BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN NEVADA
A pharmacy technician is technically an assistant to the pharmacist. Their role includes communication with patients regarding their prescriptions and their refills, as well as general management of the med room, including counting pills and proper labeling.
Pharmacy technicians can also work with insurance companies, billing and providing information to patients. For a more patient-centered role, pharmacy technicians can also work in assisted living facilities and hospitals. [Leer en español]
CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Pharmacy technicians are regulated in Nevada, though certification is not required by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy (NSBP). However, it’s important to remember that, in Nevada, an individual is required to possess this certification before looking for a job. The exam for certification is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
The most basic requirements to begin training include being at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent, no felonies or misdemeanors, and no history of convictions for drug use.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN NEVADA
While certification isn’t required by NSBP, individuals with professional training will have the advantage of searching for a position. In addition, having been accepted by the Board of Pharmacy for fulfilling the minimum requirements, you may choose to obtain this training through a pharmacy in Nevada.
According to the Pharmacy Technician Guide of Nevada, the following are two of the best pharmacy technician training schools that offer pharmacy technician training programs that interested candidates can consider:
The College of Southern Nevada
Located in Clark County, the College of Southern Nevada’s pharmacy technician training program prepares the student to work in a hospital setting, in a retail pharmacy, in pharmaceutical manufacturing, or in-home IV therapy. The pharmacy tech training takes one year to complete and leads to a Certificate of Achievement. Classes are offered online and in the classroom, as well as the option of directed work experience.
Northwest Career College, Las Vegas
Northwest offers graduation in nine months. It has exceptional PTCB certification classes. The student can become a nationally certified pharmacy technician in less than a year. The pharmacy technician program features hands-on training, instruction, flexible class schedules, and a committed job placement team.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
Students must take the PTCB exam and procure a license from the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. Students must also complete 1500 hours of training as a registered pharmacy technician-in-training.
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PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAM
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) is a computer-based exam that can be taken at any of the more than 200 Pearson VUE test centers located throughout the United States. The PTCE is not administered by the NSBP.
The PTCE is divided into two parts, the General Knowledge section, and the Pharmacology section. The General Knowledge section covers topics such as pharmacy calculations, pharmacy law, and ethics. The Pharmacology section covers topics such as drug classification, dosage forms, and side effects.
Candidates must pass both sections of the exam within one year to receive their certification.
PAY SCALE AND JOB GROWTH
According to PayScale, the average starting salary for a pharmacist technician in Nevada is $24,800 per year; however, most employers will have a pay scale with different tiers— five years’ experience, 10 years experience, etc.—with a concomitant increase in salary.
The average hourly starting wage for pharmacy technicians in Nevada is $15.11.
Despite a rather low starting wage, it has been reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that over the next 10 years, the field of pharmacy technology will be one of the fastest-growing occupations, with a projected 24 percent growth rate.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
While it’s true that many pharmacy technicians will find employment in national drugstore chains such as Walgreens or CVS, there are many other opportunities in Nevada.
For example, The Wellcare Group in Reno is a residential facility that hires pharmacy technicians to document medications for its residents, manage their medications, assist them with refills and track side effects, as well as oversee the cleanliness of the med room. Another example is Rx Relief: Leaders in Temp Staff, which offers pharmacy techs a flexible schedule, choosing assignments the individual enjoys at respected firms, guaranteed hours, competitive pay, and benefits.
This is a career path that requires hard work in the initial stages and potentially long hours; however, in Nevada, the individual will be rewarded with a variety of opportunities and work environments.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Nevada?
- Pima Medical Institute, Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas
- Northwest Career College, Las Vegas
- Milan Institute, Las Vegas, and Sparks
- Career College of Northern Nevada, Sparks
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Nevada?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Certification is not required by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy (NSBP)
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Nevada?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Nevada made an average of $37,620 per year in 2018. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $26,350 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $51,580.
ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Area
College of Southern Nevada
6375 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-1164Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
College of Southern Nevada’s Certificate program is based at their campus in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. The college has in the order of 34,177 students in total, with the majority of students in 4-year programs. College of Southern Nevada has institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $2,700 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $9,345 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,020, although this will vary with the program. This program is ASHP accredited.
Milan Institute-Las Vegas
710 South Tonopah, Las Vegas, Nevada 89106-4031Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Milan Institute is taught at their Las Vegas campus in the city of Las Vegas. Most of the school’s 402 students are on short programs of under two years. Milan Institute-Las Vegas has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is broadly about $12,185 yearly, while study materials may cost about $995. Usually, the program is completed in 9 months. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician. There are starting dates monthly. You will be required to attend an interview.
Class scheduling: Full time, days, evening.
Acceptance Requirements: Students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent must be 18 years of age, and have an acceptable background. Criminal history is checked.
General Location Training Sites: Las Vegas Area.
They say: Milan offers a replicated pharmacy for a laboratory. The students are instructed in all the various settings of pharmacy. The school offers financial aid services, career services advisement, and job placement assistance. And professional development pharmacy students are also prepared for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Examination.
Reno-Sparks, NV Area
Milan Institute-Sparks
950 Industrial Way, Sparks, Nevada 89431Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Milan Institute’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Sparks campus in Sparks in Washoe County, NV. The majority of the school’s 328 students are on short programs of under two years. Milan Institute-Sparks has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are around $13,136 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,003. Program completion is normally 9 months. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician. There are starting dates monthly. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.
Class scheduling: Full-time Day and Evening.
Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required. Admission procedures include individual advising, an explanation of course descriptions, a tour of the school, an admission test, if applicable, an appointment with financial aid, enrollment, and orientation to the school regarding the policies regulations, and requirements.
Each application, along with other information, is reviewed by a member of the school’s Enrollment Review Board. If the applicant is accepted, they are notified and may enroll. If not accepted, the applicant is notified. Upon acceptance and before entering classes, the student must complete an enrollment agreement.
This agreement and the catalog detail the student’s and the school’s obligations. The final decision to admit an applicant rests with the school’s administration.
General Location Training Sites: Reno/Sparks, Nevada. Academic award: Certificate of Completion.
They say: Students of the Pharmaceutical Technician Program receive hands-on training in addition to didactic instruction. Do students work with equipment commonly found in retail and hospital pharmacies, such as prescriptions? A? balance scales, compounding equipment, counting trays, mortars, pestles, pharmacy computer operations, and laminar flow units for IV preparations.
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV Area
Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas
3333 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Pima Medical Institute is taught at their Las Vegas campus in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 1,018 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Pima Medical Institute-Las Vegas has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are, as a rough guide, around $11,510 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $759. Program completion is normally 10 months.
This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 2 technicians. There are starting dates every six weeks. Candidates must undergo an interview.
Class scheduling: Full-time, day & evening.
Acceptance Requirements: High School diploma or GED equivalency, admissions general and math testing, and a personal interview are requirements for acceptance.
General Location Training Sites: General Las Vegas area. Academic award: Certificate is awarded.
They say: Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Job placement assistance is offered to grads. Hands-on skills include IV prep in a certified horizontal flow hood, compounding sterile prep, an aseptic technique both media fill, and community service. The Visual Script computer program is used for order entry.
Reno-Sparks, NV Area
Sierra Nevada Job Corps
14175 Mt. Charleston St., Reno, NV 89506Pharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Reno. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program has AHSP candidate status. The program faculty includes 2 technicians and 3 lab/clerical support. The school practices continuous enrollment. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.
Class scheduling: Full-Time M-F 8 am-4 pm Free Onsite Living & Meals.
Acceptance Requirements: Age 16-24; Meet Federal Government income guidelines; Fall below the state poverty line; pass drug screening and background check.
General Location Training Sites: Reno, NV.
They say: Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people aged 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Job Corps program is authorized by Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Job Corps target low-income, at-risk students. Job Corps offers free H.S. Diploma or GED training for students in need while completing the Pharmacy Training.
* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Nevada may also wish to review their options in California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.