Pharmacy Technician Schools in Naples, FL
The job of a pharmacy technician is an especially important one within any pharmacy team, and that is as true for pharmacy technicians in Florida as anywhere else. Essentially trained pharmacy technicians serve as the pharmacist's right-hand person, as well as the most prominent patient contact. All of this requires specialist training, the kind provided by pharmacy technician schools in Naples.
Naples Pharmacy Technician Salary and Job Outlook
Before starting any new career path or schooling, you should always get an understanding of about much the job will pay and what the employment and growth prospects are. In the case of Naples, FL, the most recent BLS figures state that the average salary paid to a pharmacy technician is $33,250 annually, around $15.99 per hour. This is slightly higher than the statewide average of $32,750 and a little lower than the national average of $33,950.
Not all pharmacy technicians are paid at the same rate of course. Salaries vary according to experience, employer and whether a technician works in a retail or clinical pharmacy setting. Entry level pharmacists in Florida may initially earn as little as $26,330 annually/$12.66 per hour, and in the 90th percentile, the more experienced pharmacy techs can earn up to $44,150 or more.
In terms of growth, the outlook was already good for pharmacy technicians in general, including the state of Florida with the BLS predicting growth of 10% between 2106 and 2026. An expanded role for pharmacies in health care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in terms of vaccines and testing, means that the need for trained pharmacy technicians will be even greater.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Naples, FL
The state of Florida does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified; it only requires that they be registered. To register with the state candidates must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and pass drug and criminal background checks. However, because the majority of employers prefer to hire certified employees, becoming certified, as well as enrolling in a pharmacy technician program in Naples, FL to gain the technical knowledge and practical experience required, is a wise move for those who want to enter the field.
In order to take the PTCE, the national certification for pharmacy technicians set by the PTCB, candidates must complete an approved training course, in addition to being over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and pass criminal background and drug checks. There are a limited number of such programs available in Naples, FL, and each offer something a little different. Here is a closer look at them all.
Lorenzo Walker Technical College
3702 Estey Ave Naples, FL 34104 
(239) 377-0900
A well-known community based vocational school Lorenzo Walker Technical College offers a range of programs at an affordable cost to Collier County residents. Their competitive Pharmacy Technician Certificate program offers students a comprehensive overview of pharmacy technology, the job responsibilities of a pharmacy tech and the knowledge needed to pass the PTCE. The program is a 1050-hour offering that can usually be completed in 12-14 months on a full time, campus learning basis. To be admitted students must meet all the registration requirements set out by the State of Florida and minimum educational students set by the school themselves. Students learn on campus, on a full-time basis, with both daytime and evening classes available. Those who are admitted have access to federal financial aid to help fund their studies and that is how most students pay for their education. Those who are not eligible may be able to obtain a private student loan from a lender like Sallie Mae.
CVS Health
13400 Immokalee Rd. Naples, FL 34120 239 213 0306
CVS is, by far, the largest pharmacy chain in the nation. It is in their best interest to ensure they have access to certified, highly trained pharmacy technicians to work in their retail pharmacies. In some states and operational areas, including Naples, FL, the company offer their own training program that provides students with both the education they need to pass the PTCE and the chance of full-time employment with CVS if they do. To be accepted, candidates must pass an extensive interview process and be considered suitable for employment with CVS in general. If hired provisionally they will complete on the job training, including online pharmacy technician education classes. Should they pass the PTCE they will then be assigned to a CVS pharmacy locally as a full-time employee. There is no cost for the training for those who are accepted.
Job Posting: https://jobs.cvshealth.com/ShowJob/JobId/433068/
Walgreens Pharmacy Tech Apprenticeship
12780 Tamiami Trl E, Naples, FL 34113 239 530 1356
Walgreens is the nation's second largest pharmacy chain, and like CVS they offer a limited technical apprenticeship to candidates who are considered suitable for eventual full-time employment. These are limited in number in Naples, FL, and in addition to meeting Walgreens employment requirements they must also meet the requirements to take the PTCE and register with the state. Those who are accepted as pharmacy tech apprentices complete both on the job training and formal online schooling at no cost to them. If they pass the PTCE they are then offered fulltime employment with a local store to work as a pharmacy technician.
Job Posting: https://jobs.walgreens.com/job/east-naples/pharmacy-technician-pharm-tech-apprenticeship/1242/6031465232
Other Florida metro areas offering pharmacy tech programs: