How To Become A Pharmacy Technician In New Hampshire
Becoming a pharmacy technician is among the many rewarding healthcare careers you can pursue in New Hampshire. This career allows you to do a variety of important tasks under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, which relates to the preparation of prescriptions.
How to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire will be thoroughly discussed. Each day, your tasks will include counting, mixing, recording, and labeling medications prescribed to customers or patients. [Leer en español]
Once you start working in this field in New Hampshire, you’ll find that your skills will be in very high demand. Other job titles for pharmacy technicians are compounding technicians or pharmacy techs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A NEW HAMPSHIRE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire or be in the process of completing high school. You have to be at least 18 years old and should have no felony or misdemeanor convictions.
Registration with the New Hampshire State Board of Pharmacy is a requirement before working as a pharmacy technician in this state. Registrations expire biennially and must be renewed by March 31 of every odd-numbered year.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
There are several choices of pharmacy technician schools and pharmacy technician programs in New Hampshire where you can obtain training to become a pharmacy technician. When you search pharmacy technician programs, consider choosing one that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Pharmacy technician programs in New Hampshire include the following:
The University of New Hampshire
Located in Durham, NH, this university offers a comprehensive certificate program that can be completed in four months and includes a clinical externship opportunity.
Keene State College
This college in Keene, NH, offers an online certification program that provides the information needed to obtain an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician. Students can complete a virtual externship and have the option to perform a 100-hour clinical externship.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
PHARMACY TECH CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Before you work as a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, you need to register with the New Hampshire State Board of Pharmacy. You can obtain on-the-job training, and the pharmacist in charge will supervise your training and keep a record of the training you’ve received.
While certification isn’t required to practice as a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, obtaining certification by passing a national certification exam may make you more attractive to future employers. National certification can be obtained by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or passing an exam through the National Healthcareer Association.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS OF PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Job potential for pharmacy technicians in New Hampshire is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above-average growth of 5 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average for all occupations. Higher rates of chronic diseases and an aging population are among the reasons that the demand for prescription medication will continue to grow.
The median annual wage in this field was $36,740 as of 2020, which means half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than that and half earned less. The annual mean salary for New Hampshire pharmacy technicians is $36,820, and the hourly mean is $17.70.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
There are employment opportunities in several different types of locations once you’ve obtained the skills you need to be a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire. The places you may work include independent pharmacies, drug stores, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Most healthcare facilities are open around the clock, so expect to work a variety of hours including days, nights, and weekends.
Pharmacy technicians may need to take on some of the work formerly done by pharmacists.
This is because pharmacists are also picking up expanded roles by giving flu shots and performing other tasks. The job outlook for pharmacy technicians appears very strong throughout the state of New Hampshire.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
InterCoast Career Institute-Salem has a fully accredited Pharmacy Technician Certificate program at their campus in Salem (and online). They assert that this program is intended to take newcomer pharmacy students through an education that meets or exceeds certification standards.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD (PTCB)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that provides certification for pharmacy technicians.
You can become certified through the PTCB by passing their exam, and once you’re certified, you need to recertify every two years. The PTCB has a practice test to help you prepare for the exam, and they offer review courses as well.
NATIONAL HEALTHCAREER ASSOCIATION (NHA)
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) also offers a national certification program for pharmacy technicians.
You can become certified through the NHA by passing their exam, and once you’re certified, you need to recertify every two years. The NHA has a practice test to help you prepare for the exam, and they offer review courses as well.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in New Hampshire?
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
- Rasmussen College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire?
- You must be at least 16 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED, or be attending high school
- Pass a criminal record check
- Register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy within 15 days of starting employment to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician
- Pass the national PTCB exam or the NHA ExCPT exam to register as a Certified Pharmacy technician
How much do pharmacy technicians make in New Hampshire?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of New Hampshire made an average of $36,820 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $28,910 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $47,160.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
See options in the neighboring states of Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York.