Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Idaho

I’ve noticed a growing interest in finding the best pharmacy technician schools in Idaho, and it’s easy to see why.

Becoming a pharmacy technician offers a promising career path with a steady job outlook and opportunities in various healthcare settings. Living in Idaho also provides unique advantages, from the charm of small towns to the vibrancy of larger cities.

To help you navigate this journey, I’ve put together a guide that covers:

• A list of the best pharmacy technician schools in Idaho, detailing their programs and features
• Key requirements and certifications needed to become a pharmacy technician in Idaho
• Insights into career opportunities and salary expectations for pharmacy technicians in Idaho

Why Choose a Pharmacy Technician Career in Idaho?

A career as a pharmacy technician offers several advantages, including job stability, flexible working conditions, and the opportunity to make a real impact on patient care. The demand for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is driven by an aging population that requires more pharmaceutical services.

The Appeal of Idaho for Pharmacy Technicians

Idaho is an attractive place to start your pharmacy technician career for several reasons:

• Growing Healthcare Needs: The state’s increasing elderly population fuels the demand for healthcare professionals, including pharmacy technicians.
• Diverse Work Environments: Idaho offers a mix of urban hospitals and rural clinics, giving you a broad range of work settings to choose from.
• Competitive Salaries: The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Idaho is approximately $34,000, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with higher wages in urban centers.

Job Satisfaction

As a pharmacy technician, you not only assist pharmacists in filling prescriptions but also provide essential support to patients. The role includes tasks such as medication management and patient education, which adds variety and meaning to your work.

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho

To work as a pharmacy technician in Idaho, specific educational and certification steps must be followed.

Basic Requirements

• Age and Education: You must be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED.

Certification

Idaho mandates that pharmacy technicians obtain national certification. You can choose between the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the ExCPT.

Steps to Certification include:

1. Education: Enroll in a state-approved pharmacy technician program.
2. Exams: Pass the PTCB or ExCPT certification exam.
3. Registration: Register with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy.
4. Background Check: Successfully complete a criminal background check.

Continuous Education

Maintaining your certification requires continuous education. In Idaho, certified pharmacy technicians must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. This includes:

1. Pharmacy Law: 1 hour.
2. Patient Safety: 1 hour.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Idaho

Several institutions in Idaho provide stellar pharmacy technician programs. Here are some of the best options.

1. Idaho State University

Idaho State University offers an accredited program designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful career.

• Accreditation: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
• Curriculum: Covers pharmacology, medical ethics, and hands-on lab training.
• Certification Readiness: Prepares students for the PTCB exam, increasing your job readiness upon graduation.

2. College of Western Idaho

The College of Western Idaho stands out with its hybrid program, combining online and in-person learning.

• Program Type: Hybrid.
• Cost: $425 per semester.
• Hands-on Experience: Includes lab work and externship opportunities.
• Job Placement Services: Offers robust support in job placement after graduation.

3. North Idaho College

North Idaho College provides a comprehensive pharmacy technician program, notable for its experienced faculty and practical training.

• Faculty Excellence: Learn from seasoned professionals.
• Curriculum: Extensive coursework, including experiential learning in healthcare settings.
• Facilities: State-of-the-art labs for hands-on training.

4. Carrington College Boise

Carrington College Boise’s pharmacy technician program is known for its high graduation rates and job placement support.

• Program Focus: Comprehensive coverage of pharmacology, pharmacy law, and practical skills.
• Externships: Hands-on experience through externships.
• Graduate Success: Boasts high rates of graduate employment in the field.

Online vs. On-Campus Pharmacy Technician Programs in Idaho

Choosing between online and on-campus programs depends largely on your personal circumstances and learning preferences.

Online Programs

Advantages:

• Flexibility: Study at your own pace and balance other commitments.
• Accessibility: Ideal for those living far from educational institutions.

Considerations:

• Less Hands-On Training: Limited opportunities for in-person practice.
• Discipline Required: Requires good time-management skills.

On-Campus Programs

Advantages:

• Interactive Learning: Engage directly with instructors and peers.
• Hands-On Experience: Easily access labs and real-world training environments.

Considerations:

• Schedule: Fixed class times may conflict with other responsibilities.
• Location: Must live close to or commute to campus.

Best of Both Worlds: Hybrid Programs

Programs like the one offered by the Idaho Medical Academy combine the flexibility of online learning with essential hands-on simulations, catering to diverse learning styles.

In conclusion, choosing the right educational path in Idaho is crucial to your success as a pharmacy technician. Whether you opt for an online program, an in-person experience, or a hybrid approach, Idaho offers a range of excellent options to help you achieve your career goals.

Certification and Continuing Education for Pharmacy Technicians

Certification Process

To build a successful career as a pharmacy technician, certification is crucial. In Idaho, certification ensures that you meet the necessary professional standards and can provide high-quality service.

You can choose between two certification exams:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE): Administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
• Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT): Administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Steps to Certification:

1. Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program: Finish a recognized training program.
2. Pass the Certification Exam: Successfully pass either the PTCE or ExCPT.
3. Register with the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy: Submit an application and the required fee.
4. Criminal Background Check: Complete and pass a criminal background check.

Continuing Education

Continuing education (CE) is vital for maintaining your certification and staying updated on industry trends and regulations.

Requirements for Continuing Education:

• 20 Hours Every Two Years: Certified pharmacy technicians in Idaho must complete 20 CE hours every two years.
• Specific Areas: Ensure that 1 hour is focused on pharmacy law and 1 hour on patient safety.
• Accredited Providers: Use CE hours from accredited providers like the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

By adhering to these requirements, you maintain your certification and continue delivering excellence in your role.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Pharmacy Technician Students

Tuition Assistance

Pursuing a pharmacy technician program can be financially challenging. Understanding available financial aid options can ease this burden.

Financial Aid Options:

• Federal Student Aid: Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans and grants.
• State Grants: The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship offers financial assistance based on need and academic performance.

Scholarships

Numerous scholarships can help you fund your education in the best pharmacy technician schools in Idaho.

Popular Scholarships:

• Stepful Scholarship: Offers pharmacy technician students up to $2,500.
• MyCAA Program: Provides up to $2,000 for military spouses’ educational expenses.

Payment Plans

Some institutions offer flexible payment plans to make education more accessible. For example, College of Western Idaho provides various financing options, ensuring you can manage tuition without undue stress.

Career Opportunities and Salary Expectations for Pharmacy Technicians in Idaho

Job Market Overview

Idaho’s fast-growing healthcare needs translate into numerous job opportunities for pharmacy technicians. The diverse work environments include:

• Retail Pharmacies: Pharmacies in grocery stores or standalone chains.
• Hospital Pharmacies: Offering critical support in a hospital setting.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Providing medications and care to residents.

Salary Expectations

On average, pharmacy technicians in Idaho earn a median annual salary of approximately $34,000.

Factors Influencing Salary:

• Experience: More experienced technicians often command higher wages.
• Location: Urban centers like Boise tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas.
• Certification: Holding a certification can significantly boost your earning potential.

Growth Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can advance their careers through specialized certifications in areas such as:

• IV Preparation: Ensuring accurate and safe preparation of intravenous medication.
• Oncology: Specialized knowledge in cancer medications.
• Compounding: Skills for creating customized medications.

Looking for Pharmacy Technician School Information On States Bordering Idaho?

In addition to Idaho, we suggest looking for schools in nearby states.

• Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Montana
• Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Wyoming
• Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Utah
• Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Nevada
• Best Pharmacy Technician Schools In Oregon

Conclusion

Choosing to become a pharmacy technician in Idaho offers you a pathway to a stable and fulfilling career. With numerous top-notch schools, various financial aid options, and a promising job outlook, now is the perfect time to start your journey.

Consider taking the next steps in your education and career: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Idaho.