Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Arizona

Health care is the most rapidly growing industry in Arizona and there is abundant opportunity for Pharmacy Technicians. In fact, the BLS states that one of the fastest growing jobs is that of pharmacy technicians ballooning at 25% between 2016-2026. The health industry is one of the top employment sectors in Arizona, employing 392.1(in thousands) people, as of 2016. According to BLS, the annual average salary of a pharmacy technician in the state of Arizona is $33,800. Arizona has 21 schools which provide pharmacy technician training courses. To take the first step towards your pharmacy technician career it is vital you choose a school that gives you the best educational experience. We have ranked Top 5 ASHP accredited Pharmacy Technician schools in Arizona that are known for student satisfaction and consistent results.

5 Best ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Arizona for 2020

#1. Carrington College - Mesa, Phoenix, Tucson

Carrington College is a for-profit educational institution that has campuses in 8 states. It has 5 campuses in Arizona and the Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson campuses have made it to our #1 ranking position. The college offers a 9-month Certificate and 2-year Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology. Opting for a pharmacy technician program will give you the knowledge and skills required for you to start your career as a pharmacy technician. With its student friendly policies such as tutoring groups, fixed tuition promise, clinical rotations and fieldwork, Carrington College should not be overlooked while you make your choice to study.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 months for the Certificate and 2 years for the Associate degree.

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#2. Pima Medical Institute - Mesa, Tucson

Pima Medical Institute is a for-profit medical and healthcare career training institute. It is the largest independently owned private allied health school in the US. Its healthcare programs are popular in the state of Arizona. It has campuses across 8 states and an online division of learning as well. The Mesa and Tucson campuses have made it to our ranking list. The college offers a certificate program of 9 months, which is a good blend of medicine, math and chemistry. You will learn how to dispense medications, mix intravenous mixtures, and other pharmacy day to day operations.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 months for a Certificate program

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#3. Pima Community College - Tucson

Pima Community College is a two year higher education institution located in Tucson, Arizona. The college consists of six campuses, four education centers and several adult learning centers. It offers a certificate program for aspiring pharmacy technicians. When you enroll for this program your coursework which includes Introduction to pharmacy Technology, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Drug Therapy, Sterile Products, Interprofessional Relations in Pharmacy, Pharmacy Laws and Ethics and an hands-on internship that will prepare you for an entry level pharmacy technician job.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 months for the Certificate program

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#4. Arizona College - Glendale

Founded as a school of Pharmacy Technology in 1991, today Arizona College offers allied health career and nursing programs at its campuses in Mesa and Glendale. The 34 week diploma program includes hands-on training to prepare for the required skills to work as a pharmacy technician, using modern lab facilities such as laminar flow hoods, ointment slabs, prescription balances, counting trays and pill crushers. Students are encouraged to pursue the PTCB certification on completion of this program. What's more as an allied healthcare student you will receive a Samsung Galaxy tablet that is preloaded with useful resources, giving you easy access to study material, thereby making effective learning happen.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 34 weeks for the Diploma

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#5. Central Arizona College - San Tan Campus

Central Arizona College is a public community college located in Coolidge, Arizona. It has 7 campuses across Arizona and the San Tan campus has made it to our ranking list. The college constantly works towards its student's educational, economic, cultural and personal growth. The certificate program offered by the college teaches you entry levels skills required to work as a pharmacy technician, focusing on pharmaceutical terminology, calculations, record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, law and ethics. The core requirements of this program are available as an online option.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length:32 credit hours for the Certificate program

What are the Requirements to work as a Pharmacy Technician in AZ?

Arizona regulates Pharmacy Technicians. The Arizona state Board of Pharmacy mandates certification from PTCB. You also need to acquire a license before working at a pharmacy. It is also compulsory that you undergo training under a pharmacist-in-charge who keeps a record of the pharmacy technician trainees.

Education:

Step 1: Attain a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Complete one of these educational requirements:

Complete a pharmacy technician diploma program OR Complete an associate degree in pharmacy technology

Pharmacy techs also need to complete a 24-hour continuing education, two hours of which should be about pharmacy law.

Certification:

To work as a pharmacy technician, you must earn your PCTB certification.

Licensure:

It is essential that you obtain a license from the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy to work as a pharmacy technician. Licensure pre-requisites include:

• You should be 18 years or more
• High school diploma or GED
• Of good moral character
• Provide authentication of PCTB certification
• Provide proof of US residency
• Submit application fee which varies between $19 and $52

Choosing the Right School in Arizona

It is recommended that you explore and look in to all the aspects of a training program and understand what is suitable for you. These criteria will make things clearer:

Accreditation:

Always select a school that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs recognized by the ASHP adhere to the guidelines as declared by the national certifying board of PTCB.

Tuition Costs:

Once you have established your job goals, you should take into account the length of your training program along with the fee structure. Out of the 21 pharmacy technician schools in Arizona, 5 schools offer an associate degree program of about 2 years and 20 schools offer a certificate program which can be completed in 9 months.

Financial Aid

The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is dedicated to increasing access as well as success in postsecondary education for Arizonans. ACPE provides access to state and federal grants. Those seeking financial assistance have to fill up the FAFSA application form. Subsequently, the school of your choice will decide whether you are eligible for the grant.

Admission Requirements in Arizona

Before you zero in on the school, you must know the admission requirements. For a better insight we shall look into the admission requirements of Mohave Community College:

• Apply for admissions; it can be done online
• Plan for payment of fees
• Complete the Placement test
• Provide original transcripts of High School Diploma or GED
• Academic advise
• Registration

Employment Opportunities

RX Relief, Cigna, HCM staffing, HCS Healthcare, Humana, Pharmacy Services, Aline, Foothills Professional Pharmacy, SGS, Walgreens, CVS Health, and Acclivity Healthcare are some of the big recruiters of pharmacy technicians in Arizona

Salary in AZ

The BLS states that in Arizona, one of the fastest growing jobs is that of pharmacy technicians ballooning at 25% between 2016-2026. The retail pharmacy industry is one of the top employment sectors in Arizona, employing, 10.190 pharmacy technicians as of 2018. The average annual salary of a pharmacy technician in the state is $33,800.

More Pharmacy Technician Programs

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