How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina

Life sometimes takes unexpected turns that push us into considering a career change.

However, we may not want to spend several years in school.

You can become a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina in less than a year.

Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina

The Board of Pharmacy requires Pharmacy Technicians in North Carolina to register within 30 days of employment.

After completing high school, a person desiring to work in this occupation must seek certification and/or training that the Board approves.

It’s best to seek training that the Pharmacy Technician Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) recommends.

The state of NC does not require certification, but they do list in detail what your training must include.

The state Board also specifies that the Pharmacy Manager in charge should provide training for Pharmacy Technicians.

This includes teaching you how to properly handle and store medications and the legality of dispensing pharmaceutical drugs.

5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in North Carolina

1. Pharmacy Technician Education & Training Institute

The Pharmacy Tech Training Institute provides an accelerated Pharmacy Technician program.

It takes a maximum of 15 weeks, and the PTCB credentialing body has approved it.

You will more than likely be ready to sit for your certification exam upon coursework completion.

As of 2022, this training will take place either 100% online or with a combination of online and in-person sessions.

You will need to contact this learning center for information about the real-world practice.

The courses are taught by a Licensed Pharmacist or Certified Pharmacy Technicians.

2. Wake Technical Community College (WakeTech)

You can enroll in the Pharmacy Technology Diploma program or the Associate Degree Pharmacy Technology Program at Wake Tech.

Certificate training usually takes less than a year, and an associate one may take you about two years.

You will gain practice handling both non-prescription and prescription medications.

In addition, you’ll receive training in using equipment and supplies.

Your time spent on this program will also show you the correct way to interact with patients and fill their medication orders.

Coursework includes foundations, such as medical terms and common drug interactions.

In addition, you’ll learn basic anatomy and physiology.

You’ll also learn some administrative pharmaceutical tasks, such as retrieving and updating patient records.

3. Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC)

Coastal Carolina gives you the training you need to work in a retail pharmacy or a hospital, doctor’s office, specialist clinic, or public health

department.

This includes providing you with step-by-step instructions on how to safely prepare and package medications.

You will also gain experience with calculations, measurements, inventory, and order processing.

This coursework also makes sure you know how to identify the quality of drugs offered to patients.

In addition, you will receive necessary information about federal pharmacy laws.

4. North Carolina Central University (NC Central)

NC Central offers PTCB-approved Pharmacy Technician certificate training.

You will gain the information you need to pass your certification exam from this coursework.

The time spent on this program also provides you with the opportunity to practice in a local pharmacy for about 100 hours.

You will apply for this chance to learn in a job setting toward the end of working through this program’s curriculum, which will take you about a year.

When you complete this training, you’ll know how to calculate medication dosages.

In addition, you will have improved your patient communication skills and know how to control inventory.

By the way, part of your instruction will take place in an interactive lab.

5. Fayetteville Technical Community College

The Pharmacy Technology Program at Fayetteville Tech has the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (ASHP) approval.

It also prepares you to sit for the PTCB exam.

You would complete this Associate Degree Program in about two years.

However, you probably will start working during your first few months with limited responsibilities.

The training you receive includes time in the classroom, laboratory, and clinic.

By the time you finish, you should know the day-to-day medication handling procedures.

This includes counting and/or measuring pills for doses and packaging them for patient dispensation.

Your instruction at Fayetteville Tech will also prepare you for all kinds of legal issues.

For instance, you may have to help a patient through an insurance claim dispute.

In addition, you’ll know how to prevent overdose and the correct way to handle prescription orders.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in North Carolina

Pharmacy Technician Salary in North Carolina

As of 2022, an entry-level Pharmacy Technician in North Carolina can make $35,505 in a year.

Your annual salary may range from $32,016 to $39,617.

If you gain additional experience and certifications, you could raise your yearly income to more than $43,361.

You may find jobs near you or in Lafayette, Asbero, Wilmington or Birlington, and Durham.

Regional Salary in North Carolina