Pharmacy Technician Schools in Indiana

The demand for pharmacy technicians in Indiana continues to rise, and the future projections for the profession are as solid as ever. This is because these professionals play such important roles that they are invaluable to the successful operation of any pharmaceutical establishment.

Of course, before individuals in the state can fulfill these duties, they have to receive training. Below, we take a look at the best way to receive technical and practical training as future pharmacy technicians in Indiana.

We also examine other key aspects of the journey, including certification and licensing requirements, average annual salaries, specific programs and institutions, and more.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Indiana

Below is a widely adopted framework for launching a thriving career as a pharmacy technician in Indiana.

Preparing for Training

A high school diploma or GED is required to become a pharmacy technician in Indiana, and it is often a key preparatory step for those seeking to enter the profession. Candidates should also prepare for a background check and immunizations.

Academic & Real-World Education

Both academic and real-world education are crucial when starting a career as a pharmacy technician. This is because the field requires deep knowledge of technical principles and the ability to apply that knowledge in a real-world work environment.

This is why the best approach to developing technical skills is to complete an academic program and then consolidate them in a work environment. Those who have chosen top training programs can easily achieve this through internships and externships offered in the latter part of training.

For those who want to complete their education online, many online training platforms also facilitate externship placements for students with top local establishments.

Employment, Specialization & Professional Credentials

Individuals who are properly trained can become pharmacy technicians in Indiana. However, to stand out and enjoy professional benefits, candidates can consider specialization and professional credentials.

Specialty areas such as laboratory pharmacy tech and community pharmacy tech are highly sought after and can help candidates refine their skills by providing a much narrower focus. Earning professional credentials provides verification of skills and credibility.

We analyze this particular topic in more detail below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a sterile processing technician in Indiana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In Indiana, candidates cannot work as professional pharmacy technicians unless they register with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). To do this, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or a GED.

They also must pass a background check and obtain certification. The two major certification organizations for pharmacy technicians in Indiana and nationwide are the National Healthcareer Association and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

The PTCB credential is the most recognized and respected among the available options. Candidates must complete a professional exam to earn either of these credentials.

After meeting all requirements, the next step is to pay the registration fee, typically $25.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Indiana

The entries below are among the most notable institutions with impressive pharmacy technician training programs for Indiana residents.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Indiana by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Indianapolis

Salary & Career Outlook

Pharmacy technicians in Indiana can fall among the bottom 10%, the top 10%, or the median brackets depending on various factors. For instance, candidates with little experience at the start of their careers tend to earn less than those who are well-established and experienced.

Work environment, specialty areas, location, and professional credentials are also crucial. Typically, professionals in the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $26,694, while those in the middle brackets earn $36,603, according to Indeed.

The top 10% pharmacy technicians in Indiana make at least $50,190 per year.

As for location, the highest average salaries are in Fishers ($45,000), Jeffersonville ($39,684), and Indianapolis ($39,040).