Pharmacy Technician Programs in Memphis, TN
With increasing demand for prescription medication, pharmacy technicians are getting more and more engaged, with thousands of jobs created over the past few years and thousands more jobs expected in the coming years. Pharmacy technician jobs was growing at 4% annually in 2019 and projected to at least maintain this trajectory for the next 10 years.
Pharmacists cannot do without the help of pharmacy technicians in taking care of the less complex jobs. The pharmacy technicians serve as a bridge between pharmacists and patients.
If you're looking to make a career change, take a look at some of these top rated pharmacy technician schools in Memphis, TN.
Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook in Memphis
With industry-wide projections maintaining an average of 4% yearly increase in pharmacy technician jobs across the U.S, job prospects for workers in Tennessee is looking positive. Out of 422,300 pharmacy technicians in America as of May 2020, some 11,190 resided in Tennessee, and this number is expected to increase as demand for prescription medication continue grow.
Pharmacy technician earnings in Tennessee isn’t bad compared to other services and in certain locations, the hourly wage exceeds that of national average by a wide margin. Much of the employment is in the Health & personal care stores, and general medical and surgical hospitals.
There were about 2,350 pharmacy technicians in Memphis as of May 2020. Their average hourly wage is $17.26 and the mean annual wage is $35,900.
In Tennessee, pharmacy technicians make on average $16.87 per hour and earn about $32,280 yearly. 10% of the workers earn $47,310 or more annually. Compared to Memphis, the state averages are significantly lower than what pharmacy technicians earn in Memphis.
In the United States, the average pharmacy technicians make yearly is $35,100, with 10% earning $25,400 or less, and another 10% making in excess of $50,430 yearly. The national average is well higher than Tennessee’s state average, but lower than average earnings in Memphis.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Memphis, TN
The easiest and fastest way to become a pharmacy technician in Memphis is to join one of the many programs offered by different institutions.
Below is a detailed description of pharmacy technician programs in Memphis that you can pursue your training to better your future.
A: 737 Union Avenue Memphis TN 38103 | T: 901 333-5000
This is a two-semester Pharmacy Technician Technical Certificate program that rotates students in assigned pharmacy settings. The program is accredited by American Society of Health System Pharmacists and an
Total credit hours for this program is 31 and students cover the following classes as part of the course:
Semester 1:
- Sterile products, structure and function of body systems and lab, third party reimbursements.
Semester 2:
- Measurements and calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy practice and lab, clinical pharmacy experience and pharmacy technology seminar.
Upon completion graduates can sit any national certification exams and seek employment as entry-level pharmacy technologists.
A: 550 Alabama Avenue, Memphis, TN 38105 | T: 901 543 6100
This is a full-time diploma program offered by the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Memphis. It takes 12 months and 1,296 clock hours to complete. Classes are conducted in daytime and a diploma certificate will be awarded at the end of the program. The entire cost of the program is $3,738.00 in tuition and fees, and another $1,413.00 for textbooks and supplies.
This program trains students to work in a variety of pharmaceutical settings including retail and wholesale pharmacies, hospitals, dispensaries, etc. They'll acquire knowledge of medications, prescription preparation, reconstitution and preparation of IV.
There are certain requirements for a student to qualify for this program. The student must have a HS Diploma, GED or equivalent, plus a satisfactory physical exam with all immunization requirements. Students will also submit to drug testing and criminal background check.
A: 5100 Poplar Ave #132, Memphis, TN 38137 | T: 901 761-9494
The full-time pharmacy technician diploma offered at Concorde Career College uses both theory and practical training to equip students will all the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the pharmacy technician profession.
Students will master skills such as medication preparation, distribution and storage, distribution and storage, medication preparation, medication reviews and orders, and drug-use review among many others.
The program offers a total of 662 contact hours, made up of 240 theory hours, 192 lab hours and 230 clinic hours. Semester credit hours are 27.
The program is 6 months in length with classes running during both daytime and evening at the campus in Memphis.
In addition students will also be able to avail of off-site clinical experiences through externships as part of the pharmacy technician program.
Students are prepared for work as entry-level pharmacy technicians. Graduates will also be ready to sit for any of the two certification examinations.
The program is by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The Pharmacy Technician program requires a criminal background check and an interview with the Program Director for admission and takes into consideration previous academic performance, healthcare experience, and overall professional presentation. Tuition costs and all relevant fees can be found through their official website. Financial aid is available through Federal loans.
Salary and job outlook figures courtesy of US Department of Labor.