Pharmacy Technician Programs in Hartford, CT

The role of a pharmacy technician, one that has long been essential to the smooth running of any pharmacy, either in a clinical or retail setting, has increased in importance since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With many pharmacies now providing testing, vaccinations and general wellness care, trained pharmacy technicians are in greater demand than ever. And that is as true in Hartford, CT as anywhere else.

In the State of Connecticut, all pharmacy technicians must register with the Board of Pharmacy. To do so they must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED, be able to prove legal status and English language proficiency, and be able to provide a negative drug test result and a background free of convictions of any kind.

They do not need to be certified, but they do need to have a formal job offer from a CT pharmacy employer. As most employers give preference to candidates who have formal certification via the PTCB or National Healthcareers Association attending an PTCB or ASHP/ACPE approve programs remains the best way to embark on a career as a pharmacy tech in Connecticut.

Salary and Job Growth Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Hartford

Before making a career change, or embarking on schooling at all, it’s wise to get a better understanding of the earning potential of the field and its job growth prospects. Pharmacy technology in general is a well paid career compared to many others that require minimal formal college education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage paid to a US pharmacy technician in 2022 was $37,790 per year, or $18.17 per hour.

For the State of Connecticut as a whole, for the same time period, the average wages paid to a pharmacy technician were $36,560 a year, or $17.58.

The average salary was slightly lower in Hartford, with the BLS reporting averages of $36,290 per year or $17.45.

Salaries for Hartford, CT based pharmacy techs vary according to employer and experience too. In 2022 the bottom 10% of earners averaged a salary of $31,140 or less (around per $14.97 or less per hour) while the top 10% commanded $50,770 (around per $24.41 hour) or more.

Pharmacy Technician Programs in Hartford, CT

There are three pharmacy technician schools serving the Hartford area at this time.

Each of them offers something different, and while cost may be the most important factor for some, convenience and scheduling may be just as important to your success.

That’s why we will take a closer look at all of them here.

Manchester Community College

60 Bidwell St, Manchester, CT 06040
Phone: (860) 512-3000

Manchester Community College offers a wide range of two-year degree and certificate programs to CT residents at an affordable cost. One of those programs is a Pharmacy Technician Certificate that can be completed in 134 hours of online study, with an additional 50 lab hours to be completed on campus and with a local employer.

The program, which is approved by both the PTCB and the CT Board of Pharmacy, is open to those who meet all state registration requirements and can pass a basic skills test set by the school. It covers the basics needed to pass the PTCE certification test and obtain the job offer needed for state registration. Credits earned can later be transferred to a two-year degree in Health Studies should a student desire.

The program’s cost will vary according to a student’s residence and personal circumstances, with the lowest rates charged to in-state students. Financial aid is available to those who qualify and is how 96% of the program’s students pay for the course.

Asnuntuck Community College

170 Elm Street Enfield, CT 06082
Phone: (866) 526 -6008

While Asnuntuck Community College does not offer an open enrollment pharmacy technician program to students, it does offer a PTCB-approved certificate program for those referred from the state’s Essential Job Skills & Career Development program, an offering usually open to some adults who are currently lacking job training and participate in various state and Federal aid programs. In addition, students must also meet the Board of Pharmacy registration standards.

Referred students must complete six months of classroom study and a short externship with a local employer. Towards the end of the course, they are also given access to specialist PTCE prep materials to prepare them to take the test upon graduation.

As this is a non-credit program, traditional financial aid is not available, but most students have their education paid for via state-based job development grants.

Capital Community College

950 Main Street, Hartford CT 06103
Phone: (860) 906-5000

Capital Community College’s Adult Education Department offers students who meet certain retraining requirements the chance to complete a hybrid offering – with many online classes- resulting in a Certificate in Pharmacy Technology after approximately 6 months of full-time study. The program is co-sponsored by the state and is PTCB approved.

This pharmacy technician education program is designed to prepare students to take and pass the PTCE and gain the entry-level job required for state registration as a pharmacy technician. In addition to their classroom learning, students can complete an internship with a local employer, although this is not a requirement for graduation.

While for most students, the program’s cost is covered by state workforce grants, they are responsible for the $129 fee to take the PTCE at the end of the course. To be admitted to this program, students must meet state registration requirements and also obtain a referral from their social service representative.