BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MISSOURI
If you’re a detail-oriented person who would enjoy a career in healthcare but not all the years of school that come with many opportunities in that field, you may find the role of pharmacy tech appealing. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for dispensing prescriptions, managing inventory, preparing certain types of medication, and completing administrative work. Each state enforces different licensing and employment requirements. The following information applies to pharmacy technician jobs in Missouri. [Leer en español]
PHARMACY TECH PREREQUISITES
Pharmacy techs must register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy and undergo a criminal background check to begin working in the state.
They must also be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma and formal certification are not necessary, though many employers may prefer to hire applicants who demonstrate additional expertise through educational programs.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN MISSOURI
Aspiring pharmacy technicians can attend formal pharmacy technician programs at community colleges and technical schools throughout the state. Be sure the program you select is approved by the state Board to ensure you will qualify for licensing exams after completion. The following pharmacy technician schools offer relevant pharmacy technician programs:
Crowder College
Crowder’s certificate program includes instruction in pharmacy techniques and concepts in addition to a course in business computing. Students also complete an internship and take a national exam as part of the program.
Midwest Institute
St. Louis’s Midwest Institute offers a hybrid program that allows students to view lectures online and come to campus only for lab projects. This pharmacy technician program takes less than one year to complete.
North Central Missouri College
At North Central, students can select a certificate or associate’s degree program. The certificate program can be completed in one semester and does not include an internship option, while the associate’s degree program offers experiential learning and takes two years.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
MISSOURI LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Registration with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board must be renewed each year before May 31. While there are no additional education or certification requirements to work as a pharmacy technician in Missouri, many technicians choose to further their education by receiving their Certified Pharmacy Technician designation.
Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician by taking a national licensing exam allows you to take on more responsibilities at work and may qualify you for higher-paying jobs. To receive your certification, you must have a high school diploma or GED and register with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
You can then take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which requires a testing fee of $129. After receiving your certification, you will be asked to complete continuing education requirements every two years to keep your license current.
SALARY AND CAREER ESTIMATES
The Projections Managing Partnership predicts that the number of jobs for pharmacy technicians in Missouri will grow by 4 percent in the 10 years to 2030, slightly lower than the national average of 5 percent for this career field during the same period.
Pharmacy technicians in Missouri can expect to make an average annual salary of $32,050, according to estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN MISSOURI
As a pharmacy technician, you can find work in hospitals, chains, independent drugstores, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. Many of these locations are open late at night and on weekends, so expect a somewhat nontraditional schedule. Full-time jobs are more common, but part-time work is also available. You may be asked to stand for long periods or move heavy boxes at times.
Pharmacy tech jobs are generally easiest to find in larger cities, such as St. Louis and Jefferson City. These jobs offer higher salaries to compensate for the cost of urban living. However, work can be found throughout the state.
UNIVERSITIES AND PHARM TECH COLLEGES IN MISSOURI
North Central Missouri College (NCMC) offers a Certificate program with a curriculum that includes 3 credits in Pharmacy Calculations and 4 credits each in Pharm Tech 1 and 2, 4 credits in Pharm Tech Internship, and 1 credit in Employment Strategies. Credits can then be transferred to the Pharmacy Technician AAS program.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Missouri?
- Pinnacle Career Institute, Kansas City
- St Louis College of Health Careers, Saint Louis
- State Fair Community College, Sedalia
- Midwest Institute, Fenton
- North Central Missouri College, Trenton
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Missouri?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record and fingerprint check
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Apply to the Missouri Board of Pharmacy
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Missouri?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Missouri made an average of $32,090 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $21,420 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $44,600.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Missouri may also wish to review their options in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.