PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Pharmacies are an important part of the healthcare field because they provide prescription medications to a population with ever-increasing medication needs. One important worker in this setting is a pharmacy technician, who stocks pharmacy supplies, accepts new written prescription orders, and performs pharmacy responsibilities under the supervision of a pharmacist. [Leer en español]
Pharmacy technician duties consist; of measuring, mixing, and packaging medications, assisting pharmacists, serving customers who pick them up, keeping track of medication inventory, and providing customer service. They work long hours on their feet in a fast-paced environment. These professionals must be organized and able to pay close attention to detail. Pharmacy techs work mainly in traditional pharmacies and drugstores, but also in hospitals and general merchandise stores.
STEPS TO BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
All prospective pharmacy technicians must first graduate high school (or earn a GED equivalent) and reach the age of 18 before beginning their careers. In South Dakota, you may then begin searching for jobs at pharmacies that will train you. Another option is to study in a college pharmacy technician training program.
All pharmacy technicians must be registered with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. After you are hired to work for a pharmacy, you must apply for your registration within 30 days. The application requires the signature of the licensed pharmacist you will answer to.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
If you choose to train in a college-based pharmacy technician program, it’s beneficial to ensure that it’s accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Here are two of the pharmacy technician programs available in South Dakota:
Southeast Technical Institute
This is the only ASHP-ACPE-accredited school in the eastern region. It’s located in Sioux Falls and offers a one-year pharmacy technician diploma. Prospective students must pass a drug test, and background checks, and be CPR-certified.
Western Dakota Tech
The 11-month pharmacy tech program at this Rapid City school is accredited by ASHP and ACPE. Prerequisites for acceptance include a high school transcript, immunization records, any previous college transcripts, and a $15 placement test.
Penn Foster Career School
Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.
CERTIFICATION WITH THE STATE
Within two years of your South Dakota Pharmacy registration, you’ll be required to become certified by a national agency such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). These associations offer exams to test your understanding of pharmacy technician skills.
You must provide proof of your certification to the Board to be recognized by the state. Becoming a nationally certified pharmacy technician requires 20 hours of continuing education and certification renewal every other year.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN JOBS IN SOUTH DAKOTA
Job openings for pharmacy technicians in South Dakota are expected to grow from 2016-2026. According to the Projections Managing Partnership, pharmacy techs should experience an 8.9 percent employment increase within that 10-year timespan.
The median income for pharmacy techs in South Dakota is reported at $17.63 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
PHARMACY TECH EMPLOYMENT BY LOCATION
No matter where you begin working, chances are good that you will be able to find pharmacy technician jobs in South Dakota. However, in 2018, the area that employed the most pharmacy technicians was Sioux Falls.
This city also held the highest employment rate for pharmacy techs per 1,000 jobs. The highest paying areas were Rapid City and the western South Dakota nonmetropolitan area. These two areas reported median hourly incomes of $16.48 and $16.41, respectively.
It’s a great time to become a certified pharmacy technician, as demand for these professionals is growing quickly across the nation. Because certification is regulated nationally by the PTCB and NHA, it’s relatively easy to transfer your certification from one state to another. If you’re looking for a steady health career that requires one year or less of training, this might be the perfect career choice for you.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in South Dakota?
- Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls
- National American University, Sioux Falls
- Western Dakota Technical Institute, Rapid City
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in South Dakota?
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a criminal record check
- Gain employment with on-the-job training or attend a college pharmacy technician training program
- Register with the South Dakota Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of employment
How much do pharmacy technicians make in South Dakota?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of South Dakota made an average of $36,680 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $29,080 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,190.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of South Dakota may also wish to review their options in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana.