Arkansas Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Arkansas is the country’s 33rd most populous state. It is home to larger cities like Little Rock, which is a major hub for business and culture. It is also the location where many medical professionals, including pharmacy technicians, work. Many pharmacy techs also work in cities like Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Pine Bluff.

The healthcare industry in Arkansas is crucial, as the community does contend with high rates of cardiovascular deaths, obesity, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. Pharmacy technicians may see growth in their industry, especially with so many healthcare institutions in the state and the increasing responsibilities for pharmacists who rely on technicians to complete essential tasks. Registration is the main requirement for Arkansas pharmacy technicians.

Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

To become an Arkansas pharmacy technician, you must fulfill several requirements:

• Register with the Board of Pharmacy. Submit the written application to the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.
• Be willing to undergo a criminal background check. Individuals with a prior record of alcohol and drug addiction must have prior approval by the Board of Pharmacy to be approved.
• Pay a registration fee.
• Graduate from high school or receive a G.E.D.
• Be considered of good moral character and temperate habits.

Keep in mind that registration will expire on December 31 every second year. Technicians must register again to continue working. Additionally, you must notify the State Board of Pharmacy about any change in address or occupation.

Certification is not required by the State Board of Pharmacy in Arkansas. You can practice without taking a test or continuing education courses. Instead, you must obtain registration, which serves as the certificate a technician provides to the workplace. Additionally, pharmacy techs in Arkansas are not required to obtain formal training. Training is completed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in the workplace. However, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed an accredited training program to minimize the chances of medication errors.

Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

Career opportunities are available for pharmacy technicians throughout Arkansas. The employment outlook is positive throughout the state for pharmacy techs, and growth is expected to be on par with other growing career fields. Jobs are available in health and personal care stores, merchant wholesalers, electronic shopping locations, grocery stores, and general medical facilities.

The annual mean wage of pharmacy technicians in Arkansas is about $30,900 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Approximately 4,880 pharmacy technicians are employed throughout the state. There are about 417,780 pharmacy technicians in the United States.

Pharmacy technician employment is expected to grow by four percent between the years 2019 and 2029. This is on par with the growth of other occupations in the state.

Pharmacy techs in Arkansas may see their industry growing based on the aging population. As Arkansas sees an increase in its older population, which tends to use more prescription medications, technicians are more likely to see a demand increase as well. Additionally, pharmacy techs will be asked to take on more tasks in the future as well, considering that the responsibilities of pharmacists are also increasing.

Arkansas Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs