Pharmacy Technician Schools in Idaho (Top Programs)

Pharmacy technicians work under the direct supervision of pharmacists while completing a series of tasks.

These include:

• Dispensing prescriptions,
• Managing inventory
• Talking to the patients and doctors
• Other administrative work

If this sounds like a job you’d like to have, read on to find out what you need to do to enter this field, in Idaho.

Basic Requirements

First of all, if you want a job as a pharmacy tech you have to be at least 18 years old.

However, in Idaho, those who are 16 can also get hired if they’re still in school and they’ll receive a waiver.

There’s no need to be nationally certified as a pharmacy technician in Idaho, however formal training and registration with the Idaho Board of Pharmacy are mandatory.

The Board will issue a license that must be renewed every year, before the end of June.

Training Programs and Schools

Training has to be completed at an approved school.

The shortest program is 9 months long and classes can generally be attended both in-person and online.

Some of the schools also offer longer programs of 2 years, at the end of which an Associates’s degree is obtained.

Students usually learn about:

• Basic understanding of anatomy,
• Physiology,
• Pharmacy law
• The classification and use of 200 prescription drugs

Longer programs usually have laboratory classes as well as practice hours in local pharmacies.

The tuition is not very high, but you could qualify for a scholarship, so it’s a good idea to ask about this possibility.

Be aware that different schools will also have different requirements when it comes to enrolling.

Certification

Those who wish to pursue a career in this field, or want a higher salary, can consider getting certified.

This certification is different than the license obtained from the Board.

The demand for pharmacy techs is also on the rise, and a certified individual will be always preferred by many employers.

The certification is obtained from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, after registration.

To be able to register, a high school diploma or its equivalent are needed, as well as passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam which costs $129.

This certification must be renewed every 2 years and completing a number of approved continuing education classes, is mandatory in order to renew the certification.

The number of hours to be completed is 20, and 2 of them must cover pharmacy laws.

Salary

As mentioned, if you choose to get certified, your salary will be higher than if you choose not to get certified.

Pharmacy technicians earn on average, in Idaho, $33,085 per year.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Extra Information

There are many settings awaiting pharmacy techs:

• Independent or chain drugstores
• Clinics
• Nursing homes
• Hospitals

Diplomas and certifications can open doors to more employment options.

Wearing a name tag while at work, is mandatory for pharmacy techs.

Pharmacy Technician Schools by State