Iowa Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification
Pharmacy technicians work under pharmacists providing vital service to customers needing prescription medications. With a growing need for healthcare, Iowa is a great state to get started as a pharmacy technician. Each state in the U.S. sets its own rules and requirements for pharmacy technician certification in line with Federal law. This means that while laws between different states are similar, they are not always identical. There are specific licensing and certification requirements in Iowa that an applicant must fulfill to work as a pharmacy technician. Read on to learn more.
2025 Best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Iowa
Looking for the best pharmacy technician programs in Iowa? pharmacytechnicianschools.com has done the research for you. We rank schools based on key factors like cost, program length, and student success. Our list helps you find a program that fits your needs. Start your journey to a rewarding career today. Learn how we rank schools here.
Northwest Iowa Community College
Sheldon, IA - Public 2-Year - nwicc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwest Iowa Community College's Pharmacy Technician program stands out for its flexibility, offering both online and on-campus formats to accommodate diverse student needs. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with essential skills in medication preparation, pharmacology, and patient care, aligning with Iowa's certification requirements. A notable feature is its inclusion of a hands-on practicum, enhancing real-world readiness. With an impressive 80% pass rate on the national certification exam, the program also boasts eligibility for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship, potentially covering tuition costs. Its two-semester duration and availability of diploma and certificate options make it an attractive choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
- Two semesters program length.
- Offered both online and on-campus.
- Prepares for national certification exam.
- 80% pass rate on certification exam.
- Future Ready Iowa Scholarship eligible.
- Hands-on practicum experience included.
- Focus on pharmacology and patient care.
- Accessible to students at various life stages.
- Financial aid and scholarships available.
- Diploma and certificate options available.
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA - Private 4-year - sau.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Ambrose University provides an accelerated online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program, ideal for those eager to enter the healthcare sector swiftly. This program, spanning just 2-4 months, equips students with essential knowledge in pharmacy operations, including medication handling and prescription processing, preparing them for the PTCB certification exam. Notably, the program's affordability at $4,000, coupled with flexible payment options, makes it accessible to a wide range of students, from recent high school graduates to professionals transitioning into healthcare. Its online format requires a 15-20 hour weekly commitment, offering convenience without compromising the depth of training.
- Online certificate program
- 2-4 months course length
- 15-20 hours weekly commitment
- Prepares for PTCB certification
- $4,000 total program cost
- Flexible payment plans available
- Suitable for healthcare newcomers
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA - Public 2-Year - dmacc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Visit Website
Des Moines Area Community College offers an online Pharmacy Technician certification program tailored for those eager to enter the healthcare field. This program stands out with its comprehensive curriculum that includes medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy operations, all delivered through an engaging online platform. A unique feature is the optional 130-hour Clinical Experience, enhancing hands-on learning. Students benefit from a self-paced schedule, a 12-month completion window, and a Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) voucher, setting them up for success in a career with an average salary of $40,300. The program also provides a pharmacy lab kit and covers all necessary textbooks, making it a valuable choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
- Self-paced online program
- 400 total course hours
- 12-month completion window
- Certification exam voucher
- Optional clinical experience
- Covers medical terminology
- Prepare for PTCB certification
- Course includes textbooks
- Open enrollment
- Pharmacy lab kit provided
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport, IA - Public 2-Year - eicc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern Iowa Community College District offers an online Pharmacy Technician program that stands out for its flexibility and comprehensive curriculum. This 400-hour certification course is tailored for those aiming to enter the pharmacy field, covering essential topics like medication processing and pharmaceutical calculations. A unique feature is the inclusion of a PTCE exam voucher, alongside optional clinical experience, enhancing practical skills. Priced at $2,995, the program is self-paced, allowing completion within 12 months. Graduates are well-prepared for certification and entry-level roles, with potential earnings around $40,300 annually. The program's blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application makes it a top choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Iowa.
- 400 course hours
- Online self-paced learning
- PTCE exam voucher included
- Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience
- Comprehensive textbook resources
- Prepares for pharmacy certification
- $2,995 total program cost
- 12-month program completion
- Certification exam preparation
Northeast Iowa Community College
Calmar, IA - Public 2-Year - nicc.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Pharmacy Technician
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeast Iowa Community College offers an online Pharmacy Technician program designed for those looking to quickly enter the healthcare field. This six-month program equips students with essential skills such as understanding drug terminology, interpreting prescriptions, and managing pharmacy operations, preparing them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. With an affordable tuition of approximately $1,495, the program is an excellent option for individuals seeking a fast and cost-effective route into pharmacy support roles. Admission requires a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old. The program also offers an optional clinical externship, enhancing hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
- Online career pathway certificate
- 6-month program duration
- Prepares for PTCB certification
- $1,495 approximate tuition
- 18+ years old admission requirement
- High school diploma needed
- Optional clinical externship available
- Works in various healthcare settings
Iowa Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements
According to the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, the state grants pharmacy technician licenses assuming the applicant fulfills the following criteria:
- Applicant must be 18 years old or older. For applicants under 18, only the qualified pharmacist at the workplace may submit the details in support of your application
- You have graduated with a high school diploma or acquired a GED
- You have completed an accredited study program and passed the PTCB; you are permitted to apply before passing these exams as a technician-in-training
- A criminal background check is mandatory; you must submit personal details to ensure you have no convictions that ban you from working in an environment handling controlled substances
- A $40 application fee is required, payable at the time of application. You may pay by check, credit, or debit card and must apply within 30 days of hire. After 30 days, you must pay an additional $40 penalty (total cost $80)
- Expired licenses are subject to a simple renewal request; the applicant should start 2 months before expiration
Special note 1: The criminal background check is not carried out before the state has received the application fee and application details.
Special note 2: Transfers from other states are permissible only where Iowa has a reciprocal arrangement.
Special note 3: Interns are exempt from these criteria
Iowa Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook
According to the most recent report (2019) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 4,300 pharmacy technicians in Iowa. People working in this role can expect pay rates of $15.91 (median average) $16.07 (mean average) and $33,430. Glassdoor reports that entry-level pay is around $23,477 on average.
Most pharmacy technicians (51%) will work in pharmacies and drug stores across the state, according to BLS data from 2019. A further 17% will find employment in hospitals and clinics in Iowa. Some work (9%) is available in grocery store pharmacies.
Most pharmacies operate on a 24/7 schedule and pharmacy technicians in Iowa can expect to work evenings, weekends, and night shifts. This varies depending on the location; in supermarkets, you may work only inside of normal operating hours.
Nationally, BLS employment outlook predicts a 4% increase between 2019 and 2029. However, state records show a higher than average requirement in Iowa, averaging around 12%. Some states and areas have higher than average citizen ages; where there are more elderly people, more prescription medicines are required.
Iowa Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs
Cedar Rapids, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | (319) 398-5411 |
Council Bluffs, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Western Community College Continuing Education | Council Bluffs, IA | (712) 325-3256 |
Marshalltown, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Valley Continuing Education | Marshalltown, IA | (641) 752-4645 |
Ottumwa, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | (641) 683-5111 |
Sheldon, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon, IA | (712) 324-5061 |
Sioux City, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | (712) 274-6400 |
Waterloo, IA
| School | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Hawkeye Community College Main Campus | Waterloo, IA | (319) 296-2320 |