Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio

Pharmacy technicians in Ohio have several responsibilities that make them absolutely valuable to any medical establishment. These professionals measure medications, serve customers, label and organize prescriptions, and possibly communicate with insurance providers and doctors’ offices.

In the comprehensive guide below, aspiring pharmacy technicians in Ohio will find everything they need to know to enter the profession on a strong footing. They will be able to identify what they need to do to prepare for training, the types of training programs they can enroll in, and the licensing and certification options available for career opportunities.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Ohio

All of the requirements and considerations outlined below are crucial when starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Ohio.

Fundamental Requirements & Transferable Attributes

The fundamental educational requirement for becoming a pharmacy technician is a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. In terms of fundamental attributes, candidates are expected to have strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with an affinity for critical thinking, problem-solving, and organization.

Developing Technical Expertise

To develop proficiency and professional expertise, aspiring pharmacy technicians in Ohio typically complete an academic program. There are several amazing training destinations where candidates can apply for both campus-based and virtual learning options.

Most programs also offer certificate options in addition to associate degree programs. Typically, students who complete an academic program receive extensive preparation for certification examinations, allowing them to become certified immediately upon program completion.

In one of the following sections, we explore top academic training programs for aspiring pharmaceutical technicians in the state of Ohio.

Developing Real-World Skills

After learning key topics in an academic environment—either online or in person—aspiring pharmacy technicians need to consolidate their expertise with actual work experience. The majority of training programs (including online ones) usually have internship and externship provisions for fresh pharmacy technicians.

Some may also receive direct training in an establishment that offers associate or assistant learning opportunities before securing full-time job placement.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a dental assistant in Ohio

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Pharmacy technicians in Ohio are required by law to register with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy before they can start working professionally. To do so, they must have certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or another prominent certified agency.

Those who already have credentials from a recognized training institution and experience in a work environment will qualify for certification from the PTCB. To become officially certified, they must pass the certification exam.

Candidates must also be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check to register with the state board. After registration, professionals are required to maintain their licenses by participating in continuing education every two years.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio

Prospective pharmacy technicians in Ohio may start their careers by attending any of the programs below.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Ohio by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Columbus

Salary & Career Outlook

The average annual salary of pharmacy technicians in Ohio follows a normal distribution. This means that the majority of professionals fall in the median range, while a few are in the top and bottom categories.

Pharmacy technicians in Ohio, among the highest earners, earn an average annual salary of approximately $47,175. In comparison, those in the bottom 10% can expect an annual average salary of around $26,242. Professionals in the median category take home around $35,185 at the end of each year.

Location can be a significant factor in determining how much professionals earn in this field within a city. Cleveland is where candidates earn the highest average salary, at $42,788. Those who work in Valley View and Mason have an annual average salary of $39,671 and $37,903, respectively.