Pharmacy Technician Schools in Toledo, OH
A pharmacy technician's position in Toledo, OH - or anywhere else in the nation - provides a rewarding, well-paid entry into the medical sector in a very hands-on manner, while also being a career that can be started relatively quickly.
In Ohio, all pharmacy technicians must register with the state board of pharmacy, and those who are certified are offered a specialist license that allows them to take on additional duties that can lead to higher paid, more lucrative jobs.
Pharmacy technician certification can be earned by passing one of two certification exams: the PTCE as offered by the Pharmacy Technician Training Board (PTCB) or the ExCpt, as offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Toledo, OH
Before paying for school and undertaking a new career path it's a good idea to learn more about the opportunities available to those interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Ohio.
On the whole, certified pharmacy technicians in Toledo can look forward to a lucrative career. On average, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy techs earn $29,610 per annum/$14.24 per hour. That's slightly higher than the state average salary of $30,200 per annum/ $14.52 per hour and in line with the national mean wage of $33,950 per annum/ $16.32 per hour.
It should be mentioned that pharmacy technicians who work in clinical settings such as hospitals or long-term care facilities typically earn more money. In a retail environment, however, an accomplished and/or certified pharmacy technician may receive more than their peers. According to BLS figures the lowest 10% of pharmacy techs in Toledo averaged $21,220 per annum/$10.20 per hour or less while the top 10% averaged $39,630 per annum/ $19.05 per hour or more.
Location | Median Salary | Salary Ranges |
|---|---|---|
Toledo, OH | $29,610 | $21,220 - $39,630 |
Ohio | $30,200 | $21,650 - $43,020 |
United States | $33,950 | $24,120 - $49,130 |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Ohio's employment growth for pharmacy technicians will be about 5.8% between 2018 and 2028. However, as local retail pharmacies play a larger role in pandemic management and basic healthcare in general, the number could rise much higher.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Toledo, OH
Whether or not they choose to become certified before registering with the Ohio Board of Pharmacy Technicians all candidates must be over the age of 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and be able to present confirmation - via testing - they are drug free, along with a criminal background check free of felonies or drug related misdemeanors. These are also requirements to take the PTCE.
There are two programs offered by pharmacy technician schools in Toledo for students to choose from. Here is a closer look at what each of them has to offer and how they differ.
Ross College
5834 Monroe St Sylvania, OH 43560 
(419) 882-3203
Ross College is a private vocational school and at its campus in Sylvania, just outside Toledo the school offers a 36-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that provides students with a comprehensive overview of the skills and knowledge needed to take their certification exam and work as an entry level pharmacy tech. The program is a hybrid one, meaning that while much of the written coursework can be completed online, lab classes and some expert lectures are held on campus. In addition, students must complete a 100-hour externship with a suitable employer prior to graduation. To be admitted to the program students must meet all the requirements to register as a pharmacy technician with the state and pass a basic skills test as set by the school. The cost of the program varies according to a student's residency status and income, but there is a net price calculator here to help you determine yours. According to the school almost all students make use of traditional federal financial aid, and some state-based grants, to pay for their education.
CVS Pharmacy Technician Training
2104 S. Byrne Rd Toledo, OH 43614 (419) 389-9112
By far the biggest pharmacy chain in the United States is CVS Pharmacy. It is in their best interests for their retail pharmacies to have certified, highly trained pharmacy technicians on staff. CVS offers its own training program in some states and operational areas, such as Toledo, that provides students with both an education and the opportunity to work full-time at CVS if they pass the PTCE. Candidates must undergo an extensive interview process and be considered eligible for employment with CVS in general in order to be admitted. If employed on a temporary basis, they will undergo on-the-job training, which will include online pharmacy technician education courses. If they pass the PTCE, they will be hired as full-time employees at a CVS pharmacy in their town. Those who are admitted are given free training.
References:
1. National Healthcare Association: Pharmacy Technician https://www.nhanow.com/certifications/pharmacy-technician
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2019-2029 employment projections. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
3. State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy Technician: https://www.pharmacy.ohio.gov/technician