Get started on a fresh new career by enrolling in a a school that offers pharmacy technician training in Florida. In this article we’ll take a look at what is required to work as a pharmacy technician in the state of Florida. We’ll also discover the benefits of this profession and learn how to find a training program near you.
Good Job Outlook for Pharmacy Techs in Florida
The pharmacy technician sector in Florida looks very promising according to the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI). The growth rate, particularly in the Orlando metro region, has been pegged at 33%. Add to this, factors such as Florida being home to most of the country’s retirees, the booming healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, and healthy population growth, and you have ample scope to becoming a practicing pharmacy tech in this state.
The average annual income for people in this line of work is $26,500, while those in the Orlando area who have adequate experience and are highly qualified earn as much as $37,700 annually.
Top Florida Cities with Pharmacy Technician Demands
- Hialeah
- Jacksonville
- Miami
- Orlando
- St. Petersburg
- Tampa
Many pharmacy technicians in Florida are located in areas such as Pensacola, Daytona, and Panama City, where pharmacy tech jobs are the most common relative to the local population than in other parts of the state. Conversely, there are fewer pharmacy tech jobs in cities like Jacksonville, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale when we take into account the relative number of jobs in proportion to the local populace.
A majority of pharmacy techs in Florida are based in Tampa, Orlando, and West Palm Beach.
The metro areas within the state that offer the highest median salaries for pharmacy technicians are Tallahassee, Sebastian, and Naples.
Educational Requirements and Certification
Pharmacy tech institutions and courses offer training and degree programs, after which budding pharmacy techs can take up an internship and get first-hand experience during the on the job training phase. One can opt for a two year stint in a training school such as the Everest University for a Diploma in Pharmacy or an Associate’s degree in Pharmacy Technology.
Though the state of Florida does not deem certification to be a necessity for a practicing pharmacy technician, the growth of the sector and the subsequent rise in competition has meant that certification is advantageous insofar as landing a lucrative pharmacy technician job is concerned.
To get certified as a pharmacy technician, you need to register for the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) exam by paying a fee of $129 and doing well on the test.
Florida pharmacy techs should be registered with the Board of Pharmacy of the state after meeting one or both of the following criteria:
- Completing 1500 hours of work experience under a state licensed pharmacist
- Completing a state approved course, program, or certification by a national agency, like the PTCB.
Pharmacy Technician Training in Florida – Notable Schools
Florida natives have a variety of options when it comes to choosing a notable institution or school that offers pharmacy technology courses and training. Full time pharmacy training programs are undertaken at schools like FCC Jacksonville, the University of Florida, Miami Dade College, and Heritage. The University of Miami also offers part-time courses, while the Medvance Institute at both West Palm and Fort Lauderdale mostly caters to adult learners.
University of Florida
College of Pharmacy
13200 Northwest 59 Drive
Gainesville, FL 32653
Choose from live programs in cities throughout Florida or study online. Either way you will get the same high level training offered to all University of Florida students. The pharmacy tech program is certified by the Florida Board of Pharmacy and at the conclusion of your training you will receive a certificate of completion.
University of Miami
1252 Memorial Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
The University of Florida and the University of Miami are especially noteworthy due to their focus on good SAT grades, level of acceptability when it comes to getting a lucrative pharmacy tech job, and their relatively smaller classroom sizes, which in turn is an indication of the level of attention given to a student.
Everest University
530 West 49th Street
Hialeah, FL 33012-3605
Other notable schools include Everest University, which offers an 8 month long pharmacy tech training program focusing on classroom lectures as well on hands-on experience. This is an accredited school that is known for it’s competitive academic programs. Some of the courses include:
- Infection Control, Medication Errors, and Alternative Medicine
- Aspects of Retail Pharmacy
- Pharmacology of the Urinary and Reproductive System
- Pharmacy of the Endocrine/Lymphatic Systems
- Circulatory and Skeletal System
- Pharmacology of the Nervous Systems
- Pharmacy Operations
Additional Information:
Don’t put it off any longer – now is a great time to enroll in a school and get started on your pharmacy technician training in Florida.
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