Pharmacy Technician Schools in Georgia

A pharmacy technician in Georgia has considerable flexibility regarding their work environment. Professionals in this field can work in community pharmacies, retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

The field is also notable for favorable projections and competitive annual average returns. In the following sections, aspiring pharmacy technicians in Georgia will learn everything they need to know to enter the profession and thrive.

This includes a detailed analysis of educational requirements, licensing and certification requirements, as well as top training programs. The guide then concludes with an in-depth examination of the earnings candidates can expect to receive at various stages of their careers throughout the year.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Georgia

The steps below are needed to become a pharmacy technician in Georgia.

Completing an Academic Program

By completing an academic program, future pharmacy technicians in the state of Georgia ensure that they possess the credibility that comes with holding a certificate or an associate’s degree. Typically, the best training programs include several preparatory courses in their curriculum, which aim to help candidates pass certification examinations.

Interested individuals will also be glad to know that a pharmacy technician program can be completed entirely online. Some even allow candidates to move at their own pace and complete their courses whenever they are ready.

One of the upcoming sections examines the top academic training programs to consider for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Georgia.

Building Real-World Confidence

Many establishments choose to offer full-time positions only to pharmacy technicians who have completed a theoretical program and gained practical experience in a real-world environment. This is why internships and externships are crucial for professionals in the field.

Some establishments will also allow candidates to work in an associate position, not necessarily on a full-time basis, until they have gained the necessary experience and confidence to perform the required duties without supervision.

Certification & Job Placement

Receiving a certificate or an associate degree from a technical institution is not the same as certification. Certification is acquired from a professional organization and usually involves passing a credentialing exam.

Below, we explore the steps and benefits of certification as a pharmacy technician in Georgia. Of course, one of these benefits is direct job placement, which is usually the next step after education and certification.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in Georgia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Certification is not compulsory for pharmacy technicians in Georgia. The state is one of the few in the country where professionals in this field are not required to register with the board of pharmacy before practicing legally.

However, the majority of professionals in the field still pursue certification anyway for several reasons. For one, becoming certified gives candidates an edge when it comes to employment and career opportunities.

It is also a great way to facilitate a strong network of fellow professionals and access to continuing education resources. Most people in Georgia turn to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to become certified pharmacy technicians.

The PTCB offers certification to those who have completed a training program and developed real-world proficiency.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Georgia

Below are some of the most prominent institutions where I could study as a prospective pharmacy technician in Georgia.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Georgia by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Atlanta

Salary & Career Outlook

In Georgia, a pharmacy technician at the beginning of their career can make an annual average salary of $24,827 if they start among the bottom 10%. They can also expect an annual average salary of $33,493 if they start among the median earners, which is where most professionals typically find themselves.

Ultimately, the highest-paid pharmacy technicians in the state can earn an annual average salary of $45,184 or more. Professionals can propel themselves into the top 10% category by building more experience, optimizing their location and work environment, and acquiring professional credentials.

For those who would like to identify the highest-paying cities for pharmacy technicians in Georgia, the following are the top three: Smyrna, with an annual average salary of $38,321; Lawrenceville, with an annual average salary of $37,374; and Brunswick, with an annual average salary of $36,810.