BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TENNESSEE

Pharmacy technician jobs are experiencing strong growth throughout the United States. Pharmacy techs help patients by taking their prescriptions and dispensing them when they are filled. They also help count out pills, mix medications, and print prescription labels. Other tasks that pharmacy technicians perform include taking inventory, answering phones, and processing insurance claims. [Leer en español]

Each state has its requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician. Tennessee pharmacy technicians are required to register in the state before they are permitted to work.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TENNESSEE?

Those interested in becoming a pharmacy tech in the state need to register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. A written application must be submitted along with the registration fee of $95.00. You also need to complete a declaration of citizenship and pass a criminal background check.

A pharmacy technician affidavit will need to be completed as well and kept on record at the pharmacy at which you work once you are hired. Registration must be renewed biannually and requires a $50 renewal fee. Renewal can be done online.

There are no age requirements to work as a pharmacy technician in the state. However, the recommended minimum age in other states is 17-18. Also, if you wish to complete a formal training program, you will need to be a high school graduate or hold a GED. Once hired, pharmacy techs must wear a name tag that identifies them as pharmacy technicians, and their licensure and certification must be on display at their workplace.

TENNESSEE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLS

While it isn’t imperative to receive formal education in pharmacy technology, it can help you be prepared to work in this field. You will learn basic pharmacy practices, pharmacy and medical terminology, medication dosage, and more.

Pharmacy technician programs that have been accredited through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) will prepare you to take the national certification exam. There are more than a half dozen accredited pharmacy technician programs available in Tennessee. Below you will find a couple of pharmacy technician schools in Tennessee.

Walters State Community College

Located in Morristown, the Community College offers a technical certificate in Advanced Pharmacy Technology. This program consists of 30 credit hours that can be taken over three semesters. This program is ASHP-accredited, and students who complete the program are eligible to take the national certification exam.

Southwest Tennessee Community College

The College in Memphis offers a technical certificate in Pharmacy Technology. This program is also accredited by the ASHP. The 31 credit hours necessary to complete this program can be taken in two semesters.

Coursework includes Introduction to Pharmacy Operations, Sterile Products, Measurements & Calculations, and Pharmacology. A clinical rotation is also included in this program.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

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NATIONAL CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

You don’t have to be certified to work as a pharmacy tech in Tennessee, but holding certification will show your competence and could help you find more job opportunities and make more money.

If you want to get nationally certified, then this can be done by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. You can either take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) that the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers, or you can take the Examination for Certification as Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) available through the National Healthcareer Association. Each exam has an exam fee, and both are just over $100.

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SALARY AND JOB OUTLOOK

As claimed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average pharmacy tech salary in Tennessee is $35,520. If you have more experience or hold certification, then you might make as much as $46,010 annually.

Pharmacy technicians are currently high in demand across all states. The predicted nationwide growth in this field is 5 percent between the years 2020 and 2030. The growth rate in Tennessee is higher than the national growth rate, at 12 percent. It is predicted that approximately 880 more jobs will be available in this field in the state by the year 2030.

WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TENNESSEE

Tennessee pharmacy technicians can be found working in retail pharmacies, independent drugstores, compounding pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Pharmacy techs need to have strong communication, organization, and time management skills. They also need to be in relatively good shape and health, as they must stand for long periods daily and may occasionally have to lift heavy loads.

Work is available throughout the state, but some of the more populated cities like Chattanooga, Franklin, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville are likely to have higher employment rates for this profession.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Tennessee?

Hussian College-Daymar College, Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville
Remington College, Nashville
Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Dickson, Murfreesboro, Jacksboro, Athens, Huntsville, and Livingston
South College, Knoxville
Walters State Community College, Morristown
Roane State Community College, Harriman

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Tennessee?

You must be at least 17 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal record check
Register with the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Tennessee?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Tennessee made an average of $35,520 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $28,110 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,010.

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ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Chattanooga, TN-GA Area

Chattanooga State Community College

4501 Amnicola Hwy, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406-1097Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at the Community College is offered at their campus in the city of Chattanooga, TN.

The majority of the school’s 9,910 students are on 2-year programs. Chattanooga State Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $3,651 and for out-of-state students approximately $14,091 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,400, depending on the program chosen.

This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers start dates in August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: full-time, day only.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency, admissions testing, interview, transcript, two letters of recommendation, and must be at college level English, Reading, & Math 080 level.

General Location Training Sites: Greater Chattanooga area. Academic award: Technical.

They say: Hands-on skill development, computer experience, state-of-the-art lab, financial aid, job placement, assistance with state registration, and preparation for the certification examination. Continuing education programs.

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Area

Concorde Career College-Memphis

5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 132, Memphis, Tennessee 38137-0132Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Concorde Career College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their Memphis campus in the city of Memphis. Most of the school’s 1,313 students are on 2-year programs. Concorde Career College-Memphis has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are around $13,375 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,132. The typical program completion time is 17 months. This program is ASHP accredited. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class schedule: morning, afternoon, evening.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED, acceptable score on the CPAT.

General Location Training Sites: Memphis, Tennessee.

They say: Students will be provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude for entry-level employment as pharmacy technicians in a timely and cost-effective manner. The graduate will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.

Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Area

Genesis Career College-Cookeville

880-A East 10th Street, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501-1907Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Genesis Career College is offered at their Cookeville campus in the town of Cookeville, TN.

The college has about 518 students in total, with the majority of students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are about $12,495 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,221. The typical program completion time is 9 months.

Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Area

National College-Nashville

1638 Bell Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37211Pharmacy 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 Nashville campus in the city of Nashville, Tennessee.

This private, for-profit college has in the region of 710 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 around $11,442 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $2,826, depending on the program.

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Area

Remington College-Memphis Campus

2710 Nonconnah Blvd, Memphis, Tennessee 38132Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Remington College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is taught at its Memphis Campus campus in the city of Memphis. The majority of the school’s 814 students are on 4-year programs. Remington College-Memphis Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $15,995 yearly. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Area

Remington College-Nashville

441 Donelson Pike, Suite 150, Nashville, TN 37214Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Nashville. The college has in the region of 380 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Remington College-Nashville has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $15,995 yearly. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Eastern Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Area

Roane State Community College

276 Patton Lane, Harriman, Tennessee 37748Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at the Community College can be taken at their campus in the town of Harriman, TN. The majority of the school’s 6,214 students are on 2-year programs. Roane State Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are generally around $3,621 and for out-of-state students approximately $14,061 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,500, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician, and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers start dates in the Fall semester.

Class scheduling: Full-time.

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Area

Southwest Tennessee Community College

737 Union Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at the Community College is based at their campus in the city of Memphis. Most of the school’s 10,817 students are on 2-year programs. Southwest Tennessee Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are around $3,641 and for out-of-state students approximately $14,081 annually. Study materials can cost around $1,000, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited.

Eastern Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Area

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Athens

1635 Vo Tech Dr, Athens, Tennessee 37371-0848Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The college offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their Athens campus in the town of Athens. This public college has about 202 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is over 80%. Tuition fees are usually around $3,477 annually. Study materials can cost around $4,880, depending on the program chosen.

North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Area

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Livingston

740 Hi Tech Dr, Livingston, Tennessee 38570Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The college offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their Livingston campus in the town of Livingston, TN. This public college has in the order of 442 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Livingston is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is usually around $3,177 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $996. Typically, the program is completed in 12 months.

Memphis, TN-MS-AR Area

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis

550 Alabama Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-3604Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Tennessee College of Applied Technology offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their Memphis campus in the city of Memphis. Most of the school’s 817 students are on 2-year programs. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The retention rate of full-time students at this college is 81%. The cost of tuition is in the order of $4,698 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $4,075, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician. The school offers start dates in September. Candidates must undergo an interview.

Class scheduling: M ? F 8: a.m. ? 2:30 p.m.

Acceptance Requirements: To be considered for enrollment into the program each prospective student MUST complete the entire enrollment process. A current immunization record Medical Exam Transcripts COMPASS Test 2 Letters of Reference Attend an Information session High School Diploma or GED

General Location Training Sites: Within the Memphis metropolitan area. Academic award: Pharmacy Technician Diploma.

They say: Tennessee College of Applied Technology is a Tennessee Board of Regents school. www.tcatmemphis.edu

Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN Area

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro

1303 Old Fort Pky, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129-3311Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Tennessee College of Applied Technology’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is offered at their Murfreesboro campus in the city of Murfreesboro, TN. This public college has in the region of 335 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $3,477 yearly. Study materials can cost around $2,387, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes a technician. The school offers start dates in the Fall. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time days.

Acceptance Requirements: HS diploma or GED equivalency, complete TCATM application, admissions testing, pass the entrance exam, interview, MMR vaccination or proof of immunity, VZV vaccination or proof of immunity.

General Location Training Sites: within 50 miles of the school. Academic award: Pharmacy Technician Diploma.

They say: A state-of-the-art training facility. Offers a broad spectrum of instruction, including pharmacy operations, sterile product preparation, math calculations, medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, third-party reimbursement, clinical training (retail, hospital, and long-term care), and interpersonal skills. Assistance with financial aid, job placement, and prep for the certification examination is available.

Morristown, TN Area

Walters State Community College

500 South Davy Crockett Parkway, Morristown, Tennessee 37813-6899Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at the Community College is based at their campus in the city of Morristown. Most of the school’s 6,265 students are on 2-year programs.

Walters State Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are around $3,615 and for out-of-state students approximately $14,055 annually.

Study materials can cost around $1,200, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 2 technicians and 2 lab/clerical support. The school offers start dates in August and June (summer semester). You will be required to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time or Part-time, Day-time.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED equivalency, transcript, one professional reference, and work history reference.

General Location Training Sites: Service area in Upper East TN area spanning 10 counties. Academic award: Technical Certificate.

They say: WSCC has offered a formal pharmacy technician training program since 1997. WCSS offers three different training options. Didactic training includes both in-person and Web-enhanced learning. Our hands-on skills lab contains the “Smart classroom technology”, 14 computers with pharmacy software and equipment for compound, prescription processing, repacking, and sterile products.

Support services available to students include financial aid, tutoring, job placement, and preparation for the certification exam.

* 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

Residents of Tennessee may also wish to review their options in Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.