Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Idaho

Pharmacy Technician
The state known for its potatoes, Idaho has seen a steady growth in the pharmaceutical sector just like rest of the country. With a population of 1.90 million, Idaho currently has 2,240 pharmacy technicians employed in various clinical settings. As the Gem State mandates certification, 1,956 pharmacy techs are PTCB certified. With a promising career outlook, a pharmacy tech in Idaho draws a salary of $38,210, annually. There are 5 pharmacy technician schools, out of which we have shortlisted the Top 3 Pharmacy Technician schools in Idaho. You can take this list as your starting point towards a pharmacy technician career. These 3 schools have been ranked based on our methodology taking factors such as tuition cost, student faculty ratio and graduation.

3 Best ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Idaho for 2024

(Following is a list of schools offering the best pharmacy technician programs in Idaho)

#1. Idaho State University - College of Technology - Pocatello, Idaho

Idaho State University is a public research university in Pocatello, Idaho. It has 3 other campus locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, offering more than 280 programs along with its main campus in Pocatello. The college offers two program options to pharmacy technology students, namely; the Advanced Technical Certificate and a Basic Technical Certificate. The advanced program takes 1.5 years to complete, whereas the basic takes a year. With 12-14 students being admitted to the program, individualized attention is what you can expect out of a pharmacy technician class.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 1.5 years for the advanced and 1 year for the basic program.

#2. North Idaho College - Coeur dAlene, Idaho

North Idaho College is a community college located in the picturesque Coeur dAlene, Idaho. The beautiful main campus of the college is on the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The location advantage and the wide spectrum of courses it offers, North Idaho College is one of the popular college options in the region. The college offers a Pharmacy Technology Intermediate Technical Certificate program, which is a good blend of online, on campus and lab learning. The college is selective in its admission process which begins each Fall semester.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 11 months for the Certificate program.


#3. Lewis-Clark State College - Lewiston, Idaho

Lewis-Clark State College is a public undergraduate college located in Lewiston, Idaho. The college is well known for its technical and nursing program in the Northwestern region of the country. Having been around for 125 years, the college has an impressive graduation and placement rate of 95%. The 11 month fast paced pharmacy technician program offered by the college is an intensive course where you will not only learn the basics but also gain knowledge about IV/Sterile Products, Extemporaneous Compounding and the PTCB exam.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 11 months for the Certificate


What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho?

In Idaho, to work as a pharmacy technician you need to get your license from the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. The state also necessitates that you get certified by passing the PTCB or ExCPT exam. Although graduating from a pharmacy technician program is not required, it betters your employment prospects as you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work as a pharmacy technician. The basic educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED. To earn your certification you will have to prepare for the PTCB or ExCPT exam, which can be done either by self-study or by enrolling yourself into an accredited pharmacy technician school in Idaho. On passing the certification exam you can apply to the state board for your license.

Registration/Licensure Yes
Training No
Certification Yes
Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist Ratio6 to 1
Continuing Education Yes
Certification Maintenance Yes
(source: ptcb.org)



Admission Requirements For Pharmacy Technician Schools in Idaho

Now that you know the requirements to become a pharmacy technician, it is a good idea to know the admission requirements before you get yourself enrolled into a pharmacy technician program in Idaho. Here are the admission requirements of North Idaho College:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Demonstrate ability to type 35 words per minute.

• A criminal and background check

• Complete the placement test


Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho

As a pharmacy technician in Idaho you can expect to work at Rite Aid, St. Luke's Health System, Safeway Inc, Albertsons Companies, Walgreens, Saint Alphonsus System and Shopko. When it comes to employment prospects of pharmacy technicians in Idaho, it is projected at 11.76% from 2020 to 2030. The largest job openings come from Boise as it caters to a large population, due to the growing need for medical care. Nampa and Meridian come next in line for the number of pharmacy technician openings. At present there are 2,240 pharmacy technicians working in the state and by 2030 the number will rise to 2,280. The annual average salary earned by a pharmacy technician in Idaho is $38,210 which is $240 higher than the national average.

Pharmacy Technicians Currently Working in ID 10 Year Job GrowthAnnual Vacancies Average Starting Salary Average Annual Salary
20202030% Growth
2,2402,0402,28011.76%180$28,990$38,210


Nearby States

  • Nevada
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • Washington

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