Becoming A Pharmacy Technician In South Carolina
If you’re looking for a career in a healthcare field that has plenty of job opportunities in several different types of settings, consider becoming a pharmacy technician. In this career, you would work under the supervision of a pharmacist preparing the medication. On a typical day, your tasks may include measuring and mixing liquids, counting pills, labeling prescriptions, and keeping clear and accurate records of dosages of prescribed medicines. [Leer en español]
If you become a pharmacy technician in the state, your work skills will be in high demand. Your job title could also be pharmacy tech or compounding technician.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN SOUTH CAROLINA?
To become a pharmacy technician in the state, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. You’re required to register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy to practice as a pharmacy tech. As part of this process, you have to verify lawful presence in the United States as a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or qualified alien or non-immigrant.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Taking formal pharmacy technician programs in South Carolina may make you more attractive to a potential employer. Completing a program accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists is required to obtain state certification. Pharmacy technician programs in South Carolina include:
Greenville Technical College
This program includes both classroom and laboratory training as well as hands-on experience at a working pharmacy. It’s offered on the Benson Campus in Greer, and students can pursue either a diploma (52 weeks) or a certificate (24 weeks). Those who attain a diploma have higher salary potential and better opportunities for advancement.
Southeastern College – Charleston
Students have the opportunity to study pharmacy technology on a full-time or part-time basis. The full-time program can be completed in 10 months and the part-time program can be completed in 18 months. Classes may be taken in the evening, but the externship portion of the program must be completed during the day.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
REGISTRATION OR STATE CERTIFICATION OF PHARMACY TECHS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Registration with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy is required before you can work as a pharmacy technician. Registration must be renewed annually by June 30th of each year. Ten hours of continuing education are required to renew your registration.
To become South Carolina state-certified, you must have a current pharmacy tech registration and have passed the national certification exam through PTCB or ExCPT. You must also have completed a training program through a school accredited by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and have completed 1,000 hours of practice under a licensed pharmacist.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD (PTCB)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is an organization that offers voluntary certification to pharmacy technicians. The PTCB has two levels of certification: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv). To become a CPhT you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also have completed a training program approved by the PTCB.
PHARMACY TECH JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Across the country, the employment growth of pharmacy technicians is predicted to be approximately 5 percent between 2020 and 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than average for all occupations. The demand for prescription medications continues to increase, partly because of an aging population and also because there are higher rates of chronic diseases among all age groups.
According to Career One-Stop, in South Carolina, the hourly pay of pharmacy technicians ranges from a low of $10.32 per hour to a high of $19.35 per hour with the median at $14.18. The annual salary ranges from $21,470 to $40,240 with a median of $29,490.
PHARMACY TECH JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Opportunities to work as a pharmacy tech in South Carolina are available in both retail and institutional settings. You might work in a hospital, nursing home, assisted living facility, drug store, or pharmacy. Your hours might include working days, nights, or weekends since many healthcare settings are open around the clock.
Projected job growth in this field in South Carolina is estimated at approximately 15 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is even higher than the prediction of 5 percent nationally. Some of the highest-paying areas for pharmacy technicians in this state include Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Columbia. Throughout the state of South Carolina, job opportunities for pharmacy technicians look very promising.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in South Carolina?
- Trident Technical College, Charleston
- Augusta Technical College, Augusta
- Southeastern College, Charleston and Columbia
- Central Carolina Technical College, Sumter
- York Technical College, Rock Hill
- Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg
How do you become a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Register with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy
- Complete 10 hours of continuing education
How much do pharmacy technicians make in South Carolina?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of South Carolina made an average of $36,330 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $28,420 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,450.
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
See options in the neighboring states of North Carolina and Georgia.