Pharmacy technicians in Louisiana are always in high demand. Moreover, residents have access to numerous excellent institutions that provide comprehensive education and support rapid career advancement.
Below, we introduce readers to the very best places to study as future pharmacy technicians in Louisiana. However, the guide goes further, exploring the general requirements and considerations for starting a career in this field on the best possible foundation.
We provide key information, including transferable skills, preparatory steps, educational options, certification opportunities, and average annual salary ranges.
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Louisiana
The following approach can help you start a successful career as a pharmacy technician in Louisiana.
Completing a Program
Completing a training program is the most direct way to become a pharmacy technician in Louisiana. This way, candidates have something to leverage before gaining more real-world experience.
It is possible to go for an online or campus-based pharmacy technician program. Additionally, candidates can go for 1-year programs to start their careers faster or 2-year programs to earn an associate degree.
Upon completing their studies, candidates can continue learning by transferring into more advanced programs. Of course, those who want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible can pursue certification and seek employment.
Practical experience
Practical experience in the real world helps ensure that pharmacy technicians in Louisiana are as well-rounded as possible before they take on full-time, paid positions. Educational institutions and pharmacy tech programs allow candidates to work as assistants or complete internships during training, thereby gaining both theoretical and practical expertise.
Certification & Professional Credentials
Earning professional credentials through certification helps pharmacy technicians stand out and validates their skills. The PTCB and the NHA are the most relevant organizations offering nationally recognized credentials.
We dive deeper into this topic in the next section.
Employment & Career Growth
Finally, candidates can secure employment after proper training and continue to improve their careers. Specialization is a great way to do this.
Pharmacy technicians in Louisiana can specialize in central operations, community, or laboratory pharmacy, among other roles.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
To obtain a pharmacy technician license in the state of Louisiana, candidates must register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. The board expects all applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a recognized education from a recognized institution, or have 600 hours of experience.
Professionals are also expected to have become certified. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Certified Pharmacy Technician credential is the most prominent in the field.
Once they meet these requirements, candidates can complete their registration with the board and become fully licensed pharmacy technicians in Louisiana. Additionally, they are expected to renew their certificates every two years by completing continuing education credits.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Louisiana
All of the institutions below have impressive pharmacy technician programs for Louisiana residents.
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA Campus Only
Delgado Community College boasts a well-structured pharmacy technician program designed to serve students seeking either entry-level training or advanced technical preparation. Students may choose between a certificate of technical competency or an advanced certificate of technical studies, allowing flexibility based on career goals.
Tuition
$2,039 - $4,183 per SemesterContact
(504) 671-6201
alliedhealthgeneral@dcc.edu
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier, LA Campus + Online
Bossier Parish Community College offers a comprehensive pharmacy technician pathway that prepares students for national certification, with both certificate and associate degree options. The certificate track can be completed in three semesters, while the associate of applied science option allows for more extensive academic preparation.
Tuition
$138 per CreditContact
(318) 678-6306
kbrummett@bpcc.edu
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Alexandria, LA Campus Only
Central Louisiana Technical Community College delivers a focused pharmacy technician program that prepares students for certification and state licensing through a blend of classroom instruction and applied learning.
Tuition
$2,346 per SemesterContact
(318) 487-5443
info@cltcc.edu
Explore pharmacy technician schools in Louisiana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
A survey of professionals on Indeed.com found that the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Louisiana is around $36,040. While this figure is most relevant for average earners, candidates can also fall into the top or bottom of the earnings distribution.
In the former category, the average annual salary is $46,854; in the latter, professionals earn $27,722 annually. Experience and location are two major factors influencing the average annual salary of professionals in this field.
Regarding location, Metairie and New Orleans are where pharmacy technicians earn the highest average annual salaries in the state, at around $44,545 and $39,340, respectively. Those who work in Covington earn an average annual salary of $37,715.
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