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In Missouri, the medical industry is flourishing and offers many new job opportunities.
If you decide to become a pharmacy technician, you can build a rewarding career.
Check out the training requirements for licensing in this state.
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Training Requirements in Missouri
To be able to get a certification, you have to register with the Missouri Board of Pharmacy.
Other requirements include having a high-school diploma or a GED and passing a background check.
You will also need to attend a training program approved by the Board in this state.
There are several programs available in Missouri, and while some offer diplomas, others provide associate’s degrees.
Getting higher education will also improve your chances of receiving a job offer that is better paid.
Check out the schools below that are Board-accredited:
- Crowder College: The school offers a diploma course, an internship, and also the possibility to take the national licensing exam.
- Midwest Institute: This school offers online theory classes but also hands-on training in person.
- This program is a good choice if you want a fast diploma, as it doesn’t take more than a year to finish.
- North Central Missouri College: This college provides both diplomas but also high education options.
- The diploma program can be completed in one semester, while the associate’s degree program has a duration of 2 years.
- Penn Foster Career School: This online college offers a training course that is Board-accredited.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Crowder College | 601 Laclede Ave, Neosho, Missouri 64850 |
| Midwest Institute | 964 South Highway Drive, Fenton, Missouri 63026 |
| National American University | 3620 South Arrowhead Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64057-1791 |
| National American University | 401 North West Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64081-1425 |
| National American University | 7490 North West 87th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1934 |
| North Central Missouri College | 1301 Main St, Trenton, Missouri 64683 |
| St Louis College of Health Careers | 1297 North Highway Drive, Fenton, Missouri 63026 |
| St Louis College of Health Careers | 909 South Taylor Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110 |
| State Fair Community College | 3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301-2199 |
| Vatterott College | 809 Illinois, Joplin, Missouri 64801 |
| Vatterott College | 8955 E 38th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64129 |
How to Get Licensed in Missouri
Missouri does not have any licensing requirements, however, you can get a job easier if you have a Certified Pharmacy Technician license.
In order to obtain it, you must take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
You will need to submit an application and a $129 fee to take the exam.
After you get licensed, you will need to renew it every 2 years and attend some additional education classes.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Missouri
It has been reported by Projections Managing Partnership that industry jobs will see a growth of 13.9% from 2016 to 2026.
This number is a little higher than the overall job growth in the US, which is 12% within the same time period.
The salaries differ based on the area you work in, the facility hiring you, as well as your education.
However, the average salary is currently $33,468 per year in this state.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $34,476 |
| St. Louis | $34,578 |
| Springfield | $33,901 |
| Columbia | $34,206 |
| Independence | $34,438 |
| Lee's Summit | $34,345 |
| O'Fallon | $34,297 |
| St. Joseph | $34,148 |
| St. Charles | $34,391 |
| St. Peters | $34,316 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 190 | $37,710 | $18.13 | $46,850 | $30,090 |
| Columbia, MO | 440 | $38,610 | $18.56 | $50,150 | $30,190 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 160 | $37,120 | $17.85 | $47,330 | $29,600 |
| Joplin, MO | 290 | $38,210 | $18.37 | $46,470 | $29,980 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 3,230 | $42,750 | $20.56 | $55,420 | $33,050 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 210 | $43,030 | $20.69 | $62,650 | $31,030 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 4,930 | $41,240 | $19.83 | $53,360 | $31,840 |
| Springfield, MO | 840 | $37,720 | $18.14 | $46,990 | $30,290 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Missouri
After you get licensed, you can work in any medical facility of your choice.
Some of these are pharmacies, nursing homes, hospitals, and private clinics.
A pharmacy tech should be used to working night shifts and take on some pharmacist duties if required.
If you are looking for a good job, you should consider St. Louis and Jefferson City, the state’s largest cities.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State