Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arizona

Arizona is an amazing state to work as a pharmacy technician. Not only do professionals in the state have access to numerous job opportunities, but they can also start their careers smoothly thanks to excellent training institutions.

Below, readers will find out the best among these institutions. Additionally, they will become familiar with the general processes and considerations required to enter this profession, as well as the steps they can take to pursue career opportunities.

We also provide key resources, including links to certification bodies and the annual average salary categories for pharmacy technicians in Arizona.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Arizona

These are the requirements for starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Arizona.

Basic Requirements

Employers of pharmacy technicians in Arizona, as well as training institutions, have specific requirements for candidates in this field. Among these are a high school diploma or GED, proof of vaccination against specific diseases, and, in many cases, a background check.

Candidates may also be required to meet the minimum age of 18 by the time they complete their training.

Educational Options

When starting a pharmacy technician career, candidates have to decide whether they want to study on campus or “on the job”. Campus-based training is very popular because it doesn’t require stringent conditions.

Candidates who choose on-the-job training may need to demonstrate to employers that they deserve the opportunity, given their lack of prior skills to leverage. Those who would like to study in person can pursue 1-year or less certificate programs or associate degree programs completed in 18 to 24 months.

Certification & Job Placement

Certification is vital for success as a pharmacy technician. This leads to straightforward employment and other professional opportunities.

It is also a crucial ingredient for career growth and specialization, enabling you to build deep expertise in a specific area of the job. Professional pharmacy technicians can specialize in community pharmacy, central pharmacy operations, or laboratory pharmacy.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a medical biller and coder in Arizona

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Pharmacy technicians in Arizona usually pursue certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Certification offers career opportunities, better salaries, and credibility.

The Arizona State Board of Pharmacy licenses pharmacy technicians. The board also sets the requirements for licensure.

Currently, these steps include completing an official application form, submitting it by mail or online, and paying an application fee of 82. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and have completed a recognized training program.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arizona

Below are some prominent training programs for future pharmacy technicians in Arizona.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Arizona by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

Based solely on average salaries by location, the top places to work as a pharmacy technician in Arizona are Peridot ($102,100), Globe ($47,427), and Gilbert ($46,818). Those who work in Chandler earn an annual average salary of $44,068.

Without location, candidates may earn an average annual salary of $57,959 at the top tier, $30,267 at the bottom level, and $41,883 at the middle level, according to Indeed. The median figure is also on par with the national average.

In addition to location, candidates can optimize other factors such as employment status, professional credentials, and experience level to improve their earnings.