Pharmacy Technician Schools in Dayton OH
Dayton, Ohio may have decreased in population over the past few decades, but it is growing in a different way, as a center for healthcare innovation. This means that the number of pharmacies in the area is increasing, both in retail and clinical settings. That naturally leads to an increase in the demand for pharmacy technicians, professionals who have an increasingly important role to play in the operation of any pharmacy.
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Dayton, Ohio
Before paying for schooling - and taking the time to head back to class - it makes sense to understand more about the prospects offered to those considering becoming a pharmacy technician in Ohio.
In terms of salary, Dayton pharmacy techs earn slightly higher than the state average and a little less than the national average, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
In Dayton, OH:
Pharmacy technicians on average earn $33,030 per annum/$15.88 per hour
10% of techs earn $21,410 per annum/$10.21 per hour or less.
10% of techs earn $45,670 per annum/ $21.96 per hour or more.
In Ohio:
Pharmacy technicians on average earn $30,200 per annum/ $14.52 per hour
10% of techs earn $21,650 per annum/ $10.41 per hour or less.
10% of techs earn $43,020 per annum/ $20.68 per hour or more.
In the United States:
Pharmacy technicians on average earn $33,950 per annum/ $16.32 per hour
10% of techs earn $24,120 per annum/ $11.60 per hour or less.
10% of techs earn $49,130 per annum/ $23.62 per hour or more.
It should be noted that usually higher salaries are paid to pharmacy technicians who work in clinical settings like hospitals or long term care facilities. However, an experienced and/or certified pharmacy tech can earn more than their peers in a retail setting too.
Is There a High Demand for Pharmacy Technicians in Dayton?
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the BLS was predicting approximate job growth of around 5.8% - around 1,400 new jobs - between 2018 and 2028 for Dayton. However, with local retail pharmacies playing a bigger role in pandemic management and in basic healthcare in general, that figure may now increase even further.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Dayton, Ohio
In Ohio, a pharmacy technician must register with the State Board of Pharmacy in order to work. There are three registration types available; student or trainee, registered or certified. The latter calls for a candidate to have successfully completed an approved program at one of the pharmacy technician schools in Dayton, Ohio and have passed the PTCE certification exam as set by the PTCB.
While certification is not a state requirement, most employers prefer it, and pay improved compensation to those who are certified pharmacy technicians.
To take the PTCE, students must complete a training program that is PTCB approved. In addition, they must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and pass drug and criminal background checks. Those with felonies or substance abuse related misdemeanors will be excluded from consideration. These are also requirements for state registration of any kind.
At the present time there is just a single Pharmacy Technician school in Dayton, OH that is offering a PTCB pharmacy technician program. It is located just outside the city in Lebanon , OH, but offers an easy commute for city residents.
Warren County Career Center
3525 North State Route 48 Lebanon, OH 45036 | 
513-932-5677
The Warren County Career Center offers a range of affordably priced certificate programs, including a Certificate in Pharmacy Technology. Theirs is a stellar program too, as it is not only approved by the PTCB but is also accredited by the ASHP - the American Society of Health System Pharmacists - which is a high honor that few such programs achieve.
The cost of the program, which a student must meet all PTCB requirements to enroll in, as well as pass a basic skills test in Math and English as set by the school, is charged at a flat rate of $7,250.
This fee includes all books and supplies, as well as the cost of taking the PTCB test. Students who are eligible may use Federal financial aid to pay for their education, or consider a private student loan from a lender like Sallie Mae.
The program is a classroom based offering that includes extensive practical and lab work, as well as a mandatory externship. It can be completed in ten months, with the 200-hour externship to be completed after all classroom based work is finished.