Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Massachusetts

With a population of 6.8 million, Massachusetts has 8,880 employed pharmacy technicians in 2021; this number will rise appreciably by 2030, according to the BLS. Employment of pharmacy technicians has been projected to increase substantially over the next decade due to an increased demand for prescription drugs and a massive aging populace. The average annual average salary of a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts is $40,390. The state has 2 schools which offer pharmacy technician education programs.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Massachusetts

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

Quinsigamond Community College - Worcester, MA

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) located in in Worcester offers 120 associate degree and certificate career options to over 13,000 students annually. QCC offers a certificate program in Pharmacy Technology at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester. Goal of the program, which you can complete in 6 to 9 months, is to prepare students to take up entry level position and work under a licensed pharmacist. You can complete over 50% of this online thus providing you with a lot of flexibility. Courses are designed to help you learn laws of pharmacy practice, drug names, compounding and calculations. You will also need to put in 135 hours of internship at a local pharmacy to complete this program.

Program Type : Certificate

Bristol Community College - Fall River, MA

Bristol Community College (BCC) is a community college located in Fall River offering more than 150 certificate and associate degree programs. To prepare students for an entry level pharmacy technician positions BCC offers a Certificate of Recognition in Pharmacy Technician. Upon completion of this program you will be well prepared to take the PTCB certification exam and find employment in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies and assisted living facilities. During this program you will learn about the basic functions of a pharmacy technician. You will need to participate in on-site laboratory instructions and an externship that will help you gain the much-needed real world experience.

Program Type : Certificate of Recognition in Pharmacy Technician

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in MA?

To become a pharmacy technician in MA you are required to be registered with the Board of Registration in Pharmacy as well as become certified. The state additionally mandates that you complete a pharmacy technician training program.

Education: To complete your pharmacy technician education you must meet the following terms:

Step 1: Obtain a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Complete either a certificate/diploma or an associate degree curriculum.

Experts advise that you survey all aspects of the education training program and review what is best for you. These three categories will bring in clarity and help you settle on the right choice:

Accreditation: Accreditation ensures that the school / college adheres to the approved legal and professional standards; always opt for a pharmacy technician program which is recognized by a nationally certified agency such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Type of Program: There are currently 2 pharmacy technician schools in Massachusetts that offer a certificate/diploma program of 9 months. Scrutinize the coursework of the program and the fee arrangement so you can make up your mind about the kind of curriculum that is best-suited for you.

Financial Aid: You should find out whether your college offers any kind of financial help and whether you are eligible for it.

Certification: The way this criterion works in Massachusetts is different from most other states; you need to either complete the training program that has been designated by the state to become state certified or you can get nationally certified. Conversely, you can complete 500 hours of employment as a non-certified Pharmacy Technician and then take a board approved examination and pass it to continue employment.

Massachusetts recognizes ICPT and the PTCB certifications, as well as their own state permitted certification.

Licensure: Getting a license is a must. You have to meet a set of requirements as nominated by the state board:

• You need to be 18 years or older.

• Must be enrolled in high school, possess a high school diploma, or have a GED.

• Should not be involved in the handling of any elicit substances.

• Include proof of certification or training.

• Include a non-refundable application fee of $136

Every 2 years, on the license holder's birthday, the license will expire, thus ensure that you have renewed your license before this date.

Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts

CVS Health, Reliant Medical Group, Boston Children's Hospital, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Atrius Health, Signature Healthcare and Tuft's Health Plan recruit pharmacy technicians in Massachusetts.

The average annual salary of a pharmacy technician in Massachusetts is $40,390, which is higher than the national average. Employment is expected to grow steadily; compared to all occupations through 2030. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, has projected a 16.34% growth rate for pharmacy tech jobs in the state.

Nearby States

Maryland New Jersey New York

Pennsylvania Virginia

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