Pharmacy Technician Programs in Rhode Island

The health care industry is expanding rapidly all over the United States, even in the tiny state of Rhode Island. In fact, given this state’s large aging population, the healthcare industry may be even more important in Rhode Island than in other parts of the country.

If you want to find out how you can make your mark on the world of health care, explore pharmacy tech programs in RI by requesting information from the schools below.

If you dedicate yourself to the field of pharmacy technology, you can learn a wide range of in-demand skills that employers are looking for to balance customer demands, insurer needs, and pharmacists’ workloads.

Pharmacy Tech Schools in Rhode Island

Many pharmacies rely heavily on their pharmacy technicians, so you must be ready to work independently and quickly when you start your new career. Pharmacy technician programs in RI are designed to help you reach this goal. By the time you graduate, your school may expect you to master technical skills like preparing medications, filling physician orders, following standard operating procedures, and compounding medications in the scope of your practice.

Reaching these goals requires a strong variety of abilities. As you look through the curriculum for your chosen program, you may find classes like Pharmaceutical Calculations, Issues in Pharmacy, Pharmacy Systems, Outpatient Pharmacy Systems, Pharmacy Software Applications, Medical Terminology, and Computers in Health Care.

Different schools in Rhode Island have different practical experience requirements, so you may want to explore these before you select your school. By spending a full semester in a pharmacy and learning from working pharmacy professionals, you can figure out your areas of strength and weakness to prepare for your new career.

You may notice that programs in Rhode Island have varying lengths. These programs may prepare you for similar careers, but choosing a longer program may provide you with more in-depth skills. Carefully weigh your options before making a decision. In general, it takes between six months and two years of study to become a pharmacy technician.

Working as a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island

The entirety of your time spent at pharmacy technician schools in Rhode Island should prepare you for certification and licensure, as this is the final step to finally becoming a working pharmacy technician. After you complete your certification exam, which is given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, you can get your national certification. With this in hand, it may be easier to get your state practice license through the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. To be eligible for licensure, you may need to submit your transcripts and evidence of your clinical hours.

Projected job growth in Rhode Island is extremely strong. By the year 2022, O*Net anticipates a 15% jump in pharmacy technician job openings. This is in line with job growth expected throughout the country (O*Net, 2012). Similarly, incomes in this state are in line with national averages. The average salary for a Rhode Island pharmacy technician is $28,900 per year (O*Net, 2014).

Get started on your new career path today by contacting pharmacy technician programs in Rhode Island.