As critical members of the healthcare team, there is no understating the importance of the pharmacy tech.
They work closely with a wide range of healthcare professionals to ensure proper care for patients and are well versed in a number of different medical settings.
In order to learn more about the process of becoming a pharmacy technician in Montana, please be sure to read on….
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician In Montana
A licensed pharmacy tech in Montana must be 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or an equivalent degree.
Certification must be provided by a board-approved entity as well.
This includes the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and students must also pass the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Montana
Missoula College (Missoula)
This program prepares students for employment at community pharmacies and hospital-based pharmacies.
Missoula’s program lasts for two semesters and provides students with a mixture of online classes and experiential learning opportunities.
The pharmacy lab is well equipped, giving students the chance to apply the knowledge gained during online study sessions in a more practical setting.
As soon as students are accepted into the program, they will be asked to register with the State of Montana as Pharmacy Technicians in Training.
Students are also required to answer any and all questions about their personal history that are asked by the Montana State Board of Pharmacy Application for Pharmacy Technician Registration before enrollment.
In-state students can expect to pay $6,045 per year for their tuition fees.
Penn Foster Career School
This accredited online school offers two different programs for students to choose from so that they can study at their own pace.
The pharmacy technician professional diploma requires the student to finish 13 courses, while the pharmacy technician diploma comes with 12 courses.
The school even provides payment plans for all students.
This allows students to attend for as little as $2 per day.
The professional diploma has more of a focus on hands-on activities, whereas the technician diploma is more focused on interactive exercises.
Both programs do offer work experience options, so be sure to ask Penn Foster which of these programs is best for your needs.
Miles Community College (Miles City)
At Miles Community College, prospective pharmacy technicians can apply for a Certificate of Applied Science.
This program, which will take 33 credit hours to complete, offers the student the chance to enjoy the perfect mixture between classroom learning and experiential training.
The coursework is completed within two semesters, giving students the chance to hit the ground running.
As for costs, students who are currently residing within the district will pay $1,455 per semester.
A Montana resident who resides out of the district will spend $2,265 per semester.
Out-of-state residents are asked to spend $4,200 per semester.
Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell)
The certificate program at Flathead Valley Community College offers students the chance to learn everything that they need to know about supporting the pharmacists that they are going to be working with.
This is especially important since these students will be performing many of the same duties that the pharmacist is responsible for.
27 total credits are required and the program takes place over the course of two semesters.
As the student’s skill level and experience grow, they will have more opportunities for job placement once their studies are complete.
Students who reside within the district can enroll in the program and expect to spend anywhere from $3,820 to $5,192 on their tuition costs.
Great Falls College Montana State University (Great Falls)
Students of this program are prepared for a future in pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
Over the course of two semesters, students are given the chance to test their skills and knowledge in didactic, simulated, and experiential learning settings.
Housing and transportation are the sole responsibility of the student, as they may be expected to handle experiential learning outside of the Great Falls area.
Tuition fees will clock in at around $4,882, although students may spend up to $6,391 once they have obtained their books and supplies.
Once prerequisite courses have been considered, the student can expect to spend 41 credit hours on their studies.
In order to graduate, a grade of C- or above must be obtained.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Montana
Top 5 Schools in Montana
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Missoula College (Missoula) | 1205 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT |
| Penn Foster Career School | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 |
| Miles Community College (Miles City) | 2715 Dickinson St, Miles City, MT 59301 |
| Flathead Valley Community College (Kalispell) | 777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901 |
| Great Falls College Montana State University (Great Falls) | 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Montana
Of course, prospective students will be curious about their potential earning power before enrolling.
Ultimately, a certified pharmacy technician’s salary will depend on which part of the state of Montana they choose to work in.
For example, a Billings pharmacy tech can earn roughly $35,000 annually, while Butte or Belgrade residents will earn a salary in the $30,000 range.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Montana
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $35,700 |
| Missoula | $30,800 |
| Great Falls | $32,300 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $30,800 |
| Bozeman | $30,800 |
| Helena | $31,400 |
| Kalispell | $32,699 |
| Havre | $31,800 |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | $30,800 |
| Miles City | $35,100 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 220 | $42,350 | $20.36 | $47,860 | $33,070 |
| Great Falls, MT | 130 | $39,010 | $18.75 | $48,920 | $29,710 |
| Missoula, MT | 190 | $39,760 | $19.12 | $47,100 | $31,090 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an intern have to complete licensing requirements?
The intern licensing provides the student with 12 months to complete all of their licensing requirements.
The 12-month period expires after the date of graduation or at the time of professional licensing, whichever happens to take place first.
What continuing education is required of a Montana pharmacy technician?
The pharmacy technician’s Pharmacy Technician certification must remain current for the duration of their licensing.
As for the continuing education requirements, these will be determined by the certifying agency.
What Is The Annual Renewal Licensing Fee?
The Montana pharmacy will need to spend $35 on their registration fee, in addition to a $30 renewal fee, for a total cost of $65.
