Pharmacy Technician Programs in Fort Myers, FL
Across the country, including in Florida, the medical field - and job opportunities within it - is continuing to grow. With a population that is aging, and an increased demand for prescription medications, that is certainly true of the pharmacy niche.
In Fort Myers, FL the demand for pharmacy technicians is growing, and this well paid career path is one an increasing number of people are considering.
Unlike some states, Florida does not require that pharmacy technicians obtain formal certification to work, simply that they register with the State Board of Health. This means that taking the PTCE or ExCPT certification exam is optional, but an increasing number of employers require it. This means that to get the most out of their new career completing a Pharmacy Technician educational program is the smart choice for soon to be pharmacy technicians.
Featured Rx Tech Schools in Fort Myers
Statistics
Fort Myers vs Florida Pharmacy Technicians Employment
According to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there were 30,080 registered pharmacy technicians working in the State of Florida. Of those, 980 lived in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area. Given that this is a well paid field with lots of room for growth that figure is likely to increase.
fort myers | Florida |
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980
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Pharmacy Techs employed in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area represents 3.3% of all PT's employed in the state of Florida (2018, BLS) | Total Pharmacy Technicians employed in Florida state (2018, BLS) |
Salary for Pharmacy Technicians in Fort Myers
In 2019 the average mean salary for a pharmacy tech in Fort Myers was $14.87 per hour or $30,940 a year. On the lowest end of the scale, an entry level retail pharmacy tech for example, was $10.66 but that figure rises to $18.94 in the 90th percentile.
Pharmacy Technician Annual Wages in Fort Myers
(BLS Data May 2018)
$22,180
$25,940
$30,360
$35,850
$39,400
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Fort Myers, FL
For those considering completing a pharmacy technician program to prepare for certification there is currently only one local facility that offers such a program in the Fort Myers area, with another school recently having ended their offering.
9981 S. HealthPark Drive, Fort Myers FL 33908 | Tel: 813-501-2584
That program is a special offering from Lee Health. As those familiar with the area may know, Lee Health is a large local medical group that maintains healthcare facilities in over two dozen locations in the area.
Their Pharmacy Technician Program is unique in that it offers students a chance to learn in a real life medical pharmacy environment as they gain the knowledge needed to take their certification exam.
Lee Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The Lee Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program is offered at their HealthPark Medical Center facility, at 9981 S Healthpark Dr, Fort Myers, FL. It is a 400 hour, 21 week evening program, making it a great choice for those who are already working.
Estimated program cost
There is no charge for this program, but it is one that is very competitive, and potential students must pass a rigorous interview process prior to admission.
Admissions requirements
To be admitted to the Lee Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program students must beat least 17 years old. They must have a high school diploma or GED by the time the lab portion of the course begins - about half-way through - which does mean that high school seniors are considered for admission.
In addition, students must also be willing to take, and pass, a drug test and criminal background check. There are minimum vaccination requirements to be met and a basic CPR course must be completed as well.
Course content
The Pharmacy Technician Training course offers students all the technical and practical knowledge they need to pass either the PTCE or ExCPT certification exam. Most modules are classroom based, but students do get hands on training in both a simulated and a real life pharmacy environment.
- Didactic course work: 320/ Hours (contact/credit)
- Laboratory course work: 80/ Hours (contact/credit)
- Experiential Training: 200/ Hours (contact/credit)
- Lecture class size: 7
- Laboratory class size: 7
Accreditation
The program is a very well respected one and it is currently the only such program serving Southwest Florida that is accredited by ASHP/ACPE and also recognized as an approved training program by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.