Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arkansas

Arkansas is a wonderful place to study as a prospective pharmacy technician. The state requires pharmacy technicians to meet state Board requirements (including registration) before they can work.

In the guide that follows, readers will discover the steps they need to take not only to start their careers but also to do so in the best possible way. These include the educational arrangements, training institutions, certification procedures and options, and more.

The guide also concludes with an extensive analysis of the average annual salaries for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Arkansas

The following are the key steps to launching a career as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas.

Step 1: Basic Requirements

A high school diploma or GED and a minimum age of 18 are general requirements for aspiring pharmacy technicians to consider before even entering a training program. These considerations ensure that candidates can qualify for certification and employment and secure admission to top programs.

Step 2: Accredited Education

Enrolling in an accredited program is one of the most common steps when starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas. This process is necessary to acquire technical knowledge and skills and to prepare for certification.

Candidates prefer to earn an associate degree at a technical school. Through this pathway, they can complete their education in 2 years and either enter the workforce or continue learning by transferring credits to a bachelor’s degree program.

For those, however, who would like to complete their training faster, it is also possible to complete a 1-year certificate program.

Step 3: Experience & Certification

After completing academic training, candidates can gain work experience before securing a full-time position. They can achieve this through an internship, externship, or assistant role.

Certification follows, and we discuss the process in more detail below.

Step 4: Job Placement

Finally, those with the right training and certification can put together a strong resume and apply for pharmacy technician positions in Arkansas. Professionals can work in a general capacity or specifically as hospital technicians, central operations technicians, or community pharmacy technicians.

Explore trades with similar paths:

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

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy oversees pharmacy technicians in the state. Candidates must register before they can start working professionally.

The requirements to do so include being at least 18 years old, completing a background check, completing a suitable program, and submitting an official application.

Certification for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas and nationwide is available through either of two prominent bodies. These include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association. Candidates must complete an accredited program or gain experience through on-the-job training to qualify for certification.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arkansas

The entries below are the top training institutions for prospective pharmacy techs in Arkansas.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Arkansas by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

A pharmacy technician in Arkansas just starting their career tends to earn less than those who have been on the job for longer. Other factors, such as professional credentials, employers, specialty focus, and the specific location within the state, can also influence yearly returns in this profession.

Generally, candidates who meet all of these criteria can earn an average annual salary of $44,803, placing them in the top earners group. Those in the process of optimizing their factors may be in the bottom group, earning an average annual salary of $25,664.

In the middle are the majority, with an average annual salary of $33,909 according to Indeed.

Sorting by location, Jonesboro and Bentonville take first and second place, with average salaries of $50,864 and $40,621 per year, respectively. Fort Smith ranks third with an average annual salary of $39,715.