The following is a guide that analyzes how to become a successful pharmacy technician in the state of Florida. Readers will find out what they can do to prepare for admission into the best training programs and the specific alternatives they can choose regarding their actual training arrangement, curriculum structure, and program length.
The guide also includes a section dedicated to analyzing the licensing and certification requirements of pharmacy technicians in Florida and across the country, helping them enjoy a straightforward process of securing employment and taking advantage of career opportunities.
Finally, after providing a list of top programs to consider, the guide concludes with a breakdown of how much professionals in this field can expect to earn at the end of each year.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Florida
Below are the requirements to become a successful pharmacy technician in Florida.
Completing a Training Program
Naturally, aspiring pharmacy technicians in Florida have a better chance of career success if they enroll in an academic program to acquire strong technical expertise. Most pharmacy technician programs in the state are structured as campus-only associate degree programs that can be completed in two years.
However, candidates can participate in part-time or online programs if they desire convenience. It is also possible to become a pharmacy technician in the state by completing a one-year program that leads to a certificate.
Developing Real-World Expertise
Understanding fundamental concepts in a training program is great for prospective pharmacy technicians. However, before they can become full-fledged professionals, they have to be able to carry out their duties in an actual work environment with utmost confidence.
This is why individuals just entering the profession set aside some time to complete an internship or work in an assistant position. Some programs already have partnerships and connections with establishments across the state, leading to straightforward internship positions and sometimes full-time job placement for their students.
Specialization & Employment
A pharmacy technician can choose a specialty area to improve career opportunities and focus. Some, for instance, may work as laboratory pharmacy technicians or community pharmacy technicians, while others choose to work as central pharmacy operations technicians.
From there, candidates will be able to create a strong resume and apply for open positions.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Becoming certified as a pharmacy technician in Florida can open up career opportunities. It is also a key step that candidates fulfill before applying for approval from the Florida State Board of Pharmacy.
Of course, professionals have an even better chance of enjoying career benefits if they are certified by a prominent organization. Thankfully, there are several options to consider.
Currently, the most notable credentials are offered by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association. For the former, candidates must pass a 90-question professional examination, while the latter requires passing a 100-question exam.
Both credentials expect applicants to have completed an accredited training program or earned comparable experience in an actual work environment.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Florida
All of the entries below provide comprehensive education for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Florida.
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL Campus Only
Barry University provides a comprehensive 72-hour pharmacy technician training program that emphasizes a lecture-based format to foster collaboration between students and instructors.
Tuition
$1,575 per ProgramContact
(305) 981-5148
CE@barry.edu
Baptist Health
Miami, FL Campus + Online
Baptist Health offers a rigorous 10-week pharmacy technician training program that blends online theoretical coursework with in-person practical experience. The curriculum covers all critical competencies necessary for pharmacy technicians and totals 400 instructional hours.
Email: PharmacyTechTrainingProgram@baptisthealth.net
Tuition
$3,600 per ProgramContact
Email in Bio
University of West Florida
Online, FL Online Only
The University of West Florida delivers a fully online pharmacy technician course that caters to both beginners and working professionals seeking certification.
Tuition
$2,995 - $3,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
ContinuingEd@uwf.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
As a pharmacy technician in Florida, the annual average salary to expect usually ranges from $28,692 to $46,982. The first figure belongs to those who have to start their careers among the bottom 10%, while the second figure is relevant for those who have already scaled their earnings to be among the highest earners in the state.
It is more common, however, for candidates not to fall on either extreme but in the middle. Those who are here manage an annual average salary of $36,715.
Experience, location, and work environment can be vital in determining a professional’s salary bracket.
Concerning location, Pompano Beach ($40,726), Orlando ($39,679), and West Palm Beach ($38,597) are where pharmacy technicians make the highest annual average salaries in Florida. Those who work in Altamonte Springs are also well-rewarded with an annual average salary of $38,578.