Become a Pharm Tech in Mississippi
Now is a good moment to kick off a new career in Pharm Tech in the state of Mississippi. On this page, you’ll discoverschools and other training options, state requirements, salary data and the job outlook.
Mississippi is Poised for Continued Growth in Pharmacy Technician Jobs
Fueled by America’s ever expanding needs for prescription drugs, the fast paced growth in the demand for pharmacy technicians is most uplifting. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics currently predicts that there will be 70,000 new jobs for pharm techs in the years 2012 to 2022. You therefore couldn’t have done much better in choosing the pharmacy technician industry as your calling. [Leer en español]
With a population of 2.9 million (2014 estimate), the Magnolia State is projected to have 4,100 employed pharm techs, up from 3,570 in 2012. This represents an increase of 14.7% over the 10-year period.
Pharm Tech Salaries in Mississippi
Entry level pharm techs, including the 10 percentile, earn an average annual wage of $9.67. This increases to $10.84 for the 25 percentile, and to a median hourly wage of $12.91 for all techs. These wages correspond to average annual salaries of $20,110 for the 10 percentile, $22,540 for the 25 percentile, and to a median annual salary of $26,860.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you are able to earn on average $37,790 when you reach the 90 percentile of tech earners. Further academic accomplishments and proficiency at work would get you there.
Salaries by Metropolitan Area
| Area | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | 300 | $14.79 | $ 30,750 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 240 | $14.13 | $ 29,390 |
| Jackson, MS | 710 | $13.57 | $ 28,210 |
| Pascagoula, MS | 170 | $13.74 | $ 28,590 |
Salary comparison with other Pharmacy related professions in Mississippi
| Profession | Total Employed | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 2,640 | $57.94 | $ 120,520 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | 3,300 | $13.36 | $ 27,780 |
| Pharmacy Aides | 440 | $12.58 | $ 26,160 |
Mississippi State Requirements
Applicants must apply to the Mississippi Board of Pharmacy, must be 18 or over and must have a high school or GED diploma. Their application must be accompanied by a check or money order for $100 ($100 also for annual renewals), and pharm techs will also bear the $40 cost of a criminal background check.
For renewal, candidates must have successfully passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (ExCPT Exam), or another accredited Pharmacy Technician exam. Towards that goal, you may consult the National Pharmacy Technician training program as a step that leads to an accredited exam.
Universities and College Diplomas in Mississippi
Virginia College offers tech candidates a Certificate/Diploma or an Associate’s Degree program at their campus in Jackson, Biloxi or online. Their Certificate course takes 15 months, while their Associate’s Degree requires is a 24-month course. Both programs prepare you to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) that is Board approved and gives you State certification.
East Mississippi Community College offers an Associate Program for which students must turn in an application and pass their “WorkKeys” exam.
Ultimate Medical Academy Online offers an 11-month Diploma program or a 17-month Associate degree.
All School Listings
Jackson, MS Area
Hinds Community College
505 East Main Street, Raymond, Mississippi 39154Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
Hinds Community College’s Associate program is taught at their campus in the town of Raymond. This public college has in the order of 11,893 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $2,260 and for students from outside the state in the order of $4,860 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program.
Southeast Mississippi nonmetropolitan area Area
Jones County Junior College
900 South Court Street, Ellisville, Mississippi 39437Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
Jones County Junior College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the town of Ellisville, Mississippi. This public college has roughly 4,443 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Jones County Junior College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $2,722 and for students from outside the state in the order of $4,722 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician,a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview. Class scheduling: Full-time. Acceptance Requirements: Meet the general admission requirements to JCJC. Complete an application packet for pharmacy technology, which includes a program application, and three reference forms.Have a Composite ACT Score of 17.Score of 10 or better on TABE.Attend a scheduled selection interview.Submit and acceptable background checks if selected.CPR-Healthcare Provider Certification.Submit to a drug test, if requested. General Location Training Sites: 30-mile radius. Academic award: Associate Degree. They say: Classroom lecture is combined with hands-on laboratory work as well as clinical experience to provide the student with a well rounded view of technicians duties. Laboratory experience includes computer applications, dispensing exercises, IV admixtures, and extemporaneous compounding. Three clinical rotations are conducted to provide the student with exposure to more than one facet of pharmacy dynamics. Program includes dosage calculations, law, pharmacology, and pharmacy practice. During the final semester, students intensely review for the certification exam. Finally they prepare for the workforce by composing resumes and polishing their job-seeking skills.
Meridian Community College
910 Hwy 19 N, Meridian, Mississippi 39307-5801Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Meridian Community College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the town of Meridian, Mississippi. The majority of of the school’s 3,713 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $2,410 and for students from outside the state in the order of $3,690 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,400, as necessitated by the chosen program.
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS Area
Virginia College-Biloxi
920 Cedar Lake Rd-Ste C, Biloxi, Mississippi 39532Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Virginia College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Biloxi campus in the city of Biloxi, MS. This private, for-profit college has round 470 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Virginia College-Biloxi has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees are generally around $13,240 for each academic year. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 3 technicians. Class scheduling: Fulltime, Part-time, Day. Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma or GED equivalency, admissions testing, transcripts, and background check General Location Training Sites: MS Gulf Coast.
Jackson, MS Area
Virginia College-Jackson
5841 Ridgewood Rd, Jackson, Mississippi 39211Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Virginia College’s Certificate program is offered at their Jackson campus in the city of Jackson. Most of the school’s 376 students are on 2-year programs. Virginia College-Jackson has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, and the program is separately accredited by American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is generally around $22,500 for each academic year. The typical program completion time is 24 months. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 3 technicians. There are starting dates quarterly. Acceptance Requirements: A HS diploma or GED equivalent, adequate scoring on the admissions exam, and interview with the program director, are all required prior to admissions to the program. They say: The program provides students with hands-on development in both Institutional and Commuity pharmacy settings. Students are registered witht the State Board of Pharmacy prior to clinical externships. Classes are provided to ensure success on the PTCB national exam.
* Accredition status and tuition fees are correct at the time of last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with college or university prior to application.
Out-of-State Options
Residents of Mississippi may also wish to review their options in Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Alabama.