Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in Wisconsin
If you are visiting this page you are most likely considering a career in pharmacy technology and are aware of the importance of attaining an approved Wisconsin pharmacy technician school in order to launch your new career successfully.
There are several training options for individuals interested in becoming pharmacy technicians ranging from: certificate programs (typically less than a year), diploma programs (typically one year) and an associate degree program (typically two years long and generally includes an externship in the field).
Upon completing an accredited American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) pharmacy technician training program, individuals are prepared for entry-level employment in retail and hospital pharmacies and pharmacies within medical and doctor's offices and are also able to sit the national certification exams.
What To Look for in a Pharmacy Technician Program
The job of a pharmacy technician is becoming more complex and varied every day, thanks in part to the expanded role of pharmacies in general healthcare post pandemic, and for those up for the challenge it offers an exciting, well paid entrance into the medical field.
And while Wisconsin is one of a small handful of US states that does nor regulate pharmacy technicians in any way, many employers prefer to hire those who have completed formal training via a pharmacy technician program.
So what should you look for in a pharmacy technician program?
Here's a closer look.
Accreditation
As is the case for any educational program offered by colleges, universities and technical schools, accreditation is a sign that a program meets the high standards of some very important bodies.
For would be pharmacy technicians the accreditations to look out for include approvals from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
To learn what the difference is between those two accreditation bodies and which is the best for you click here.
Classroom Learning and Lab Work Mix H3
The day-to-day duties of a pharmacy technician are a mix of mental and physical tasks, covering everything from insurance paperwork and record keeping to medication preparation, dispensing, and sometimes even participating in initiatives like minute and vaccination clinics.
A pharmacy technician program that offers a good mix of classroom learning and lab work will best prepare you for these duties.
Certification Prep
Whether you opt to take the PTCE or ExCPT certification test they are just that, tests that should be adequately revised and prepared for.
A pharmacy technician program that offers additional certification test prep is very helpful to many students, especially if they struggle with revision alone.
Externship
Externships give would be pharmacy technicians a taste of the real world of work, and in addition to providing valuable additional hands-on training, they also make great additions to your resume!
Top Wisconsin Pharmacy Technician Schools
The Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire offers a 1-year pharmacy technician diploma starting in August. Tuition fees are $6,167 and the program is ASHP accredited. The program offers a mix of pharmacy technician classes and hands-on lab experiences. To enquire further contact the program director at 715-852-1390.
The Lakeshore Technical College in Cleveland, WI offers a 9-month pharmacy technician training diploma program with 4 weeks clinical experience. Classes start in January and August and are offered both full-time and part-time. Tuition fees are $6,249 although the college provides financial aid. Graduates can then work as pharmacy technicians and sit the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam).
To make an inquiry contact the program director at (920) 693-1841.
The Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, WI is another accredited school that offers a pharmacy technician diploma over 2 semesters with a combination of classwork, lab work and clinical experience. Classes are offered on a part time or ful time basis and commence in January and August. Class sizes are small (20) which makes for a better learning experience. Financial aid and scholarships are available for this program and in addition the college also assists with graduate employment. Students are also prepared to take the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) Certification Exam.
To make an inquiry contact the program director at (414) 297-7135.
UW Health in Madison, WI offers a pharmacy technician program which lasts between 19-28 weeks and contains a mix of classroom hours, lab hours and experiential training. Classes commence in January and September and are held Monday through Thursday. All-inclusive tuition fees are $3,250 but will rise to $3,400 in the fall of 2016 and covers books, uniform, first aid/CPR certification, insurance and a one-time PTCB exam fee.
To make an inquiry, contact the program director at (608) 890-8057.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Earn in Wisconsin?
The average Wisconsin pharmacy technician salary as of May 2021 according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is $17.63 per hour or $36,670 per annum.
An entry level pharmacy technician in WI earns an average of $13.82 or less per hour whilst an experienced and/or certified pharmacy technician can earn upwards of $22.88 or more per hour depending on years of experience, certification, specialization and work setting.
Is Certification Required for the State of Wisconsin?
No.
Despite there being 5,521 active PTCB CPhTs in Wisconsin according to 2021 PTCB data, as of 2022 certification is not a requirement in the state.
However some employers prefer to hire those with PTCB certification in particular hospitals, healthcare and medical centers.
Is Licensure/Registration Required for the State of Wisconsin?
No, there are no registration/licensure requirements for pharmacy technicians in the state of Wisconsin.
*Salary figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.