BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN RHODE ISLAND

If you are interested in an important and fascinating career in the healthcare field in Rhode Island, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. In this role, your job title could also be pharmacy tech or compounding technician, and you’ll play a key role in preparing prescriptions under the direction of a pharmacist. Some of what you’ll do includes counting, mixing, labeling, and recording prescriptions. [Leer en español]

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REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A RHODE ISLAND PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

To become a Rhode Island pharmacy technician, you must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or the equivalent. You may also be enrolled in a high school or vocational training program where you’re pursuing a degree or certificate. You must have no felony convictions related to substance abuse.

To practice as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, you’re required to register with the Rhode Island Department of Health. You’ll need to complete pharmacy tech training approved by the Board of Pharmacy.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN RHODE ISLAND

Training and pharmacy tech programs to become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island are available in a variety of settings. Some of the pharmacy technician programs you might consider include:

  • Community College of Rhode Island.  Located in Warwick, RI, CCRI offers a 16-week program that can prepare you to become a pharmacy tech II. It includes 180 hours of classroom training and 120 externship hours.
  • Center for Workforce and Community Education. Pursue training to become a certified pharmacy technician online through the Division of Workforce Partnerships. This program offers everything you need to take the national certification exam through PTCB. It also includes a Virtual Externship with an option to perform a clinical externship lasting 100 hours.
  • Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

PHARMACY TECH CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING

In RI, you are required to be licensed by the State of Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. There are two levels of licenses, which are pharmacy technician I and pharmacy technician II. Once you are licensed in Rhode Island at either level, you must renew your license each year by June 30.

National certification is recognized in the state. To become a pharmacy technician II, you’ll need to pass a national certification exam. These are offered through the Pharmacy Tech Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS IN RHODE ISLAND

An aging population and higher rates of chronic diseases will lead to increased demand for prescription medications and very good job prospects for pharmacy techs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts growth in the pharmacy technician field of 5 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is faster than average for all occupations.

As of 2020, the median annual wage was $36,740. This means approximately half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than that and half earned less. The annual mean salary for Rhode Island pharmacy technicians is $36,820 and the hourly mean is $17.70.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECH IN RHODE ISLAND

Opportunities to work as a pharmacy tech in Rhode Island are available in a variety of settings. Some examples include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, drug stores, and pharmacies. Many of these healthcare settings are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you may be working days, nights, or weekends.

The role of healthcare workers is continually evolving. The current trend is for pharmacists to take on new responsibilities such as giving flu shots. This means pharmacy techs may need to take over some of the work formerly done by pharmacists. Throughout the state of Rhode Island, the job outlook for pharmacy techs appears to be very strong.

FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Rhode Island?

  1. Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
  2. Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
  3. Penn Foster Career School, Online
  4. Ashworth College, Online
  5. Rasmussen College, Online

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?

  1. You must be at least 18 years old
  2. You must have a high school diploma or GED, or be enrolled in a high school or vocational training program where you’re pursuing a degree or certificate
  3. Pass a criminal record check
  4. Register with the Rhode Island Department of Health
  5. Complete pharmacy tech training approved by the Board of Pharmacy.

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Rhode Island?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Rhode Island made an average of $36,820 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $29,360 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $47,110.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of Rhode Island may also wish to review their options in ConnecticutMassachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.