BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MINNESOTA

Becoming a pharmacy technician could be a great option if you’re interested in joining the healthcare field without committing to years of medical school.

Pharmacy technicians are:

• Vital members of the healthcare system.
• Assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications.
• Managing inventories.
• Completing administrative tasks. [Leer en español]

The demand for skilled pharmacy technicians in Minnesota is steady, and the state has specific education and certification requirements to ensure that technicians are well-prepared for the job.
This guide outlines how to become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, including essential training programs and salary expectations so that you can make an informed decision about your future.

Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician School in Minnesota

Pharmacy technician programmes in Minnesota: what each one is recognised or accredited by, and whether federal data records graduates. PTCB directory retrieved 13 October 2026; completions are IPEDS 2023–24 under CIP 51.0805. A programme can be genuine and show no completions if it is non-credit, which federal reporting does not cover.

Programme	City	PTCB credential	ASHP accredited	Federal programme data	Programme hours
Minneapolis College	Minneapolis	CPhT	No	Listed in federal programme data	Not published
Minnesota State Community and Technical College	Fergus Falls	CSPT	No	Listed in federal programme data	Not published
Minnesota West Community and Technical College	Granite Falls	CPhT	No	Listed in federal programme data	Not published
Northland Community and Technical College	Thief River Falls	CPhT	Yes	Listed in federal programme data	288/6 experiential
Saint Paul College	Saint Paul	CPhT, CSPT	Yes	Listed in federal programme data	170/3 experiential
South Central College -North Mankato,	Mankato	CPhT	No	Listed in federal programme data	Not published
Dakota County Technical College	Rosemount	CPhT	No	Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting)	Not published
Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical	Winona	CPhT	No	Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting)	Not published
Normandale Community College	Minneapolis	CPhT	No	Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting)	Not published
St. Cloud Technical & Community College	Saint Cloud	CPhT	No	Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting)	Not published
Allina Health	Not published	CPhT	No	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
Excel Education Systems DBA Washington Technical Institute	Not published	CPhT	No	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
Fairview Pharmacy Services	Not published	CPhT	No	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
Hibbing Community College	Not published	CSPT	No	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
Mayo Clinic – Department of Pharmacy	Rochester	CPhT	Yes	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences	Rochester	CPhT, CSPT	Yes	Not matched to a federal institution record	602 total, 256 experiential
Thrifty White Pharmacy – Technician Training Program	Plymouth	CPhT	Yes	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published
University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy	Not published	Immunization Administration Certificate	No	Not matched to a federal institution record	Not published

Selecting a quality pharmacy technician program ensures you meet Minnesota’s licensure requirements and are prepared for the job. Pharmacy technician schools in Minnesota offer various program lengths and certifications, from certificates to associate degrees. These programs typically cover essential topics such as pharmacy law, ethics, drug classifications, and hands-on externships.

Here are a few highly regarded pharmacy technician schools in Minnesota:

• Hennepin Technical College offers a comprehensive 34-credit program leading to an associate’s degree. It includes coursework in pharmacy practice and ethics and two externship opportunities.
• Hibbing Community College – Provides a two-year associate’s degree with a well-rounded curriculum that includes psychology, computer literacy, and communication skills alongside pharmacy-specific courses.
• Rasmussen College – Features a nine-month certificate program that offers flexible learning options with online or in-person practicums. Students can also transfer credits toward an associate’s degree.

Select a Minnesota Board of Pharmacy-approved program to ensure eligibility for certification and licensure.

Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

In Minnesota, pharmacy technician licenses must be renewed annually, but national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is optional. However, earning your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation can enhance career opportunities. National certification can increase responsibilities, higher-paying positions, and professional growth.

To become certified, you must:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
• Pay a $129 certification fee

Once certified, you must renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses.

What are the requirements for Becoming a pharmacy technician in Minnesota?

To begin your career as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
• Complete an approved pharmacy technician training program from a technical or vocational school or an employer-based program.

Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Minnesota

The median pharmacy technician in Minnesota earns $48,300 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn between $43,490 and $54,440; the lowest tenth earn under $38,110 and the top tenth above $62,080. Minnesota employs about 7,340 pharmacy technicians.

What that is worth where you live. Prices in Minnesota run at 98.6% of the national average (2024, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities), so $48,300 here buys what $48,975 would buy in an average-cost part of the country. Measured that way Minnesota ranks 13 of 51 states for pharmacy technician pay, better than its headline wage suggests because living costs are below average.

Pharmacy technician employment in Minnesota is projected to grow 8% between 2024 and 2034, from about 7,050 jobs to 7,610 (Projections Central state projections). That is roughly 720 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 Minnesota is growing faster than the country as a whole.

If you pursue national certification, your salary potential could be higher, and your job prospects may improve, as certified pharmacy technicians are often considered for roles with greater responsibilities.

Career Opportunities and Work Environment

Pharmacy technicians in Minnesota can work in diverse healthcare environments, such as:

• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Chain drugstores
• Independent pharmacies
• Clinics

Due to the increased demand in urban settings, pharmacy technicians may find more job opportunities and higher salaries in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, positions are available throughout the state, ensuring that rural areas are well-staffed.

Work schedules may include nights, weekends, and holidays, especially in 24-hour healthcare facilities. The job typically requires technicians to stand for long periods and handle medications and equipment.

FAQS

1. What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Minnesota?

Here are some top pharmacy technician programs 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

2. How do you become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota?

To become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
• Complete an on-the-job training program or attend an approved vocational training program

3. How much do pharmacy technicians make in Minnesota?

College Listings

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

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