Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Iowa

With a huge geriatric populace and an escalating requirement for prescription drugs, there is consequently a big demand of pharmacy technicians in the state of Iowa. The average annual salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Iowa is $35,660. Iowa has 6 schools which provide training programs to aspiring pharmacy technicians. To give you the best out of this limited choice, we have ranked the Top 3 schools that provide Pharmacy Technician programs in Iowa. The ranking is based on our methodology, which has taken factors such as tuition cost, graduation rate, quality of education offered and student faculty ratio. On this page you will learn about the top schools, certification requirements and job prospects for pharmacy technicians in Iowa.

3 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in Iowa for 2024

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

#1. Western Iowa Tech Community College - Sioux City

Western Iowa Community College was founded in 1966 and has five campuses, the main one located in Sioux City. With constant updation in the education it offers, the college strives to give the most industry relevant learning to its students. It promotes an environment of lifelong learning for its graduates. The 35 credit pharmacy technician diploma offered by the college will teach you courses such as Introduction to Pharmacy Technology, Pharmacy calculations and Compounding, Introduction to Keyboarding, Medical Terminology, Pharmacology and Business Communication and Introduction to Ethics. This curriculum will help you take and pass the PTCB exam too.

Program Length: 35 credits for the Diploma

#2. Northwest Iowa Community College - Sheldon

Established in 1966, Northwest Iowa is a community college located in Sheldon, Iowa. The college is known to have 98% of its graduates find placement upon graduation. What's more, its placement service cell provides placement assistance for a lifetime to its alumni. Its Diploma in Pharmacy Technology which begins every Fall is a fast paced program which prepares you for a career as an entry level pharmacy technician. In just two semesters you will also get assistance, preparing you to take and pass the PTCB exam. Moreover, with its online and on-campus options, you get the flexibility to continue with other obligations towards your work or home.

Program Length: 2 semesters for the Diploma

---

#3. Kirkwood Community College - Cedar Rapids

A two-year comprehensive college, Kirkwood has its main campus in located in Cedar Rapids. With state of the art labs and expanding campus facilitates, the college has grown multi-fold in the 50 years of its service. The 1 year diploma offered by the college assures you a promising pharmacy technician career. Upon graduation you will be able to handle the day to day pharmacy operations as well as take the PTCB exam. You may also be eligible for the Kibbie Grant offered by the college.

Program Length: 1 year Pharmacy technician Diploma

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

To work as a pharmacy technician in Iowa, apart from having a high school diploma or GED, you have to complete a pharmacy technician program preferably from a board approved school, pass the certification exam and then obtain your license from the state board.

Education: There is a training requirement to work as a Pharmacy Technician in the state. You need to complete your pharmacy technician from a board approved school

While choosing a pharmacy technician school in Iowa, ensure that you decide on a pharmacy technician college that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Additonally, when opting for formal education, make a thorough study of all the facets of the curriculum. Iowa has 6 schools offering the certificate program. In addition, fill in the FAFSA for financial assistance.

Certification: Certification is a must; you may gain employment as a technician trainee for up to 1 year, during the intervening period, it is essential that you register and become certified, if not, your employment will be terminated. Iowa approves the ICPT as well as the PTCB certifications.

Licensure: To work as a pharmacy technician in Iowa, you must be registered with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Licensure is mandatory. The license expires every 2 years on the last day of your birth month, and the renewal fee is $55.

Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Iowa

The BLS estimates that the job prospects for pharmacy technicians in Iowa is excellent and is anticipated to escalate rapidly. There is likely to be a 15.35% job opening out between the years 2020 - 2030. In Iowa you will earn a salary of $35,660.Allmed Staffing, Trinity Health, Mercy Medical Center, Walgreens, Mount Caramel Health, Walmart, Aerotek and Med Travelers provide a host of job openings in Iowa.

More Pharmacy Technician Programs

Nearby States

Illinois Indiana Minnesota

Missouri Nebraska Wisconsin

Related Articles