Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio: Overview and Steps to Begin

Ohio pharmacy technicians are crucial in assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications and ensuring smooth pharmacy operations. They play a vital role in receiving prescriptions, processing insurance claims, and managing inventory. [Leer en español]

As healthcare continues to grow, the demand for pharmacy technicians remains steady, making this a promising career path in Ohio.

Search Pharmacy Technician Programs

Get information on Pharmacy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

Some of the main responsibilities of pharmacy technicians include:

  • Organizing and maintaining medication inventories
  • Answering customer queries related to prescriptions
  • Processing insurance payments and handling billing
  • Packaging and labeling medications for distribution
  • Referring complex questions to the pharmacist

Steps to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Ohio

To become a pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must meet certain requirements and complete the appropriate training. The steps include:

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED is the basic educational requirement.
  2. Complete an accredited training program: Enroll in an ASHP—or ACPE-accredited program. Many pharmacy technician schools in Ohio offer these programs, which often last one to two years.
  3. Pass the state exams: To become certified or registered, you must pass either the ExCPT or PCTE exam, demonstrating your knowledge and proficiency.

Ohio has specific regulations requiring all practicing pharmacy technicians to hold active registration with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy. There are three registration categories: certified pharmacy technician, registered technician, and technician trainee.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio

Here are a few highly regarded schools offering accredited pharmacy technician programs in Ohio:

  • Cuyahoga Community College: Offers a two-semester Pharmacy Technology Certificate program with Cleveland and Highland Hills campuses.
  • Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology: A one-year program featuring a combination of online learning, simulated training, and hands-on externship experience.

These schools offer excellent training opportunities, preparing students for certification and enhancing their employability in various healthcare settings.

Find the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools Near Me

Certification and Registration in Ohio

Pharmacy technicians must complete training and pass an exam to work in Ohio. After completing an accredited program, you can pursue registration with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy as a certified or registered technician. Certification grants more responsibilities, such as handling more complex pharmacy tasks, while registered technicians assist with basic pharmacy operations.

  • Certified Pharmacy Technician: Can perform advanced tasks such as compounding and preparing sterile products.
  • Registered Technician: Handles basic tasks such as filling prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Technicians must renew their certification regularly. Certified technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years, while registered technicians must complete 10 hours annually.

Ohio Pharmacy Technician Employment and Trends

In Ohio, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and general merchandise stores. As of 2020, the state employed 17,080 pharmacy technicians. By 2030, the field is expected to grow by 3%, bringing the total to 17,500 pharmacy technicians. The number of projected annual job openings is 1,260, reflecting steady demand.

For more detailed employment statistics, refer to the local employment trends.

Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Ohio

Pharmacy technicians in Ohio earn competitive wages. According to recent data:

  • The average annual salary is $38,290.
  • Entry-level pharmacy technicians may earn $31,000 or less.
  • The top 10% of earners make $50,750 or more annually.

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians is stable. In 2020, Ohio employed 17,080 pharmacy technicians, and by 2030, this number is expected to grow to 17,500, reflecting a 3% growth. Each year, around 1,260 job openings are projected in the field, driven by the increasing demand for healthcare services in retail and hospital settings.

For more specific wage details in Ohio, check the Ohio Pharmacy Technician Wages, and for employment trends, visit the Ohio Employment Trends for Pharmacy Technicians.

Find Schools Near You

FAQS

What are the top pharmacy technician schools in Ohio?

  • Columbus State Community College – Columbus
  • Marion Technical College – Marion
  • North Central State College – Mansfield
  • Washington State Community College – Marietta
  • Cuyahoga Community College District – Cleveland

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Ohio?

To become a pharmacy technician in Ohio, you must:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Have a high school diploma or GED.
  3. Pass a criminal background check.
  4. Complete hands-on training or attend an ASHP- or ACPE-accredited program.
  5. Pass the ExCPT or PCTE exam required by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Ohio?

Pharmacy technicians in Ohio earn an average of $38,290 per year. Entry-level technicians may earn $31,000 or less, while experienced technicians can make upwards of $50,750.

Latest Ohio Posts from the Blog

College Listings

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

See options in the neighboring states of Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan.