HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN PUERTO RICO

A career in the pharmacy can be a great way to get into the healthcare industry, enjoy job security and a good salary, and be able to work with and help people every day on the job. Compared to other healthcare careers, working as a pharmacy technician does not require a lot of education or training.

With a year or two of training and education, you will be prepared to work under the supervision of a pharmacist. A pharmacy technician is responsible for assisting in filling prescriptions, talking to patients and answering questions, taking phone calls, inventorying and organizing medications, and taking payments from patients.

REQUIREMENTS IN PUERTO RICO FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

The Puerto Rico Board of Pharmacy licenses pharmacists and technicians. While there are no specific training or education requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician, you will need to become certified either through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To be prepared to pass the necessary exam for certification you will need to complete a training or education program. Whichever one you choose, it should provide the information needed to pass the exam as well as hands-on training to prepare you to work in a pharmacy.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN PUERTO RICO

You can complete training to become a pharmacy technician in Puerto Rico by working with a licensed pharmacist. An academic program is not required but is an alternative to training. The pharmacy technician programs you complete should prepare you to work in a pharmacy with both coursework and hands-on training. Here are some pharmacy technician programs available in Puerto Rico

  • National University College, Multiple. Students can complete the pharmacy technician program in two years or less to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. You will complete 76 credits of coursework, including three credits in an internship. The school has more than one campus offering this pharmacy technician program, with locations in Bayamon, Arecibo, Rio Grande, Caguas, and Ponce.
  • The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Multiple. Inter-American University also has several campuses to choose from their pharmacy technician programs. These include Aguadilla, San Juan, Guayama and Ponce. Their pharmacy technician programs confer an Associate of Applied Science degree, which takes about two years to complete.
  • Penn Foster Career School. If you prefer the flexibility of an online program, Penn Foster offers an affordable Pharmacy Technician training program that will help you prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Penn Foster will cover the cost for you to prepare and take the PTCE offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Pharmacy Technician graduates receive a voucher for the official PTCE practice test (a $29 value) and are sponsored to take the PTCE (a $129 value). More information.

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CERTIFICATION IN PUERTO RICO

To be eligible to work as a pharmacy technician you will need to earn certification. Many candidates choose to take the PTCB’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, which costs $129. Alternatively, you can take the NHA’s Examination for Certification as a Pharmacy Technician, which comes with a fee of $117. Once you have passed an exam and achieved certification, you will probably find it easy to land a job with a pharmacist. 

CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARIES FOR PHARMACY TECHS IN PUERTO RICO

The average annual salary for a pharmacy technician is $36,740 in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unfortunately, you can probably expect to earn less in this job in Puerto Rico than in the states. This is because of austerity laws in place on the island that have reduced salaries for many jobs.

Across the U.S., the growth rate in pharmacy technician jobs is an impressive 5 percent. In Puerto Rico, growth is an astonishing 32 percent. Between 2020 and 2030 there are expected to be over 7,190 new positions available for pharmacy techs on the island.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN PUERTO RICO

With such great demand for qualified techs, you should not have any trouble finding a job in Puerto Rico. Pharmacy techs are needed in all pharmacies, including those in hospitals, drugstores, grocery stores, and nursing homes. More jobs are available in bigger population areas like San Juan, Bayamon, Carolina, Ponce, Caguas, Guaynabo, and Arecibo.

ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Antilles School of Technical Careers

do not remove this textCalle Cayey # 1911, San Juan, PR 00909

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Antilles School of Technical Careers’s Certificate program is based at its campus in the city of San Juan. This private, for-profit college has in the order of 548 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. Antilles School of Technical Careers has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are usually around $12,750 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $339. Typically, the program is completed in 16 months.

Atenas College

do not remove this textPaseo de La Atenas #101, Manati, PR 00674

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Atenas College is offered at their campus in Manati in Manati County, PR. Most of the school’s 1,269 students are on a 4-year program. Atenas College has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* Tuition fees are around $6,945 per year. Study materials can cost about $700, although this will depend on the program.

Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios-Bayamon

do not remove this text25 Degetau St, Bayam.n, PR 00961

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios is imparted at their Bayamon campus in Bayamón in Bayamon County, PR. This private, not-for-profit college has about 631 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios-Bayamon has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* Tuition fees are around $6,316 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $718, although this will depend on the program.

Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios-Humacao

do not remove this text8 Dr. Vidal St, Humacao, PR 00791-4210

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios is imparted at their Humacao campus in Humacao in Humacao County. This private, not-for-profit college has roughly 743 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* Tuition fees are around $6,321 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $718, although this will depend on the program.

Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios-San Juan

do not remove this text1206 13th. Street Ext San Agustin, San Juan, PR 00926-1931

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios’ Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is taught at their San Juan campus in the city of San Juan. Most of the school’s 987 students are on 4-year programs. Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios-San Juan is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* tuition fees are about $6,322 for each academic year. Learning materials may cost roughly $718, although this will vary with the program.

Aguadilla-Isabela, PR Area

Colegio Tecnologico y Comercial de Puerto Rico

do not remove this textCalle Paz 165 Altos, Aguada, PR 00602-0960

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Colegio Tecnologico y Comercial de Puerto Rico’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is taught at their campus in Aguada in Aguada County. Most of the school’s 118 students are on short programs of under two years. The Pharmacy Technician program, with a program length of 1240 contact hours, is the college’s largest program. Colegio Tecnologico y Comercial de Puerto Rico is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are around $8,593 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $675, although this will depend on the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Columbia Centro Universitario-Caguas

do not remove this textCarr 183 Km 1.7, Caguas, PR 00726

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Columbia Centro Universitario’s Certificate program is imparted at their Caguas campus in the city of Caguas, PR. This is a full, 4-year private college with 1,823 students, of which 92% are undergraduates. Columbia Centro Universitario-Caguas is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $6,390 annually. Learning materials may cost around $862, although this will vary with the program.

Ponce, PR Area

Columbia Centro Universitario-Yauco

do not remove this text3 Betances St, Yauco, PR 00698

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Columbia Centro Universitario is offered at their Yauco campus in Yauco in Yauco County. The college has roughly 402 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. Columbia Centro Universitario-Yauco has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $6,390 annually. Learning materials may cost around $862, although this will vary with the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Dewey University-Hato Rey

do not remove this textBarbosa Ave #427 3rd Floor – Malco Bldg, Hato Rey, PR 00910

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Dewey University’s Associate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Hato Rey campus in the city of Hato Rey. Of the 2,565 students, about 4% are postgraduates. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $5,475 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,500, although this will depend on the program.

Huertas College

do not remove this text#41 Hector R Bunker St, Caguas, PR 00725

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Huertas College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Caguas. The majority of the school’s 1,255 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $6,485 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $800, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Humacao Community College

do not remove this textGeorgetti St. #69, Humacao, PR 00792

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at Humacao Community College is based at their campus in Humacao in Humacao County. The majority of the school’s 705 students are on 4-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* Tuition fees are usually around $6,165 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,527, depending on the program.

Arecibo, PR Area

ICPR Junior College-Arecibo

do not remove this text20 San Patricio, Arecibo, PR 00614-0067

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at ICPR Junior College is based at their Arecibo campus in the city of Arecibo. The majority of the school’s 542 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $6,408 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,756, although this will depend on the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

ICPR Junior College-General Institutional

do not remove this text558 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, PR 00919-0304

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at ICPR Junior College is taught at their campus in the city of Hato Rey, PR. The majority of the school’s 789 students are on 2-year programs. ICPR Junior College-General Institutional has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are generally about $6,408 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,756, although this will depend on the program.

ICPR Junior College-Manati

do not remove this textCarretera #2 K.M. 4.9 Puerta del Norte Mall, Arecibo, PR 00674

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at ICPR Junior College is based at their Manati campus in Arecibo in Manati County, PR. This private, for-profit college has about 613 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Tuition fees are generally about $6,408 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,756, although this will depend on the program.

Mayaguez, PR Area

ICPR Junior College-Mayaguez

do not remove this text80 West McKinley St, Mayaguez, PR 00681-1108

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at ICPR Junior College is offered at their Mayaguez campus in the city of Mayaguez, PR. The majority of the school’s 596 students are on 2-year programs. ICPR Junior College-Mayaguez is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are around $6,504 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,756, although this will depend on the program.

Aguadilla-Isabela, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla

do not remove this textBarrio Corrales Sector Calero, Aguadilla, PR 00603

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate ProgramPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The University offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Aguadilla campus in Aguadilla in Aguadilla County, PR. This is a full, 4-year private college with 4,595 students, of which 93% are undergraduates. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are generally around $5,282 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $845, although this will depend on the program.

Arecibo, PR Area

Inter American University, Puerto Rico-Arecibo

do not remove this textBo San Daniel Sector Las Canelas Carretera 2, Arecibo, PR 00614

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program is offered at their Arecibo campus in the city of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. This is a full, 4-year private college with 4,799 students, of which 90% are undergraduates. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $4,660 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $845, as necessitated by the chosen program.

San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Barranquitas

do not remove this textBO. Helechal Carretera 156 Intersecci?n 719, Barranquitas, PR 00794-0517

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The University’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Barranquitas campus in Barranquitas in Barranquitas County. Of the 2,073 students, about 3% are postgraduates. The Inter-American University of Puerto Rico-Barranquitas is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are broadly about $4,596 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $845, as necessitated by the chosen program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon

do not remove this text500 John Will Harris Dr., Bayamon, PR 00957-6257

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program is imparted at their Bayamon campus in Bayamon in Bayamon County, PR. This is a full, 4-year private college with 4,857 students, of which 97% are undergraduates. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $4,600 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $845, although this will depend on the program.

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Fajardo

do not remove this textCalle Parque Batey Central Carr 195, Fajardo, PR 00738-7003

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The University’s Certificate program is taught at their Fajardo campus in Fajardo in Fajardo County, PR. Of the 2,259 students, about 4% are postgraduates. The University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are generally about $4,600 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $995, although this will depend on the program.

Guayama, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Guayama

do not remove this textBo Machete Carr 744 Km 1.2, Guayama, PR 00785

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at the University is offered at their Guayama campus in the city of Guayama. Of the 2,169 students, about 4% are postgraduates. The school is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $5,342 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $845, although this will depend on the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro

do not remove this textCarretera #1 Km 16 3 Esq Calle Francisco Sein, San Juan, PR 00919

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at the University can be taken at their Metro campus in the city of San Juan, PR. This is a full, 4-year private college with 9,853 students, of which 72% are undergraduates. The University has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are generally around $6,723 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,227, although this will depend on the program.

Ponce, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

do not remove this text104 Turpeaux Industrial Park Rd1, Mercedita, PR 00715-1602

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The University’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is taught at their Ponce campus in Mercedita in Ponce County, Puerto Rico. This is a full, 4-year private college with 5,821 students, of which 93% are undergraduates. The school is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are around $4,674 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $845, although this will depend on the program.

Mayaguez, PR Area

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-San German

do not remove this textRd. 102 Km. 30.6, San German, PR 00683

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The University’s Certificate program is imparted at their San German campus in the city of San German. This is a full, 4-year private college with 5,177 students, of which 85% are undergraduates. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 80%. Tuition fees are broadly about $4,660 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $845, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Arecibo, PR Area

National University College-Arecibo

do not remove this textArecibo Centro Plz Ave Manuel Perez Aviles, Arecibo, PR 00612

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at National University College can be taken at their Arecibo campus in the city of Arecibo. The college has a region of 1,650 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* tuition fees are about $6,495 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $733, as necessitated by the chosen program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

National University College-Bayamon

do not remove this textCarr. #2 Edificio National College Plaza, Bayamon, PR 00960

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

National University College’s Associate program is imparted at their Bayamon campus in Bayamon in Bayamon County. Of the 5,213 students, about 4% are postgraduates. National University College-Bayamon has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees for in-state students are about $6,495 and for students from other states approximately $10,275 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $733, although this will depend on the program.

National University College-Caguas

do not remove this text190 Ave. Gautier Ben?tez esquina Ave. Federico Degetau, Caguas, PR 00725-0000

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

National University College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Caguas campus in the city of Caguas. Most of the school’s 920 students are on 4-year programs. National University College-Caguas is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are broadly about $6,495 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $733, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Ponce, PR Area

National University College-Ponce

do not remove this textState Road #506 Km. 1.00 Bo Coto Laurel, Ponce, PR 00716

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at National University College is taught at their Ponce campus in the city of Ponce. This private, for-profit college has about 1,118 students in total, with most students on 4-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are broadly about $6,495 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $733, as necessitated by the chosen program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

National University College-Rio Grande

do not remove this textCarr. #3 Km 22.01 – Barrio Cienaga Baja, Rio Grande, PR 00745

iPharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s program at National University College is based at their Rio Grande campus in Rio Grande in Rio Grande County, PR. This private, for-profit college has roughly 1,869 students in total, with the majority of students on 4-year programs. National University College-Rio Grande is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $6,495 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $733, although this will vary with the program.

Nova College de Puerto Rico

do not remove this text#137 Dr. Veve Street, Bayamon, PR 00960

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Nova College de Puerto Rico’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is offered at their campus in the city of Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The majority of the school’s 195 students are on 2-year programs. The Pharmacy Technician program, with a program length of 68 credit hours, is the college’s largest program. Tuition fees are broadly about $15,662 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $155, as necessitated by the chosen program.

Ponce, PR Area

Ponce Paramedical College Inc

do not remove this text1213 Acacia Street Villa Flores Urb, Ponce, PR 00716-2901

iPharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Ponce Paramedical College Inc’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Ponce. The college has in the order of 2,882 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Ponce Paramedical College Inc is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is broadly about $13,325 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $909. Usually, the program is completed in 21 months.

Mayaguez, PR Area

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

do not remove this text482 Calle Ramon Emerito Betances Sur, Mayaguez, PR 00680-1713

iT?cnico de Farmacia – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at the University is offered at their Mayaguez campus in the city of Mayaguez, PR. Of the 1,501 students, about 8% are postgraduates. The school is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are generally around $4,738 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,585, although this will depend on the program.

San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR Area

Universidad Del Este

do not remove this textCarr. # 190 Esq. Calle 220 Bo. Sabana Abajo, Carolina, PR 00985-0985

iCiencias en T?cnico de Farmacia – Associate Program

Universidad Del Este’s Associate program is offered at their campus in the city of Carolina, PR. Of the 13,420 students, about 8% are postgraduates. Universidad Del Este has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are generally around $5,434 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,652, depending on the program chosen.

Universidad Del Turabo

do not remove this textCarr. # 189 Km 3.3, Gurabo, Puerto Rico 00778-3030

iGrado Asociado en Farmacia – Associate ProgramT?cnico de Farmacia – Certificate Program

Universidad Del Turabo offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are taught at their campus in Gurabo in Gurabo County, PR. This is a full, 4-year private college with 17,287 students, of which 84% are undergraduates. The school has institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* Tuition fees are generally around $5,434 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,652, although this will depend on the program.

Universidad Metropolitana

do not remove this textAve. Ana G. Mendez Km 0.3, Cupey, PR 00928-1345

iT?cnico de Farmacia – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Universidad Metropolitana is offered at their campus in the city of Cupey, Puerto Rico. This is a full, 4-year private college with 13,631 students, of which 84% are undergraduates. Universidad Metropolitana is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.* tuition fees are about $5,434 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,652, although this will depend on the program.

* 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.