Pharmacy Technician Schools in Illinois

Pharmacy technicians in Illinois help dedicated pharmacies and medical establishments run smoothly by facilitating efficient medication storage, retrieval, and inventory. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide that discusses everything an interested individual needs to consider when entering the pharmacy technician profession as an Illinois resident.

We analyze the steps designed to help candidates obtain the best education possible, as well as other measures aimed at providing professional opportunities. We also review licensing and certification requirements, as well as state registration procedures.

Readers will gain insight into the annual average salary prospects and career outlook of the profession.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Illinois

The following steps are required to become a pharmacy technician in Illinois.

Attending a Training Program

Candidates must attend a training program to become successful pharmacy technicians in Illinois. However, the exact training arrangement they choose will depend on personal preference.

A common approach is to complete both academic and experiential training.

Academic Education

Possessing the technical knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technician tasks typically requires certification from an accredited institution. Traditionally, the majority of candidates in Illinois begin their careers by earning a certificate or an associate’s degree at a prominent college in the state.

Many programs allow candidates to complete their education in just a few months, while others can take up to 2 years. For those who have completed a certificate program, it is often possible to transfer credits later to pursue an associate degree.

Experiential Learning

Most pharmacy technician positions insist upon working with candidates who already have practical experience. Training programs enable candidates to gain work experience through internships or externships.

Even online programs offer externship options that candidates may or may not choose, depending on their personal preference. It is also possible to build real-world experience through an organization or establishment that allows on-the-job training.

Certification & Soft Skills

After completing a training program and developing practical experience, the next step is to obtain certification from a professional organization. This can be very valuable for credibility.

We dive deeper into this issue in the next section.

As for soft skills, pharmacy technicians who possess organizational and planning skills, effective communication skills, and interpersonal skills usually have a better chance of succeeding on the job.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a sterile processing technician in Illinois

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Pharmacy technicians in Illinois are required to register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Candidates must first meet the age requirement.

To be recognized as a Registered Pharmacy Technician, candidates must be at least 16 years old. To be recognized as a Registered Certified Pharmacy Technician, candidates must be at least 18 years old.

Before they can qualify for registration, professionals in the field must have been certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. In this case, they have to pass the PTCB certification examination.

Passing a criminal background check and maintaining good moral character are also mandatory requirements. Candidates must also participate in continuing education and complete annual licensing renewals to maintain their licenses and certifications.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Illinois

These are the top programs for a prospective pharmacy technician in Illinois.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Illinois by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Chicago

Salary & Career Outlook

Like any other profession, experienced pharmacy technicians in Illinois tend to earn more than those who are just starting out. Other factors, such as professional credentials and work environment, are also key in determining how much a professional earns at the end of each year.

Without considering any particular criterion, pharmacy technicians in Illinois earn an annual average salary of $51,984 in the top 10% and $28,585 in the bottom 10%. Most of these professionals in the state earn an annual average salary of $38,548, placing them in the median category.

Location is another key factor. Aurora, Rockford, and North Chicago currently have the highest salaries for pharmacy technicians in Illinois. Those who work here earn annual average salaries of $46,570, $43,146, and $42,842, respectively.