Pharmacy technicians take over clinical and administrative duties, making life easier for pharmacists in Idaho. In fact, without pharmacy technicians, it would be virtually impossible for a pharmaceutical establishment to run smoothly.
Generally, it is possible to become a pharmacy technician in the state within a few months. Of course, those who wish to dedicate more time to the journey can also do so.
Below, we analyze the approaches to starting successful pharmacy technician careers in the state. These include the educational options, certification and licensing steps, and specific training programs.
We also explore the annual salary brackets most suitable for pharmacy techs in Idaho.
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Idaho
Below are the general requirements for starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Idaho.
Step 1: Meeting the Basic Requirements
There are a few basic requirements that Idaho residents must meet to become pharmacy technicians. These requirements are necessary to secure employment, gain entry to a program, and obtain a license or certification.
They generally include a background check, a minimum age of 18, and a high school diploma. Candidates can always use a GED equivalent in place of a high school diploma.
Step 2: Soft Skills
In addition to the technical skills required for day-to-day duties, prospective pharmacy technicians must possess transferable skills to support professional growth. These include interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills, as well as attention to detail, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Step 3: Education
Education for pharmacy technicians comprises both academic and practical training. For academic training, candidates can attend community colleges or technical schools and complete a 1- or 2-year program.
For practical education, they can work as assistants or complete an on-the-job training arrangement. Students enrolled in an academic program can receive practical education through an internship.
Step 4: Job Placement
Finally, after completing the above steps, trained individuals can secure employment. Certification will greatly help in this regard, and we explore it below.
Specializing as a community technician or central operations technician, among other roles, can also help candidates advance their careers and secure employment more smoothly.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Anyone who is properly trained as a pharmacy technician in Idaho can complete the steps to register and obtain a state license. The organization responsible is the Idaho Board of Pharmacy.
Applicants must complete their official form after paying the application fee. They must also meet a few qualification requirements, including graduating from a required program or having the required level of experience, being at least 18 years old, completing the background check, and submitting the application form.
Being licensed is not the same as being certified. To become a certified pharmacy technician in Idaho, candidates must complete the certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Idaho
These schools offer well-rounded training programs for prospective pharmacy technicians in Idaho.
Idaho Medical Academy
Online, ID Online Only
Idaho Medical Academy is one of the most prominent places to study as a prospective pharmacy technician in Idaho.
Tuition
$2,500 per ProgramContact
(208) 996-9248
info@idahoacademy.com
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID Campus + Online
Idaho State University is another university with a reputable technician program. This program has a strong track record of graduate success and is overseen by leading professionals in the field.
Tuition
$8,914 - $28,240 per ProgramContact
(208) 282-2800
ctech@isu.edu
College of Western Idaho
Online, ID Online Only
Candidates can also start their pharmacy technician careers the right way at College of Western Idaho.
Tuition
$3,899 per ProgramContact
(877) 225-7151
wd@cwi.edu
Explore pharmacy technician schools in Idaho by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Location can be a crucial factor in boosting the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Idaho. The best cities to work in the state based on yearly earnings alone are:
- Lewiston, with an annual average salary of $48,809;
- Moscow, with an annual average salary of $41,229; and
- Eagle, with an annual average salary of $40,626.
Also vital to boosting returns are factors such as work environment, specialty, employer, professional credentials, and, of course, experience. It is also possible to group the annual earnings of professionals in this field in the state on a general level without focusing on a specific criterion.
According to Indeed, the bottom tier of pharmacy technicians in Idaho earns an average annual salary of $30,118, the top tier earns $48,292, and the mid-tier professional earns $38,138.




