To work as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, you will first need to attend a training program.
Read on below on how you can get your license in this state.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements in Rhode Island
The first step is having your high school diploma and be 18 years old, which is the required age.
You should also have a clean criminal record.
To get a practicing license, you have to submit a registration with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
In addition, you should also enroll in a program in a vocational school that is accredited by the Board.
There are a few accredited programs in Rhode Island, such as:
- Community College of Rhode Island: This program lasts for 15 weeks and features 180tjeory hours along with 120 hours of hands-on practice.
- Center for Workforce and Community Education: The program prepares you for the license exam and includes 100 hours of lab practice.
- Penn Foster Career School: This school provides an online program for those who want to get a pharmacy technician license.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
CVS Caremark | 1 CVS Drive, Woonsocket, RI 02896 |
Community College of Rhode Island | 400 East Ave. Warwick, RI 02886-1807 |
Community College of Rhode Island | 1762 Louisquisset Pike Lincoln, RI 02865-4585 |
Community College of Rhode Island | One Hilton St. Providence, RI 02905-2304 |
Community College of Rhode Island | One John H. Chafee Blvd. Newport, RI 02840 |
Community College of Rhode Island | 23 Friendship Street Westerly, RI 02891 |
How Can You Get a Pharmacy Technician License in Rhode Island
In this state, the licenses are issued by the State of Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.
You are not required by law to get a license, however, you can only get hired if you do have one.
You can choose between 2 types of permits: Tech I and Tech II.
To receive either of these, you are required to take the national certification exam.
This exam is offered by the Pharmacy Tech Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
After you obtain your pharmacy technician license, you have to renew it every year at the end of June.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Rhode Island
According to statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the industry will see a growth of 12% between 2016 and 2026.
The salaries in Rhode Island depend on your education and whether you live in a larger city.
For example, you will earn more if you have an associate’s degree as compared to a certification diploma.
You will also earn less in your first position, but after a while you pay will be increased as your gain experience.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Providence | $37,191 |
Cranston | $37,191 |
Warwick | $37,191 |
Pawtucket | $37,191 |
East Providence | $37,191 |
Woonsocket | $37,156 |
Cumberland | $37,191 |
Coventry | $37,121 |
North Providence | $37,191 |
Johnston | $37,191 |
Regional Salary in Rhode Island
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | 1,870 | $42,430 | $20.4 | $53,060 | $35,250 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Find a Job in Rhode Island
If you get a pharmacy technician license, you can get employed by numerous medical facilities.
These include but are not limited to nursing homes, hospitals, and pharmacies like Walgreens.
You will probably have to be ready to work long shifts and night shifts, as many facilities are open all night long.
At times, you may also be requested to take on some of the responsibilities that pharmacists used to have.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician