PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREERS IN WYOMING

If you’re thinking about a career in the pharmaceutical industry, becoming a pharmacy technician might be the right choice for you. These trained specialists help pharmacists dispense medications, serve customers and manage medication inventory. [Leer en español]

On a typical day, pharmacy techs might answer phone calls, request pharmacist attention for customers with prescription questions, enter customer data into a computer, and accept payments. While most pharmacy technicians work in traditional pharmacies and drugstores, some also work in hospitals and general merchandise stores. The duties of each pharmacy tech vary depending on the setting in which they work.

To be successful at this job, you should have a good understanding of basic math and science. It’s also important to be very organized and have an eye for detail. Customer service skills are also very important qualities for pharmacy techs.

YOUR PATH AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN

To begin your career as a pharmacy technician, the first step is to complete high school or earn a GED equivalent. After that, you should train in a pharmacy technician program offered either by a school or a pharmacy employer. Some schools offer certificates, while others also offer full associate degree options.

The next step would be to take a nationally issued pharmacy technician exam. Two commonly accepted options are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and the National Health Career Association exam (ExCPT). If you earn certification by successfully passing one of these exams, you are required to become licensed with the State Board of Pharmacy before beginning work.

WYOMING PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS

To be prepared for the PTCB or ExCPT exams, it’s recommended that your school of choice is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). To find more pharmacy tech training resources, visit the ASHP website. Here are a couple of Wyoming pharmacy technician schools that will prepare you for the PTCB or ExCPT exam:

• Casper College. Students at Casper can study in the 10-month certificate program or pursue a two-year associate’s degree if further education is desired. Classes are available both on campus and online, but laboratory exercises must be completed on campus. Required prerequisite programs include Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Medical Terminology, and Math.
• Laramie County Community College (LCCC). Though this school isn’t accredited by the ASHP or ACPE, it’s still a good option because it prepares students to take the PTCB exam. The program includes 72 hours of classroom instruction and applied experience. Potential students must score at least mid-level on a mathematics assessment exam to be accepted.
• Penn Foster Career School. Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

LICENSING POLICY FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS

The Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy requires all pharmacy technicians to register for the Wyoming Pharmacy Technician License. To be eligible, you must first clear a background check and complete the PTCB or ExCPT exam. Your Wyoming license must be renewed every year and requires six hours of continuing education. All licensed pharmacy technicians must report changes to employment location and address to the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy.

INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT PREDICTIONS

Pharmacy technicians are paid well in Wyoming compared to the rest of the country. In 2020, the median wage for Wyoming pharmacy techs was $18.03 per hour, compared to the national median wage of $17.66 per hour that same year.

Pharmacy technicians are increasing in demand in Wyoming as well. The Projections Managing Partnership estimates a 10.5 percent increase in pharmacy technician jobs from 2016 to 2026.

WONDERING WHERE TO WORK?

Employment opportunities and salaries for pharmacy technicians are promising throughout the entire state. However, if you’re looking to work in the area with the highest employment rate, Cheyenne is the place to be. Pharmacy technician employment per 1,000 jobs is the highest in this city.

Cheyenne is also the Wyoming leader in pharmacy technician pay, with a reported median income of $18.41 per hour. The western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area follows closely behind at a median income rate of $18.31 per hour. Overall, it’s looking good for pharmacy technicians in Wyoming. The number of job openings keeps growing, meaning it shouldn’t be difficult to find work opportunities.

FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Wyoming?

1. Casper College, Casper
2. IBMC College, Fort Collins, CO
3. Western Dakota Technical Institute, Rapid City, SD
4. Penn Foster Career School, Online
5. Ashworth College, Online

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Wyoming?

1. You must be at least 18 years old
2. You must have a high school diploma or GED
3. Pass a criminal record check
4. Get pharmacy technician training either on the job or through a college program
5. Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or ExCPT exam
6. Register with the State Board of Pharmacy

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Wyoming?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Wyoming made an average of $37,510 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $29,270 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $47,790.

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OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Residents of Wyoming may also wish to review their options in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho.