Tennessee Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Working as a pharmacy technician is a fantastic career choice. If breaking into the healthcare industry is of interest, then you should be aware of the various regulations and requirements to practice in the state of Tennessee. Some requirements are Federal laws, while some are state and industry requirements. This guide explains the steps you need to take to achieve that goal and begin working as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee.

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

The Tennessee Department of Health's Board of Pharmacy requires that pharmacy technician applicants fulfill the following list of criteria:

• Registration is mandatory; applicants must submit proof of citizenship along with other documents
• Only those 18 years or over may register as a pharmacy technician in Tennessee
• The State of Tennessee has no educational requirements to become a pharmacy technician or national certification. This requirement was abolished in 2015.
• Individual employers may ask for a High School Diploma, GED, or national certification
• You must submit all documentation for a formal criminal record check to work in Tennessee
• Part of the criminal records check is mandatory fingerprinting. You must set up an appointment to do this formally. Out of state applicants can request a fingerprint card which they can return by mail
• Applicants must self-declare any convictions with supporting court documentation
• Tennessee charges $85 for registration. The annual renewal cost is also $85

Special note 1: Applicants from other states are welcome to apply. There are no formal reciprocity arrangements – your application will be considered on an individual basis and subject to the same criteria as above.

Special note 2: The Tennessee Department of Health will only process your application when all details are received and after fingerprinting has been carried out.

Special note 3: Interns are exempt from the above requirements. The employing pharmacy must conduct relevant checks before making an offer of employment.

Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

The most recent (2019) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report recorded 10,270 pharmacy technicians in Tennessee. Average pay rates were calculated at a median of $15.24 per hour, and $34,510 annually.

Over half of all pharmacy technicians nationwide are currently employed in pharmacies and drug stores. 17%, around 1 in 6, are currently employed in clinical facilities such as hospital pharmacy departments, and at specialty clinics. A further 9% work in retail outlets with pharmacy concessions inside third party facilities. This includes grocery stores, supermarkets, and health food outlets.

Pharmacy technicians can expect to work a variety of hours including nights, weekends, and evening work. Pharmacy needs mean emergency prescriptions. Concessionary outlets and facilities inside third party businesses will operate in line with that business' operating hours and days.

The BLS expects pharmacy technician openings to grow 4% between 2019 and 2029. This is the current average of all jobs in the country, meaning stable and steady employment.

Tennessee Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Training Programs