Pennsylvania Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Pharmacy technician careers are in demand for those who want a promising entry-level position in the bustling pharmacy industry. For those seeking employment as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania, there are mandatory steps to take before you are allowed to work in this position. Many of these are mandated at the Federal government level, but each state may apply additional requirements to ensure good practice. This guide will help you understand what you need to do to apply for certification and to work as a pharmacy technician in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Pennsylvania does not current regulate pharmacy technicians and so it has no regulatory framework for you to abide by. However, employers will expect you to meet certain standards:

• To work as a pharmacy technician, applicants must be aged 18 or over
• Employers will expect that you have already passed an accredited training program permitting them to work as a pharmacy technician such as the PTCB, NHA, or ASHP
• In some cases, you may bypass the PTCB certification if you have enough on-the-job experience (minimum 500 hours) for those unable to take the PTCB at the relevant time

Special note: Due to no regulation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, there is no reciprocity arrangement. Employers will expect to see proof of PTCB, NHA, or ASHP prior to employment. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy.

Pennsylvania Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report (2009 edition) the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has 18,250 pharmacy technicians. Average pay across the Commonwealth came in at $14.38 (median average) and $14.97 (mean average). The average annual salary came in at $31,130.

Employment for pharmacy technicians is varied. For the most part, you will work in dedicated drug stores and pharmacies. These outlets employ over half (51%) of technicians. The next option is working in pharmacy support in clinical settings. 17% are employed in hospitals and clinics. A further 9% work in pharmacy facilities inside other outlets, such as grocery stores, as concessions.

Typical operating hours are around the clock, meaning you could be asked to work weekends, evenings, and more. Likewise at hospital pharmacies which work around the clock, though some small specialist clinics may only work specific hours. When located inside other businesses, operating hours adhere to the needs of the other business.

Job growth for pharmacy technicians is expected to land at 4% between 2019 and 2029, according to the LBS. This is roughly the same job growth that most U.S. jobs will experience within the same time frame.

Pennsylvania Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs