Pharmacy Technician Programs In Burlington, VT: Where Are The Best Schools?
The field of pharmacy technology is a challenging, but rewarding, one that increasingly offers a wide range of opportunities for people to work in the healthcare field without the huge educational and financial commitment of medical school.
Pharmacy Schools in Vermont are committed to help new techs join the world of work, and to do so quickly and affordably.
Pharmacy Technician Salaries and Employment Trends in Burlington
Before making a career change and embarking on an educational plan, exploring the profession’s salary and job growth potential is a smart move.
Nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, the average salary earned by a US-based pharmacy technician was $18.17 per hour ($37,790 per year). In comparison, Vermont reported an average pharmacy technician salary of $37,200 annually ($17.88 hourly.)
The figures for Burlington are $18.04 hourly or $37,530 annually.
Salaries vary according to experience and employer, of course. According to the same figures, the lowest earning 10% of Burlington, VT pharmacy technicians averaged earnings of $31,500 or less per annum ($15.15 or less per hour), while the top 10% of earners could expect to earn $47,460 or more ($22.82 or more per hour.)
Thanks to the increasing role that retail pharmacies are playing in general healthcare post-pandemic, the figures originally released by the BLS in terms of future job growth prospects – some 5% between 2016 and 2026 – are likely to be higher, great news for those considering entering the profession right now.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Burlington, VT
The State of Vermont requires all pharmacy technicians to obtain a license from the State Board of Pharmacy, but unlike some other states, they do not require formal certification. They do have minimum standards: candidates for licensing must be over 18, high school graduates (or hold a GED) and demonstrate the ability to pass an eight panel drug test and present an official criminal background check free of felonies and drug-related misdemeanors.
There are compelling reasons to obtain pharmacy technician certification from either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCE) or the National HealthCareer Association (ExCPT).
A growing number of employers are giving hiring preference to certified pharmacy techs and certification opens up new on-the-job opportunities, such as participating in vaccination and minute clinics.
Two local pharmacy technician schools are available to Burlington residents, and here we are taking a comparative look at them both.
Community College of Vermont
Address: PO Box 489,
Montpelier, VT 05601
Phone: (802) 828-2800
CCV offers several professional apprenticeship opportunities that result not only in verifiable practical experience but also in a credit-granting certificate. For those interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, they offer a Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship sponsored in part by the Vermont Department of Labor.
In addition to their practical placement with a local pharmacy employer, usually in a retail setting, students admitted to the program must complete nine credits of classroom-based education, including Introduction to Pharmacy Technician and Customer Service classes. On average, apprenticeships last six to nine months and students are prepared during that time to sit the PTCE certification exam as set by the PTCB.
There is no charge to those admitted to the program as this is an apprenticeship offering, but to qualify, students must meet all state licensing requirements and any additional requirements set by individual employers. Students must also meet residency requirements set by the Vermont Department of Labor.
Walgreens
Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship
514 Farrell St.,
Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: 1-866-967-5492
As the second-largest pharmacy employer in the state, Walgreens Pharmacy offers a formal apprenticeship to suitable candidates, including those living in the Burlington, VT area.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or a GED to be eligible for the program.
This is not a formal educational program, but the in-house education apprentices is PTCB and ASHP recognized, and successful candidates sit the national certification to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) at no cost to them while employed by Walgreens.
Earnings begin on the first day of class, and no direct costs are associated with participating in this program. Students will receive all necessary educational materials, including textbooks and computers.
Candidates do not need pharmacy technician experience to join the program but must meet state licensing requirements. They also need to pass the standard employment interview process set by Walgreens.
These are paid apprenticeship positions, but salaries vary from retail location to retail location. PTCE prep is provided in the form of online training completed in-store and by the invaluable practical experience gained by apprentices every day.
Many apprentices are ready to take the PTCE in 9-12 months, but their supervisor will help them decide when they are best qualified.