Preparation is absolutely vital to ensure success in any discipline. Even though the steps to become a pharmacy technician in Montana are quite straightforward, candidates with the right level of preparedness will still have an edge not only when starting their careers, but also in terms of career opportunities and advantages.
Thankfully, the guide below covers everything candidates need to know to succeed as pharmacy technicians in Montana. It includes sections on preparatory steps, educational arrangements, the certification process, and more.
Readers will also learn what to expect to earn as pharmacy technicians in the state and how to increase their annual earnings.
How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Montana
The following is an overview of what to do when launching a career as a pharmacy tech in Montana.
High School Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is usually needed to become a pharmacy technician. This is a requirement expected by training institutions, certification agencies, and state licensing boards.
Soft Skills & Background Check
Individuals with organizational, communication, planning, and computer skills have a significant advantage when starting a career as a pharmacy technician. Candidates will also have to provide proof of being at least 18 years old and having a clean criminal background.
Obtaining Proper Education
Montana residents must prioritize proper education when launching a career as a pharmacy technician. This usually includes two major components:
Classroom Education
Classroom education for prospective pharmacy technicians is available at community colleges and technical institutions. This is one of the major reasons candidates pursue a certificate or associate degree at the start of their careers.
Individuals can choose from online, campus-based, certificate, and associate degree programs, among others.
Real-World Experience
To gain real-world confidence and practical proficiency, new pharmacy technicians often prioritize internships and externships. In fact, the best training programs already include an internship as part of their clinical practicum curriculum.
It is also common to achieve the same objective by working as a technician’s assistant.
Securing Employment
Finally, after meeting the basic requirements and completing the required training, candidates can register with the appropriate bodies and begin working as fully qualified pharmacy technicians. We take a look at the certification process below.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Candidates must register with the Montana Board of Pharmacy before they can become fully licensed pharmacy technicians in the state. The board oversees the affairs of professionals and is responsible for registration.
To successfully complete the certification and application process, candidates must pay a $35 fee. They must also demonstrate a high school diploma or GED, a clean criminal background, and be at least 18 years old.
Certification is another important element of the process. To become certified in Montana, candidates must pass the credentialing exam administered by their certification organization.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is the most popular credentialing body in the field.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Montana
Candidates in Montana can receive comprehensive pharmacy technician education from any of the programs below.
UM Bitterroot
Online, MT Online Only
The University of Montana Bitterroot offers a fully online pharmacy technician program designed for students across Montana seeking a flexible yet thorough pathway into the profession. The program comprises 400 hours of instruction and is designed to prepare candidates for both entry-level roles and the PTCB certification exam.
Tuition
$3,295 - $3,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
Helena College
Online, MT Online Only
Helena College offers another strong online pharmacy technician training option for Montana residents seeking convenience and self-paced learning. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to start at any time and complete approximately 400 instructional hours at their own pace, with access to course materials for up to 12 months.
Tuition
$3,295 - $3,390 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
UM Western
Online, MT Online Only
University of Montana Western provides a fully online pharmacy technician program that combines academic depth with practical career preparation. Designed to be completed in just a few months, the program equips students with the skills needed to work across a wide range of pharmacy environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and home infusion settings.
Tuition
$1,299 per ProgramContact
(888) 574-6218
support@edu2.com
Explore pharmacy technician schools in Montana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Montana ranges from $31,840 to $57,127, depending on factors such as experience and location. A professional’s experience, location, employment establishment, and credentials can influence where they fall on the salary spectrum.
The median category is, of course, the most prominent. Here, professionals earn an average annual salary of $42,648, according to Indeed. Regarding location, Anaconda is where pharmacy technicians in Montana earn the highest average salary, at approximately $66,380 per year.
Other places worth considering for their high salaries include Wolf Point($62,649 average annual salary) and Havre ($58,867 average annual salary).
Related Articles
Related Careers
Top Schools Near Me
