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If you live in Massachusetts and want to become a pharmacy technician we have the info to get you started!
Article Table of Contents
General Job Duties
The first thing you need to know is that as a pharmacy tech, you’ll work under the direct supervision and you’re expected to always have a name tag on.
The tasks you’re expected to complete include the following:
- Receiving and confirming prescription orders
- Verify insurance coverage
- Preparing and filling medication
- Managing inventory
- Talking to customers and answering their questions
- Handling organization tasks
Pharmacy Tech Requirements
In this state, Massachusetts’ Board of Registration in Pharmacy oversees pharmacy technicians.
They have to meet these minimum requirements:
- At least 18 years old
- A high school diploma or GED
- No drug-related felony convictions
- Complete a formal training program
- Register with the Board
The program can be completed either at a community college or as a pharmacy tech trainee for 500 hours.
If you feel like you need more training after the 500 hours is completed, you can continue your training, but the total number of hours spent in training cannot exceed 1000.
The Board registration costs $136 and this fee is not refundable.
Certification in Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ Board of Registration in Pharmacy requires pharmacy techs to pass an exam and obtain a certificate before being allowed to work.
The exam can be:
- Offered by an employer
- A Board-approved exam
The exam approved by the Board can be one of the following:
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam
- The Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT)
In order to sit through either exam, you need to complete your formal training as explained earlier.
The training program can be completed online as well.
The subjects taught in these classes include:
- Anatomy
- Pharmacy calculations
- Medication safety
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Medication order entry
- Fill process
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bristol Community College | 777 Elsbree St, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720-7395 |
Maintaining the Certification
Like with many other certifications, the one for a pharmacy technician also needs to be renewed.
To maintain the national certification, you’ll need to complete a minimum number of hours as continuing education.
Usually, the number of hours to be completed is 20, but checking with the Board for any changes is better.
The license has to be renewed every 2 years and the fee to do so is $51.
There’s also a deadline by which the renewal must be completed.
Salary Information for a Pharmacy Technician
Experience and the actual workplace will influence the most the salary of a pharmacy technician.
This is because not all facilities in which you can fin employment have the same functioning hours.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $39,639 |
| Worcester | $36,980 |
| Springfield | $36,699 |
| Cambridge | $39,639 |
| Lowell | $38,279 |
| Brockton | $38,034 |
| New Bedford | $37,015 |
| Quincy | $39,639 |
| Lynn | $39,639 |
| Fall River | $37,015 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 270 | $45,330 | $21.8 | $64,600 | $36,460 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 7,280 | $47,600 | $22.89 | $65,060 | $36,700 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 180 | $42,050 | $20.22 | $53,730 | $34,530 |
| New Bedford, MA | 190 | $42,320 | $20.35 | $51,670 | $34,940 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 120 | $42,710 | $20.53 | $57,700 | $34,680 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 1,030 | $42,810 | $20.58 | $54,300 | $35,050 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 750 | $44,120 | $21.21 | $58,160 | $35,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Extra Information
Speaking of the workplace, you can get hired at:
- A hospital
- A chain or independent pharmacy
- Caregiving facility
Depending on other diplomas you may have, more employment options arise, along with the possibility of developing a career in the field.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State