Pharmacy Technician Schools in Missouri

The guide below outlines key considerations for Missouri residents starting their careers. They will identify the steps to position themselves for admission to top programs.

They will also learn which programs are best and what to look for when evaluating multiple training options. The guide also includes sections on licensing and certification considerations, steps for career opportunities, career outlook, and more.

To wrap up, we also break down the average annual salaries for pharmacy technicians in Missouri.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Missouri

These are the considerations needed to become a successful pharmacy tech in Missouri.

Academic Programs

Attending an academic program sets the foundation for a pharmacy technician career. It is the best way to receive proper training and develop the right skills for the job.

Two factors to consider when choosing an academic program as a prospective pharmacy technician are training duration and academic award. The major options include one-year certificate programs and two-year associate degree programs.

Another popular approach is to go with an online program that includes skills training and certification preparation.

Clinical Practicum

In Missouri, most training programs prioritize hands-on education alongside classroom instruction. This is why internships and externships are often compulsory for graduates of pharmacy technician programs.

Some programs make it optional, and even online programs encourage candidates to secure placement into a clinical practicum for real-world experience.

Certification & Job Placement

Pharmacy technician certification can be obtained through either the PTCB or the NHA. We analyze the general considerations in this case in the next section.

Just as importantly, pharmacy technicians who have completed all of the above steps can update their resumes to reflect their education and certifications and seek open positions.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a sterile processing technician in Missouri

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing is required for prospective pharmacy technicians in Missouri to progress from candidate-in-training status to full licensure. The Missouri Board of Pharmacy oversees the registration process for pharmacy technicians in the state.

This process requires the following documents: a high school diploma or GED equivalent, proof of age (18 or older), and a criminal background check. Candidates must also submit their applications after paying the applicable fee (approximately $40).

To earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, Missouri pharmacy technicians must pass a professional examination.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Missouri

Below are the most notable training programs to consider when starting a pharmacy tech career in Missouri.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Missouri by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Kansas City

Salary & Career Outlook

The highest-paying destinations for pharmacy technicians in Missouri are Columbia ($46,354) and Fenton ($41,919). In Saint Joseph and Kansas City, pharmacy technicians tend to earn the year, with average salaries of $41,241 and $40,094, respectively.

In general, candidates can rank in the top 10% and earn an average annual salary of $52,350 by optimizing key factors. At the beginning, they may be in the bottom 10%, earning an average annual salary of $28,000.

The median earners are the most popular, earning an average annual salary of $38,286 according to Indeed.

Factors that can be optimized include experience, location, professional credentials, employers, and more.