Learning how to become an Ohio Pharmacy Technician has its advantages.
You can earn while you learn in this position and can secure full-time employment in less than a year.
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Licensing Requirements to Become
The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy does an excellent job of explaining what you need to do to work as a Pharmacy Technician.
The Ohio Board requires one of three registration types: Certified Pharmacy Technician, Registered Pharmacy Technician, and Pharmacy Technician Trainees.
This technology is not a license you have to apply for, but this mandatory registration protocol does keep you accountable.
The state of Ohio also keeps you in check when you relocate here and prove you have credentials you would like to transfer from another state. See the state’s license by reciprocity guidelines for more information.
By the way, one of the main Ohio certification bodies is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
This association prepares you for a CPhT certification.
You can also take courses that will equip you with advanced sterilization knowledge and earn your CSPT credential.
There’s an advanced version of the CPht certification too (CPht-Adv).
4 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio
1. Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic has a School of Pharmacy Technology.
This medical center helps students prepare for a career.
This workforce training speeds up the employment process.
That’s because the learning program at The Clinic provides priority information for students who desire to work for them.
Your time spent in this training should provide a seamless transition into a healthcare career.
That’s the advantage of seeking training directly from or recommended by an employer.
2. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Tri-C has a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program that would only take you two semesters to complete.
You can apply those courses to an associate degree if you want.
You can take day or evening courses.
More than 40 different healthcare facilities also welcome you to complete your practicum with them.
Drug and health screenings are required for entry.
3. MedCerts
MedCerts is another option for recertification and PTCB exam readiness.
This training teaches you how to sort, count, and weigh medicine for disbursement to patients.
You also learn detailed information about the right and wrong ways to distribute medication.
In addition, you can use some of these courses to prepare you for a hospital position where you would have to set up IVs.
The time spent on your MedCerts courses also prepares you to make drug labels.
In addition, you’ll learn how to manage patient health records and process insurance claims.
You can become certified in as little as 14 weeks.
4. PTCB Prep
In addition to any college certificate program you take, the PTCB prep materials will prepare you for certification or renewal.
You can also choose to take the available ExCOT, which PTCB can make you ready to take.
The PTCB study materials include a practice exam.
It won’t be the exact questions but will cover the same topics.
For instance, you may be asked to identify a certain medication and need to know what it’s used for.
The PTCB is reminded for continuing education.
It is also one option for certificate renewal available in Ohio.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Ohio – Summary Table
Top 4 Schools in Ohio
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic | 9500 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44195. |
| Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) | Student Services, 2900 Community College Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115 |
| MedCerts | 5416 Northfield Rd, Maple Heights, OH 44137 |
| PTCB Prep | Online |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Ohio
The average Pharmacy Technician’s salary per year in Ohio is $36,338.
Annual incomes range from $32,767-$40,547.
If you can’t find opportunities in your location, try Cleaveland, Columbus, Iowa City, or Davenport and surrounding smaller communities.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Ohio
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $36,800 |
| Cleveland | $36,898 |
| Cincinnati | $36,400 |
| Toledo | $36,100 |
| Akron | $35,800 |
| Dayton | $36,199 |
| Parma | $34,300 |
| Youngstown | $35,400 |
| Canton | $35,700 |
| Lorain | $36,300 |
Regional Salary in Ohio
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 950 | $36,360 | $17.48 | $45,620 | $27,590 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | 590 | $34,870 | $16.76 | $44,320 | $27,320 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | 3,220 | $37,420 | $17.99 | $47,710 | $27,610 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | 3,380 | $39,060 | $18.78 | $48,430 | $28,640 |
| Columbus, OH | 2,970 | $38,410 | $18.47 | $47,880 | $28,660 |
| Dayton, OH | 1,270 | $38,070 | $18.3 | $47,800 | $28,390 |
| Lima, OH | 170 | $36,740 | $17.66 | $47,690 | $26,550 |
| Mansfield, OH | 140 | $34,250 | $16.47 | $45,160 | $26,880 |
| Springfield, OH | 180 | $35,710 | $17.17 | $46,110 | $27,990 |
| Toledo, OH | 980 | $36,540 | $17.57 | $46,150 | $26,980 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | 850 | $34,410 | $16.54 | $43,930 | $28,220 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what certificate I need in Ohio?
If you’re not sure, contact the PTCB and the state’s Pharmacy Technician Board.
They can advise you based on your interests and skill level.
Usually, you’d start out as a Level I Pharmacist after earning a CPhT certificate.
Then, you’d move onto the CSPT certification step.
How long does it take to become a Pharmacy Tech in Ohio?
First-time students usually spend about six to nine months in school.
They also arrange to gain hands-on experience that helps them find a job as soon as possible.
You will end up in school at least two years if you want to earn an associate degree.
Your time in school will be at least four years if you want to seek a Bachelor’s degree.
Think about your career goals and plan your class schedule accordingly.
This will reduce the time you spend in school and will free up more time to earn money in a paid position.
Do Ohio Pharmacy Techs ever become Pharmacists?
There’s no guarantee, but they can pursue a Pharmacist career.
Becoming a Pharmacy Tech is often one stepping stone toward this goal.
What can and cannot a Pharmacy Tech do?
Pharmacy Techs can give patients general information.
However, they cannot give advice or write prescriptions.
You might end up needing additional training if you want to fill temporary roles that normally a Pharmacist would work.
You still would have limitations, but your position would require less supervision when performing emergency services.
This is not meant to be long-term, however, and it does require frequent renewal
