Pharmacy Technician Schools in Tennessee

To become a successful pharmacy technician in Tennessee, candidates must understand the basic principles of pharmacology and gain a well-rounded knowledge of record maintenance and administrative tasks.

Attending the right training program, of course, is the best way to achieve this objective. However, there are several possibilities not only regarding training duration but also educational arrangements and academic awards.

Below, we outline key considerations for prospective pharmacy technicians in Tennessee, including how to prepare for training, training options, certification and licensing, and more.

How to Become a Pharmacy Tech in Tennessee

These are the steps to follow when entering the pharmacy technician discipline as a Tennessee resident.

Basic Requirements

In Tennessee, individuals need a high school diploma or a GED to become pharmacy technicians. They will also have to complete a background check and provide proof of age.

To increase their chances of career success, candidates also need skills such as organization, planning, interpersonal skills, computer literacy, and communication.

Comprehensive Education

Comprehensive education for future pharmacy technicians in Tennessee includes both theoretical and practical training.

Classroom Training

Most community colleges and technical schools that offer pharmacy technician programs allow candidates to develop a strong foundational understanding of the profession. They learn theoretical topics like pharmacology, diseases, workplace safety, and more.

Practical Training

After studying in a classroom environment, candidates can continue to consolidate their pharmacy tech skills by learning “on the job”. They can do so by completing an internship or an externship.

Training programs often include an internship as part of the curriculum towards the end of coursework.

Employment & Career Growth

Candidates who have completed the required education for pharmacy technicians can then proceed with the licensing and certification process outlined below. Afterwards, they will be able to secure employment and optimize their careers for rapid advancement.

This objective can be achieved through networking, continuing education, specialization, and more. Pharmacy technicians in Tennessee can work in hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, care facilities, and more.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a sterile processing technician in Tennessee

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Professionals in Tennessee can progress from pharmacy technician in training to certified pharmacy technician by pursuing the national credential offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. The board ensures that individuals who have completed an approved program can sit for the PTCB certification examination to earn this credential.

Pharmacy technicians in Tennessee must also register with the Tennessee State Board of Pharmacy before practicing at a professional level. To do so, they must pay the $50 fee and provide the following: a high school diploma or GED, proof of age (18 or older), and a passing criminal background check.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Tennessee

All of the entries below offer comprehensive pharmacy technician programs in Tennessee.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in Tennessee by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Tennessee, pharmacy technicians can earn an average annual salary of $49,844 by optimizing relevant factors to be in the top 10%. However, at the beginning of their careers, they earn an average annual salary of $27,706, placing them in the bottom 10%.

Professionals can also earn an annual median salary of $37,162 according to Indeed. Candidates can increase their annual earnings through factors such as experience, professional credentials, and location.

Pharmacy technicians in Nashville earn the highest average annual salary in Tennessee, at $40,620. Other places with relatively high averages are Franklin, with an annual average salary of $40,407, and Memphis, where professionals manage an annual average salary of $38,519.