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Considering a career in pharmacy? Here’s what you need to know about pharmacy technician training and certification, including how much it costs.
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The Average Cost of Education
It is important to know the average cost of education for a pharmacy tech. The cost of education can range from free to around $28,000. The average cost of education for a pharmacy tech is $2,500.
Private Schools
The average cost of tuition at a private school is $33,215 per year. However, this number can vary significantly depending on the school you choose. For example, at Yale University, the cost of tuition is $45,800 per year. At Baylor University, the cost of tuition is $28,720 per year.
Public Schools
The cost of attendance (COA) at a public school is the total amount it will cost you to attend that school for one academic year. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses. The average COA for a public school is $21,447 for in-state students and $37,357 for out-of-state students.
The Average Cost of Certification
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you will need to complete a training program and pass a certification exam. The cost of certification can vary depending on the type of program you choose and the location of the school. The average cost of certification for pharmacy technicians is between $600 and $1,200.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that provides certification for pharmacy technicians. To be eligible for certification, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program. The PTCB also requires candidates to pass a national certification exam.
The cost of certification from the PTCB varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. For the base-level Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht) credential, the cost is $129 for PTCB members and $159 for non-members. For the advanced-level Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) credential, the cost is $209 for PTCB members and $259 for non-members. Prices are subject to change.
In addition to the cost of certification, candidates should also budget for the cost of study materials and the exam itself. The PTCB offers a variety of study aids on its website, including practice tests and flashcards, which range in price from $7-$30. The exam fee is currently $129 for all candidates, regardless of membership status.
National Healthcare Association
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) is a professional organization that certifies pharmacy technicians. Certification through the NHA is voluntary, but it may be required by some employers. The cost of certification through the NHA is $155 for members and $175 for non-members.
The Average Cost of Training
The cost of training to become a pharmacy technician can range from free to over $1,000. Many community colleges offer certificate programs that take less than a year to complete, while some online programs can be completed in as little as four months. Some programs may require you to take an exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which costs an additional $129.
On-the-Job Training
The most common type of training is on-the-job training. Most people who become pharmacy technicians start their careers by working as a pharmacy technician trainee. In this position, you will work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and learn the skills you need to perform your job.
While the exact duties of a pharmacy technician trainee may vary depending on the employer, you can expect to learn how to receive and process prescriptions, prepare medications, maintain inventory, and provide customer service. Once you have completed your training, you will be eligible to take the national certification exam.
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs are offered by many employers, including pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. These programs typically last between one and two years and include on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction. Some apprenticeship programs may require you to pay a small fee to cover the cost of materials, but most programs are free of charge.
The Average Cost of Licensure
If you are looking to become a pharmacy technician, you may be wondering how much it will cost you to get licensed. The average cost of licensure for pharmacy technicians is $200. This fee covers the cost of the exam, as well as the license itself.
State Board of Pharmacy
The state board of pharmacy is the authority responsible for licensing and regulating pharmacists and pharmacies in the state. The board sets the guidelines and standards for practicing pharmacy, and enforces these standards through disciplinary action when necessary.
The cost of licensure for pharmacists is typically around $200, and the cost of licensure for pharmacies is around $500. These costs can vary depending on the state in which you are practicing, so it is important to check with your state board of pharmacy to determine the exact amount you will need to pay.
In order to become a licensed pharmacy technician, you must first complete a training program that is accredited by the state board of pharmacy. These programs typically last between six and twelve weeks, and cost between $1,000 and $2,000. Once you have completed your training, you will then need to pass a national certification exam. The cost of this exam is around $200.
The Average Cost of Certification Maintenance
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand and the average salary for a pharmacy technician is $32,700 per year.1 The cost of certification can range from $0 to $600, with the average cost being $155.2 Certification is required in most states and generally has to be renewed every two years. The cost of certification renewal can range from $0 to $300.3 The average cost of certification maintenance is $77.5 per year.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that credential pharmacy technicians. To become a pharmacy technician, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). You must also complete a certified pharmacy technician training program and have 1-2 years of work experience. Once you have these, you can apply to take the PTCE.
National Healthcare Association
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) is a national certification organization that offers certification for pharmacy technicians. The cost of certification and recertification with the NHA is $155 for the first attempt and $105 for each subsequent attempt. The NHA also offers a Exam Cram session for an additional fee of $50.
