BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN NORTH CAROLINA

If you have an interest in the booming field of healthcare, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. As a pharmacy technician, you would work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, preparing the medication. Your duties would include mixing and measuring liquids, counting pills, labeling prescriptions, and keeping accurate records of dosages of prescribed medicines. [Leer en español]

REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN NORTH CAROLINA

You’ll need to get a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled in a high school diploma program, to become a pharmacy tech in this state. Registering with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy requires you to be employed by a pharmacy holding a valid in-state permit and to complete a training program provided by the pharmacist.

Training by a pharmacist will include pharmacy laws and regulations, calculations, dispensing systems, and requirements for labeling, handling, and storage of medications, record-keeping, and documentation. You can also obtain registration in North Carolina if you hold certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA

To be as competitive as possible in the job market, it’s helpful to be able to demonstrate to a potential employer that you’ve had formal training. Some of the pharmacy technician schools in North Carolina that offer pharmacy technician programs that can give you the skills you need to start your career as a pharmacy technician include:

Durham Tech. An associate’s degree program in pharmacy technology is offered at this community college located in Durham, NC. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists and includes practical training in a variety of settings.
Divine Health Academy. Located in Charlotte, NC, this program consists of 90 classroom hours, 60 homework hours, and 240 externship hours in an approved pharmacy and can thoroughly prepare you to work as a pharmacy tech.
Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

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PHARMACY TECH CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING IN NORTH CAROLINA

In the State, to work as a certified pharmacy technician registration with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy is required. You’ll need to complete training through your pharmacist employer within 180 days of becoming employed.

You can also complete a training program through an accredited institution. Another option is to become certified through a national certifying agency such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the pharmacy technician field is anticipated to grow faster than average for all occupations. Growth is forecasted to be 10 percent between 2020 and 2030. There are several reasons for the greater demand for prescription medications, which include the fact that much of the population is aging, and there are higher rates of chronic diseases among all age groups.

In 2020, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $36,740. This means that half of all those who had this position earned more and half earned less. The annual mean salary for North Carolina pharmacy technicians is $35,930 and the hourly mean is $17.27.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECH IN NORTH CAROLINA

There are several different settings where you can work as a pharmacy tech. Some examples include working in drugstores, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and pharmacies. You may work a variety of hours, which could be during the day, night, and weekends since many healthcare settings are open around the clock.

The trend is for pharmacists to take on expanding roles, including tasks such as giving flu shots. This means pharmacy technicians are doing more and more tasks formerly done by pharmacists. The job outlook for pharmacy technicians throughout the state appears very promising.

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WELL-KNOWN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN NORTH CAROLINA

Davidson County Community College-Thomasville offers a Diploma, Certificate, and pharm tech Associate in Applied Sciences Degree Program. Their Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the prestigious American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

A student may enroll in a six-semester degree or a three-semester diploma, and full-time students at the Durham Technical Community College must enroll in the summer semester.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in North Carolina?

Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte
Southeastern Institute, Charlotte
Davidson County Community College, Thomasville
Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem
Stanly Community College, Albemarle
Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington
Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville

How do you become a pharmacy technician in North Carolina?

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Gain employment in a permit-holding pharmacy before registration
Register with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy
Complete a training program provided by the pharmacist

How much do pharmacy technicians make in North Carolina?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of North Carolina made an average of $35,930 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $27,260 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,470.

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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of North Carolina may also wish to review their options in Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.