Pharmacy Technician Schools in Fargo, ND
A pharmacy technician's job in North Dakota - or anywhere else in the country - provides a challenging, well-paid entry into the medical field that is very hands-on and can be started relatively quickly.
For licensure in North Dakota, a minimum vocational education requirement must usually be met, which pharmacy technician programs can provide, along with a solid introduction to the field's fundamentals.
Pharmacy Technician Salary Fargo, ND
One of the first things anyone considering a new career wants to know is how lucrative it will be in terms of salary, as well as what the employment outlook and future career growth will be.
Pharmacy technology is a well-paid field that is growing in importance across the country as pharmacies diversify and play a larger role in healthcare than ever before, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. This is as true in Fargo as anywhere else.
According to the experts on such things, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary paid to a licensed pharmacy technician in Fargo, ND is $37,990 per annum, or about $18.26 per hour 1. This is lower than the state average of $39,910, but higher than the general national average, which is $33,950.
The good news for new pharmacy technicians is that starting salaries are higher in Fargo than in many other places, with even the lowest 10% of earners making, on average, $30,650 or $14.74 per hour. This figure rises as high as $48,350 annually/$23.25 for techs in the 90th percentile of earners.
Job Outlook
In terms of job growth, the BLS predicts a 10% growth between 2016 and 2026 2 but those figures were compiled prior to the pandemic, and the demand for pharmacy techs has seen an unexpected increase that will push those figures higher.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Fargo, ND
In the state of North Dakota, a pharmacy technician must be licensed by the State Board of Pharmacy. To obtain such a license a candidate must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, present acceptable criminal background checks - free of felonies or drug related misdemeanors - and pass a drug screen.
In addition, candidates for licensing as a pharmacy tech in North Dakota must hold a certification from the PTCB. This means that attending a pharmacy technician school is a must. There are several available to choose from, and as each of them offers something different here is a closer look at them to help you make the right choice.
1. Rasmussen College
4012 19th Avenue South, Fargo, ND 58103 
800-817-0009
Rasmussen College is a private career college offering a range of certificate and Associate Degree programs that maintains campuses across the country including one in Fargo. For those interested in becoming a pharmacy technician they offer a PTCB approved Pharmacy Technician Certificate that can be completed in as little as nine months of fulltime, on campus study. The primary purpose of the program is help students gain the knowledge needed to pass the PTCE and obtain North Dakota licensure. In doing so it offers a broad overview of the profession as a whole and provides students with enough knowledge and hands-on experience to begin working as an entry level pharmacy tech in a retail setting.
To be admitted to the program students must meet all state licensing requirements for a pharmacy technician along with the school's own basic educational requirements. The cost of the program varies according to a student's residence, income and age, but a net price calculator is offered on the school's website to help you determine yours. Those who are accepted have access to federal financial aid if they qualify and some low-income students may qualify for a number of state workforce grants as well.
2. North Dakota State College of Science
800 6th Street N Wahpeton, ND 58076 701-671-2401
North Dakota State College of Science is a traditional public university offering a wide range of certificate and degree programs to local residents. For those interested in becoming a pharmacy technician they offer a two-year Associate Degree program on a hybrid online/campus based full time study basis. Admission to the school - and the pharmacy tech program - is competitive and students are required to meet educational standards - including minimum SAT scores set by the school, as well as all the requirements for state licensure.
The program offers a very comprehensive overview of the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician and includes a mandatory 200-hour externship with a local employer. Much of the written portion of the program is completed online, with lab classes completed on campus. If accepted, the vast majority of students make use of traditional federal financial aid to pay for their schooling which is charged at a sliding scale rate, with the school advising meeting with an admissions' counselor to help determine your personal costs.
3. CVS Health
2425 13th Ave South, Fargo, ND 58103 1-855-338-5609
By far the largest pharmacy chain in the United States is CVS. It is in their best interests to ensure that their retail pharmacies have access to certified, highly trained pharmacy technicians. In some states and operational areas, including Fargo, ND, the company offers its own training program that provides students with both the education and the opportunity to work full-time at CVS if they pass the PTCE.
Candidates must pass an extensive interview process and be deemed suitable for employment with CVS in general in order to be accepted. If hired on a temporary basis, they will receive on-the-job training, which may include online pharmacy technician education classes. If they pass the PTCE, they will be assigned as a full-time employee to a CVS pharmacy in their area. Those who are accepted are not charged for the training.
References:
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019 Occupational Employment and Wages, Pharmacy Technicians: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm