student to pass the certification exam and have a large amount of practical experience.

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Area

National American University-Bloomington

7801 Metro Parkway, Suite 200, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425-5550

Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at National American University is based at their Bloomington campus in the city of Bloomington, MN. The college has an order of 509 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $12,891 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,350, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 5 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in September, December, March, and June. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time, Part-time, Day or Evening classes.

Acceptance Requirements: Application, H.S. diploma or GED equivalency documentation, placement testing, and interview. National American University requires all non-native English-speaking students to demonstrate sufficient command of the English language necessary to succeed in college-level classes taught in English, (see the undergraduate catalog at www.national.edu).

General Location Training Sites: Metro and surrounding area, Rochester area. Academic award: Associate of Applied Science? Pharmacy Technician.

They say Hands-on skill development, tutors, assistance with financial aid, job placement, certification exam preparation/scheduling, and state registration. The program will: engage students in proficiency-based, core competencies that integrate the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of a pharmacy technician; prepare students to collaborate with healthcare professionals to meet the needs of consumers in a multicultural society; individualize student clinical experiences in retail, compounding, hospital, institutional, and home care pharmacy settings; encourage active participation in professional organizations, and measure key student outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement and changes.

National American University-Brooklyn Center

6200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 130, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430-4100

Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

National American University’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Brooklyn Center campus in Brooklyn Center in Hennepin County. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 756 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. National American University-Brooklyn Center has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are generally around $12,891 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,350, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. Staff on the program includes 5 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in September, December, March, and June. You will be required to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time, Part-time, Day or Evening classes.

General Location Training Sites: Metro and surrounding area, Rochester area. Academic award: Associate of Applied Science? Pharmacy Technician.

National American University-Burnsville

513 West Travelers Trail, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337-2548

Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at National American University is based at their Burnsville campus in Burnsville in Dakota County, Minnesota. The majority of the school’s 161 students are in 4-year programs. National American University-Burnsville is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $12,891 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,350, although this will depend on the program.

National American University-Roseville

1550 West Highway 36, Roseville, Minnesota 55113-4035

Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at National American University can be taken at their Roseville campus in Roseville in Ramsey County. The college has around 371 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. National American University-Roseville has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $12,891 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,350, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 5 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in September, December, March, and June. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time, Part-time, Day or Evening classes.

General Location Training Sites: Metro and surrounding area, Rochester area. Academic award: Associate of Applied Science? Pharmacy Technician.

Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area Area

Northland Community and Technical College

1101 Hwy One East, Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701

Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Northland Community and Technical College offer multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Thief River Falls, MN. The college has roughly 3,792 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Northland Community and Technical College have institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $5,517 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,000, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers start dates in August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: full-time, part-time, daytime classes.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency. Academic award: Associate degree (2 years) Diploma (1 year).

They say A newly remodeled lab with a state-of-art computer system, unit dosing, narcotic area, i.v. laminar-flow hoods, outpatient (retail) pharmacy, compounding area, and full inventory. The program is designed to prepare the student to pass the certification exam and have a large amount of practical experience.

St. Cloud, MN Area

Rasmussen College-Minnesota

226 Park Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-3713

Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Rasmussen College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Minnesota campus in the city of St. Cloud, MN. The majority of the school’s 5,485 students are in 4-year programs. Rasmussen College-Minnesota has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Tuition fees are around $10,764 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,350, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Area

Saint Paul College

235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102

Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Saint Paul. The majority of the school’s 6,600 students are on 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program has AHSP candidate status. The program staff includes 2 technicians. The school offers start dates in the Fall semester of each year.

Class scheduling: Daytime classes – full-time or part-time.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma or GED, admissions testing, transcripts, pre-requisite coursework.

General Location Training Sites: Twin Cities metro.

They say Hands-on skill development, State of an Art pharmacy lab on-campus, a strong internship program, financial aid, job placement services, preparation for the certification exam, field trips, tutoring services, and computer experience.

Mankato-North Mankato, MN Area

South Central College

1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, Minnesota 56003-1920

Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at South Central College is based at their campus in the city of North Mankato, Minnesota. This public college has in a region of 3,410 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. South Central College has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are around $5,370 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,250, although this will depend on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 2 technicians. The school offers start dates in the fall and spring semesters.

Acceptance Requirements: Accuplacer exam, H.S. diploma, or GED per MnSCU policies

General Location Training Sites: Southern Minnesota. Academic award: A.A.S.

They say: New pharmacy lab for lab activities and compounding; online and hybrid courses available, 2 unique internship experiences- hospital and retail, non-technical courses help support pharmacy courses, modern equipment

* 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 Minnesota may also wish to review their options in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.