HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN VERMONT
Are you interested in working in the healthcare field in a career with a lot of opportunities? If you are, then you should consider becoming a pharmacy technician. Jobs in this field are high in demand across the country. You would work under a licensed pharmacist. The duties of a pharmacy tech include measuring and mixing liquid medications, counting pills, labeling prescriptions, and keeping records of incoming and filled orders. Pharmacy technicians may also communicate information to patients, answer phone calls and keep up with inventory. With the proper training, you can be ready to work as a pharmacy tech in Vermont in a year or less. [Leer en español]
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN VERMONT?
To work as a pharmacy technician in the state, you must obtain a license by registering with the Vermont Board of Pharmacy. You will need to complete the application provided by the Board and pay a $50 registration fee. If you have completed training, you will also need to submit proof of that. However, formal training is not required to work in the state. Once you are registered, you must renew your license by July 31st in odd-numbered years. The renewal fee is $60.
National certification is not required for Vermont pharmacy techs. If you choose to become certified, you can do so by taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination that the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers or the Examination for Certification as Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) administered by the National Health career Association (NHA). An exam fee of a little over $100 is required to take either exam.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS IN VERMONT
You don’t have to complete a training program to work in Vermont as a pharmacy tech. However, if you choose to become certified, completing a pharmacy technician program that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) can help you to pass the certification exams. And having formal training and certification can lead to more job opportunities, career advancement, and a higher salary.
There currently aren’t any on-campus pharmacy tech training programs available in the state, but consider one of the following online programs:
- Vermont Technical College. This program prepares students to work as entry-level pharmacy techs and to take the PTCB exam. The program is offered online, and tuition is approximately $1,300 at this time. Coursework includes pharmacy and healthcare history, drug regulation and control, pharmaceutical terminology, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy measures, and abbreviations, compounding, and basic biopharmaceutics. This program also includes a clinical externship at a local pharmacy.
- Penn Foster Career College. At Penn Foster, you can take a pharmacy technician training program entirely online. The courses can be taken at your convenience, but the program can be completed as quickly as nine months. Furthermore, if you graduate from this program, Penn Foster will pay $129 for you to take the PTCE.
PHARMACY TECH JOB OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS IN VERMONT
The predicted growth for pharmacy technicians nationally is approximately 5 percent between the years 2020 and 2030. This high growth rate can be attributed to the fact that the population is aging, and chronic diseases are becoming more common. Therefore, prescription medications are high in demand. The growth rate for pharmacy techs in Vermont is predicted to be 10 percent from 2020 to 2030. At least 60 more pharmacy technician jobs are anticipated to become available in the state during this time.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in May 2020, the average hourly pay for pharmacy techs in Vermont was $17.69. The average annual wage was $36,800 that same year. If you have completed formal training, have certification, or are more experienced in the field, you can potentially make up to $46,470 annually.
PHARMACY TECH JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN VERMONT
There are many settings in which you could work as a pharmacy technician in Vermont. These might include retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, other assisted living facilities, independent pharmacies, and more. You may work full-time or part-time, and since many pharmacies are open 24 hours, you may work nights and weekends.
Job opportunities are promising throughout the state, but some of the cities you may want to consider are Barre, Bennington, Burlington, Morrisville, and Windsor. The highest-paying cities in the state are Colchester, Richford, and Windsor.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Vermont?
- Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
- Bristol Community College, Fall River, MA
- Penn Foster Career School, Online
- Ashworth College, Online
- Rasmussen College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in Vermont?
- 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 Vermont Board of Pharmacy
- Formal pharmacy technician training and certification are not required in Vermont
How much do pharmacy technicians make in Vermont?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Vermont made an average of $36,800 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $28,930 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $46,470
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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Residents of Vermont may also wish to review their options in New Hampshire, New York, and Massachusetts.