STARTING YOUR PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREER IN OHIO
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists fill prescriptions and deliver them to patients. On a typical day, a pharmacy technician may receive and transmit prescription information and provide customer service. [Leer en español]
More duties performed by pharmacy techs include:
- Answering phone calls
- Organizing medication inventory
- Accepting payment and processing insurance claims
- Packaging and labeling prescriptions
- Calling for the attention of a pharmacist when patients have questions about their medications
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 52 percent of pharmacy technicians worked in traditional pharmacies and drug stores in 2016, but 16 percent also worked in a hospital. Those who work in hospitals may perform more tasks, such as the preparation and delivery of intravenous medications. Other pharmacy technicians are employed in general merchandise and food and beverage stores.
This is a job that requires a relatively short training period, but those who wish to become pharmacy technicians must also be able to work well with customers, pay close attention to detail, and possess superior math and organizational skills.
THE STEPS TO BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
The minimum requirement to begin your pharmacy technician career is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Then, you may begin any employer-based pharmacy technician training programs or take any non-employer-based pharmacy technician programs that are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Most of these programs range from one to two years in length.
After training, the state requires you to pass one of two standardized exams to prove your proficiency and become registered or certified by the state.
OHIO PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS
Here are a couple of ASHP-accredited schools with pharmacy technician programs you might consider:
Cuyahoga Community College
With campuses in Cleveland and Highland Hills, this school offers a two-semester Pharmacy Technology Certificate. Prospective students must first enroll as general students at Cuyahoga Community College and must have completed prerequisite courses in Algebra, introductory Chemistry or Biological Chemistry, and College Composition (English). A 2.0 GPA is also required for admission.
Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology
The Cleveland Clinic offers a one-year pharmacy tech program, and minimum requirements of 20 weeks of online training, 100 hours of hands-on simulated training, and 200 hours of externship practice. To be considered for acceptance, potential students must provide proof of high school graduation, a demonstration of proficiency in reading and math, and a cleared background check, among other requirements.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION BASICS
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy requires anyone practicing as a pharmacy tech, even trainees, to hold an active registration issued by the Board. There are three categories of registration available: certified pharmacy technician, registered technician, and technician trainee. The two exceptions to this requirement are for those working in clinics where a prescriber is registered or in an Ohio outsourced licensing facility.
The three registration categories allow pharmacy technicians to perform different tasks, with a certified pharmacy technician being able to handle more responsibilities than registered technicians and trainees. Pharmacy technician trainees have one year to complete training and register as Registered technicians or Certified Technicians. A six-month extension may be granted to trainees to register due to extenuating circumstances.
Anyone who wishes to work as a pharmacy technician in Ohio must pass one of two standardized tests to become certified or registered—either the ExCPT exam issued by the NHA or the PCTE exam.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a non-profit organization that administers the national certification exam for pharmacy technicians and certifies those who pass the exam. To become certified, technicians must complete an accredited training program and pass the PTCB exam. Once certified, technicians can perform more advanced tasks such as preparing sterile products and pre-packaging drugs. The PTCB also offers continuing education programs and monitors compliance with certification standards.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
The PTCE is a computer-based exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. It consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and tests the technician’s knowledge in areas such as medication safety, pharmacy law, pharmacology, and other topics related to pharmacy practice. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete.
Certified pharmacy technicians must renew their certification every two years, which requires the completion of 20 hours of continuing education. Registered technicians must also complete 10 hours of continuing education per year to maintain registration status.
OHIO PHARMACY TECHNICIAN JOB STATISTICS
In 2020, Ohio pharmacy techs earned a median income of $16.89 per hour. By comparison, the median pay rate for U.S. pharmacy techs in 2020 was $36,740 per year or $17.66 per hour.
This is a career field that promises steady employment in the future, as the Projections Managing Partnership expects an 11.1 percent growth in employment between 2016 and 2026. Certified Pharmacy Technicians generally earn more than Registered Pharmacy Technicians because they’re able to perform more functions.
WHERE SHOULD YOU START YOUR PHARMACY TECH CAREER?
In 2018, the highest number of pharmacy technicians was employed in the Cincinnati and Cleveland areas. Cleveland also employed the highest-paid pharmacy techs, who earned a median hourly income of $15.45 per hour. Dayton and Lima followed closely behind Cleveland’s median pay rates, with reported median rates of $15.00 and $14.89 per hour. The highest rates of pharmacy tech employment per 1,000 jobs in Ohio, however, were found in Canton and Toledo, making these areas also excellent places to find work as a pharmacy technician.
No matter where you choose to begin your career as a pharmacy technician, whether in a hospital pharmacy or a traditional pharmacy, the odds are good that you will be able to find secure employment options after a criminal background check. With a growing elderly population and ever-increasing new drugs on the market, pharmacy technicians will continue to be an asset in the medical field.
FAQS
What are the best 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?
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Take a hands-on training program or attend an ASHP- or ACPE-accredited training program.
- Pass two Ohio Board of Pharmacy exams
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Ohio?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Ohio made an average of $30,500 per year in 2018. Entry-level position pharm techs earned around $20,960 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $41,810.
Latest Ohio Posts from the Blog
- Studying Pharmacy Technology at Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio
- Studying Pharmacy Technology at Columbus State Community College
- What’s the Best School for Pharmacy Technician Training in Cleveland, Ohio?
ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS
- Akron, OH
- Canton-Massillon, OH
- Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH
- Columbus, OH
- Dayton, OH
- Mansfield, OH
- Other Ohio nonmetropolitan area
- Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area
- Toledo, OH
- West Northwestern Ohio nonmetropolitan area
- Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue, HB105, Cleveland, OH 44195Pharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Cleveland. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 2 technicians, 35 guest lecturers, a lab/clerical support member, and 2 pharmacists. The school offers start dates in January and June each year. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.
Class scheduling: Full-time, daytime.
Acceptance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED equivalent, background check, health screening, drug screening, interview, passing scores on reading & math competency exams, and proof of health insurance.
General Location Training Sites: Greater Cleveland Area (Cleveland Clinic Enterprise). Academic award: Certificate Awarded.
They say: Hands-on practice lab, world-renowned tertiary care practice sites, computer labs, and preparation for the certification examination.
Other Ohio nonmetropolitan area Area
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center
9364 St Rt 45, Lisbon, Ohio 44432Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Columbiana County Career and Technical Center is based at their campus in the town of Lisbon, Ohio. Most of the school’s 190 students are on short programs of under two years. Columbiana County Career and Technical Center is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $5,645 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $500, depending on the program chosen.
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area
Cuyahoga Community College
4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, OH 44122-6195Pharmacy Technician – Program
The program is taught at their location in Highland Hills. The majority of the school’s 27,084 students are on 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,136 and are $3,953 and $7,468 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost around $1,700, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 2 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and 3 pharmacists. The school offers starting dates in August and January.
Class scheduling: full-time, part-time, daytime, evening.
Acceptance Requirements: Successful completion of college English composition, math, and biology prerequisites. High school graduate. GPA of 2.0 or better.
General Location Training Sites: Training sites are restricted to Cuyahoga County (Greater Cleveland). Most sites are within a 30-minute drive from campus. Academic award: Associate of Applied Science.
They say: Cuyahoga Community College has offered pharmacy technician training since 1988 and has been accredited by ASHP since 1989. Both a one-year certificate program and a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree are available. Skills developed through hands-on laboratory exercises with an emphasis on sterile products, compounding, and computer applications are extended through practicum experience at affiliated sites. Financial assistance is available to qualified students. Those who complete the AAS degree can apply their credits toward an affiliated University program for a B.S. in Allied Health.
Cuyahoga Community College District
700 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2878Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
Cuyahoga Community College District offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Cleveland, Ohio. The college has about 27,910 students in total, with the majority of students in 2-year programs. Cuyahoga Community College District has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,036 and are $3,853 and $7,368 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost around $1,700, depending on the program chosen.
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
8001 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, Ohio 44141-1296Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center can be taken at their campus in Brecksville in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The college has about 106 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $4,225 annually, while study materials may cost around $715. Usually, the program is completed in 10 months.
Columbus, OH Area
Delaware Area Career Center
4565 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio 43015-8969Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Delaware Area Career Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Delaware in Delaware County, OH. This public college has about 68 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. Delaware Area Career Center is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $3,100 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $680, depending on the program chosen.
Toledo, OH Area
Four County Career Center
22-900 State Rte 34, Archbold, Ohio 43502Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Four County Career Center is taught at their campus in Archbold in Fulton County, OH. The majority of the school’s 142 students are on short programs of under two years. Four County Career Center has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.*
Columbus, OH Area
MyComputerCareer.com-TechSkills
2400 Corporate Exchange Dr. Ste 300, Columbus, Ohio 43231Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at MyComputerCareer.com is taught at their TechSkills campus in the city of Columbus, Ohio. The majority of the school’s 292 students are on short programs of under two years. MyComputerCareer.com-TechSkills has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are about $11,151 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $2,140. Usually, the program is completed in 12 months.
Canton-Massillon, OH Area
National College-Canton
4736 Dressler Rd NW, Canton, Ohio 44718Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
National College’s Associate program is based at their Canton campus in Canton in Stark County. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 89 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are about $11,550 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $2,826, although this varies from program to program.
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area
National College-Cincinnati
6871 Steger Dr, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
National College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are imparted at their Cincinnati campus in the city of Cincinnati. The majority of the school’s 137 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $11,550 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $2,826, although this will vary with the program.
Dayton, OH Area
National College-Columbus
5665 Forest Hills Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 45420Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at National College is taught at their Columbus campus in the city of Columbus. The majority of the school’s 99 students are on 2-year programs. National College-Columbus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $11,550 annually, while study materials may cost around $2,826, depending on the program.
National College-Dayton
1837 Woodman Center Dr, Kettering, Ohio 45420Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
National College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are imparted at their Dayton campus in Kettering in Montgomery County. The majority of the school’s 167 students are on 2-year programs. National College-Dayton has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are likely to be about $11,550 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $2,826, although this will vary with the program.
Akron, OH Area
National College-Stow
3855 Fishcreek Rd, Stow, Ohio 44224Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
National College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Stow campus in Stow in Summit County, Ohio. This private, for-profit college has about 82 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are usually about $11,442 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $2,826, although this will depend on the program.
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area
National College-Willoughby Hills
27557 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44092Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
National College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Willoughby Hills campus in Willoughby Hills in Lake County, OH. The college has roughly 66 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are broadly about $11,442 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $2,826, although this varies from program to program.
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Area
National College-Youngstown
3487 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, Ohio 44505Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program
The Associate’s degree program at National College is taught at their Youngstown campus in Youngstown in Mahoning County. This private, for-profit college has around 130 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. National College-Youngstown has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $11,550 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $2,826, although this will vary with the program.
Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Area
Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District
895 Crouse Chapel Rd, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-9010Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District is taught at their campus in Chillicothe in Ross County, Ohio. The majority of the school’s 374 students are on short programs of under two years. Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* The cost of tuition is broadly in the order of $539 annually, while study materials may cost around $110, depending on the program.
Pike County Joint Vocational School District
175 Beaver Creek Rd, Piketon, Ohio 45661Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Pike County Joint Vocational School District is offered at their campus in Piketon in Pike County, OH. The college has in the order of 83 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is about $1,200 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $240. Program completion is usually 5 months.
Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH Area
Polaris Career Center
7285 Old Oak Blvd, Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130-3375Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Polaris Career Center’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their campus in Middleburg Heights in Cuyahoga County, OH. The college has about 350 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. Polaris Career Center has institutional accreditation from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* tuition fees are about $7,495 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $500, although this will depend on the program.
Remington College-Cleveland Campus
14445 Broadway Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44125-1957Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Remington College is offered at their Cleveland Campus campus in Cleveland in Cuyahoga County, OH. The college has about 438 students in total, with most students in 2-year programs. Remington College-Cleveland Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are about $15,995 for each academic year. This program has AHSP candidate status.
Remington College-Cleveland West Campus
26350 Brookpark Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070-2163Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Remington College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Cleveland West Campus campus in North Olmsted in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The college has in the order of 73 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Remington College-Cleveland West Campus is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.*
Toledo, OH Area
Ross College-Sylvania
5834 Monroe Street, Suite F-J, Sylvania, Ohio 43560Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Ross College’s Certificate program is based at their Sylvania campus in Sylvania in Lucas County. The majority of the school’s 423 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees are about $15,680 for each academic year.
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area
Ross Medical Education Center-Cincinnati
11590 Century Boulevard, Suite 210, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Ross Medical Education Center is taught at their Cincinnati campus in Cincinnati in Hamilton County, OH. Most of the school’s 126 students are on short programs of under two years. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are likely to be in the order of $14,140 per year. Program completion is usually 9 months.
Dayton, OH Area
Ross Medical Education Center-Dayton
4490 Brandt Pike, Dayton, Ohio 45424Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Ross Medical Education Center is offered at their Dayton campus in the city of Dayton, OH. The college has in the order of 94 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $15,680 per year.
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Area
Ross Medical Education Center-Niles
5555 Youngstown-Warren Rd, Unit 909, Niles, Ohio 44446Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Ross Medical Education Center’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their Niles campus in Niles in Trumbull County. Most of the school’s 151 students are on short programs of under two years. Ross Medical Education Center-Niles has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are likely to be in the order of $14,140 per year. Program completion is usually 9 months. This program has AHSP candidate status.
Mansfield, OH Area
Ross Medical Education Center-Ontario
2150 W 4th St, Ontario, Ohio 44906Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
The Certificate program at Ross Medical Education Center is offered at their Ontario campus in Ontario in Richland County. Most of the school’s 136 students are on short programs of under two years. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is likely to be about $14,140 for each academic year. Program completion is usually 9 months.
Southern Ohio nonmetropolitan area Area
Scioto County Career Technical Center
951 Vern Riffe Drive, Lucasville, Ohio 45648-0766Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Scioto County Career Technical Center’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at their campus in Lucasville in Scioto County. Most of the school’s 321 students are on short programs of under two years. Scioto County Career Technical Center is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* tuition fees are about $9,135 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,427, although this varies from program to program.
Dayton, OH Area
Sinclair Community College
444 W. Third St., Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Sinclair Community College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is based at its campus in the city of Dayton. Most of the school’s 19,176 students are in 2-year programs. Sinclair Community College is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly $2,304 and are $3,432 and $6,600 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,176, although this varies from program to program.
Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA Area
Cincinnati-Middletown, OH-KY-IN Area
Warren County Career Center
3525 North State Route 48, Lebanon, Ohio 45036-1099Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program
Warren County Career Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Lebanon in Warren County, OH. The majority of the school’s 392 students are on 2-year programs. Warren County Career Center is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Board of Trustees.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. Tuition fees are usually about $11,150 for each academic year.
* 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
See options in the neighboring states of Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Michigan.