Pharmacy Technician Programs in Louisville, KY
Driven by both an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has seen pharmacies at the forefront of testing and vaccination efforts, the demand for pharmacy technicians is increasing across the nation. This is certainly the case in Kentucky, and its largest city, Louisville.
The need for skilled, certified pharmacy technicians means that pharmacy technician schools in Louisville, KY are more important than ever, as are the students they educate.
These programs offer a clear path to a rewarding career in the medical field, just without the need for years and years of expensive schooling.
Featured Pharmacy Technician Programs in Kentucky
Pharmacy Tech Salary and Job Prospects in Louisville
The field of pharmacy technology in general, and in Louisville specifically, is expected to continue to grow.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of registered pharmacy technicians working in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2020 was 8,840. Of those, 2,670 identified as living and working in the Louisville area.
The average hourly wage for a pharmacy technician in 2020 in Louisville was reported by the BLS as $15.14. Entry level pharmacy techs earned, on average, $10.83 per hour, while the highest paid techs, those in the 90th percentile, commanded an average hourly wage of $19.31.
The field of pharmacy technology in general, and in Louisville specifically, is expected to continue to grow. As major retail pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens continue to expand their offerings, especially on the clinical front, there will be no shortage of great opportunities for trained pharmacy technicians.
Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in Louisville
In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the Board of Pharmacy requires that, in order to work, pharmacy technicians must be registered with them at all times. Formal certification is not required, but it is preferred by many employers, especially those recruiting in the clinical pharmacy field.
Both the PTCB and ExCPT certifications for pharmacy technicians are recognized by the Board of Pharmacy in Kentucky, but with the PTCE exam being taken far more often. As of early 2020 in order to take that exam students must have graduated from a PTCB approved training program.
There are three such pharmacy technician schools offering PTCB approved courses in the Louisville, KY area. Each of them offers something different and some are better suited to certain students' needs than others. Here we are going to take a closer look at them all, to help you make the right decision for you.
Related: Pharmacy Technician Programs in Lexington, KY
Jefferson Community and Technical College
109 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202 
(502) 213-5333
Located in the heart of Louisville itself, Jefferson Community and Technical College offers career and vocational focused education for local residents and awards both professional certificates and AAS degrees in various fields.
For those interested in becoming a certified pharmacy technician the school offers a three-stage program that breaks down as follows:
- Pharmacy Technician I - Undergraduate certificate
- Pharmacy Technician II - Undergraduate certificate
- Retail Pharmacy Technician - Undergraduate certificate
Students, who must be over the age of 17 to enroll and hold a high school diploma or GED, are initially accepted into the Basic Pharmacy Technician Program which encompasses the Pharmacy Technician I and II certifications.
This course, which is primarily offered as an in person learning experience, gives students the knowledge and hands-on training needed to pass the PTCE exam and work as an entry level pharmacy technician. Should they choose to they can then move on to the Retail Pharmacy Technician to receive more specialist training for the retail setting.
The initial certification can be completed in two semesters, around nine months. Classes form once a year in the fall and are offered on a full-time daytime basis. The Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician Certificate is a 24-credit hour program, while the Advanced Pharmacy Technician Diploma can be completed (including the Basic Certificate) in 43-44 credit hours.
The cost of the programs is dependent on a student's personal circumstances and residence. Local students who can prove residence may be able to pay as little as $179/credit hour, but for your individual costs the school does provide a cost calculator to offer a better idea of your individual tuition bill.
Traditional Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, as are a limited number of state-based workforce grants.
This is a competitive program, and fewer than 20 students are admitted every year. In addition to the previously mentioned requirements students must pass drug and criminal background checks and meet general education minimum standards set by the school.
Sullivan University
3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 (502) 456-6505
Sullivan University is a private university offering a wide range of professional certificates and associates degree programs. It is a traditional school geared towards new high school graduates and offers a 'traditional' college experience.
The university's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers both a Diploma and an AAS degree in Pharmacy Technology.
The basic certification, the Community Pharmacy Certificate, is a hybrid offering that is completed both online via live presentations and classes and in the school's active community pharmacy lab, can be completed in as little as nine months. Students receive additional hands-on experience with a local employer and are also given additional PTCE prep just prior to graduation.
To be admitted to this program students must be over 18 and hold a high school diploma or GED, they must also pass a background check and drug screen and prove they are up to date on all required vaccines. The two-year AAS degree in Pharmacy Technology is more competitive to be admitted to, and requires additional academics, but is certainly something for graduates of the Community Pharmacy Certificate to consider in order to advance their career.
The cost of the Community Pharmacy Certificate is charged on a per credit hour basis and takes 36 credit hours to complete. Credit cost varies according to a student's personal circumstances and residency. The school recommends contacting them directly to discuss what your costs might be.
Traditional Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify, or students may consider taking a private student loan from a lender like Sallie Mae.
Campbellsville University
1 University Drive, Campbellsville, KY 42718 (800) 264-6014
While it is a traditional community college focusing on AAS degree programs, Campbellsville University does currently offer a 'cash-only' Pharmacy Technician certification geared towards working adults interested in becoming a pharmacy technician and obtaining PTCB certification.
The program is conducted in person in the school's classrooms and labs or online and is offered on a three evening a week basis. To be admitted students must be over the age of 17, hold a high school diploma or GED and be able to pass drug and criminal background checks.
The program runs for approximately ten months. The cost in 2021 is $2,399.00, which includes books and software as well as a voucher covering the cost of the PTCB certification exam. Traditional financial aid is not available, but the school does offer some grants to lower income students as well as an interest free payment plan.