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Becoming a pharmacy technician requires a great deal of attention to detail, and you want to know more about this occupation, read on!
Article Table of Contents
Job Duties
Pharmacy techs have a series of duties to complete, such as:
- Counting medicine
- Labeling prescriptions
- Keeping track of dosages of prescribed medicines
- Interact with the patients and doctors
It is mandatory for these professionals to always wear a name tag while at work.
Certified professionals also have to display their diploma inside the workplace, at all times.
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Connecticut
Those interested in becoming a technician in a pharmacy need to first make sure they have either a high school diploma or an equivalent.
These individuals also need minimum training, and in most cases, this can be achieved directly on the job.
Attending a post-secondary educational program is another way of gaining the knowledge needed for the position, especially if a person hopes to develop a career in the field.
These programs can be anywhere from 6 months and up to 2 years in length, and they can be offered by a variety of institutions, including community colleges.
Attending classes in person or online is also an option, considering that Connecticut has only one such program to offer.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Manchester Community College | Great Path, Manchester, Connecticut 06040 |
Some of the subjects include:
- Math
- Record keeping
- Ethics
- Dispensing medication
- Pharmacy laws
It is mandatory for those who enroll in these programs to also complete an internship as part of their training.
If you think the tuition is too high, you can ask the school about their scholarship requirements.
Certification and Licensing in Connecticut
As future pharmacy techs, individuals are under the jurisdiction of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
The Board requires these individuals to obtain a certification in the field in order to be allowed to work.
To obtain a certification, individuals need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam which lasts for 2 hours and has 90 questions.
Obtaining a license is also possible, after finding employment.
The requirements are:
- Verified employment
- Verified training
The license has to be renewed every year, before March 31st.
Salary Expectations
It’s good to have an idea of the salary you can expect once you become a pharmacy tech.
In Connecticut, these technicians earn on average $37,929 per year, whereas the national median salary in this field is $35,055 per year.
Experience and actual work can influence the income of these technicians.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $39,566 |
| New Haven | $38,466 |
| Stamford | $40,410 |
| Hartford | $37,878 |
| Waterbury | $37,789 |
| Norwalk | $40,410 |
| Danbury | $38,917 |
| New Britain | $37,859 |
| West Hartford | $37,878 |
| Greenwich | $40,410 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 1,040 | $44,060 | $21.18 | $57,880 | $36,700 |
| Danbury, CT | 260 | $43,870 | $21.09 | $57,270 | $34,890 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 1,580 | $42,640 | $20.5 | $56,270 | $35,250 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,040 | $43,490 | $20.91 | $57,420 | $35,540 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 390 | $43,450 | $20.89 | $56,340 | $34,620 |
| Waterbury, CT | 250 | $41,060 | $19.74 | $52,890 | $32,460 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
There are many employment possibilities in Connecticut, including nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted living facilities.
Extra Information
Sometimes, these professionals will be expected to perform other duties, such as giving flu shots to the patients.
Many places hiring pharmacy techs may operate on a 24/7 schedule, and this means night and weekend shifts.
Don’t be surprised if certified individuals are more likely to find a job since they’re better prepared and already know what they’re supposed to do.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State