Utah has a growing demand for skilled pharmacy technicians, making it an exciting career path for those interested in healthcare. Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in supporting pharmacists, managing medication inventory, and ensuring patient safety. To start your career as a pharmacy technician in Utah, you'll need to obtain the necessary training and certification. In this article, we'll explore five ways to get pharmacy tech training in Utah.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Before we dive into the training options, let's quickly review the role of a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians, also known as pharmacy techs, work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to dispense medication, manage inventory, and perform administrative tasks. Their responsibilities may include:
- Filling prescriptions and preparing medication for patients
- Maintaining accurate records and inventory management
- Assisting pharmacists with patient counseling and education
- Processing insurance claims and payments
- Performing administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls and responding to patient inquiries
Why Get Trained as a Pharmacy Technician in Utah?
Utah's healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and pharmacy technicians are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, pharmacy technicians in Utah can earn a competitive salary, with median hourly wages ranging from $15 to $20.
5 Ways to Get Pharmacy Tech Training in Utah
Here are five ways to get pharmacy tech training in Utah:
1. Enroll in a Pharmacy Technician Program at a Utah College or University
Utah has several colleges and universities that offer pharmacy technician programs. These programs typically lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate's degree and cover topics such as:
- Pharmacy operations and management
- Pharmacology and toxicology
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Patient assessment and communication
- Medication safety and quality control
Some popular colleges and universities in Utah that offer pharmacy technician programs include:
- Salt Lake Community College
- Weber State University
- Utah Valley University
- Dixie State University
2. Attend a Pharmacy Technician School in Utah
Utah has several dedicated pharmacy technician schools that offer training programs. These programs are usually shorter than college programs and focus on providing hands-on training and practical experience.
Some popular pharmacy technician schools in Utah include:
- Utah Pharmacy Technician School
- Pharmacy Technician Training Institute
- Career Step Pharmacy Technician School
3. Complete an Online Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Online training programs are a convenient option for those who prefer to learn from home or have a busy schedule. These programs cover the same topics as traditional programs and often include interactive simulations and virtual labs.
Some popular online pharmacy technician training programs include:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Online Training
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Online Training
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Online Training
4. Participate in a Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program
Apprenticeship programs allow you to gain hands-on experience and training while working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. These programs are usually offered by pharmacies, hospitals, or healthcare organizations.
Some popular pharmacy technician apprenticeship programs in Utah include:
- Utah Department of Health Apprenticeship Program
- Intermountain Healthcare Apprenticeship Program
- University of Utah Health Apprenticeship Program
5. Get Trained Through a Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
Certification programs are designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams. These programs cover topics such as pharmacy operations, pharmacology, and patient assessment.
Some popular pharmacy technician certification programs in Utah include:
- PTCB Certification Program
- NHA Certification Program
- ASHP Certification Program
Gallery of Pharmacy Technician Training
FAQs
What is the average salary for a pharmacy technician in Utah?
+The average salary for a pharmacy technician in Utah is around $34,000 per year, with hourly wages ranging from $15 to $20.
Do I need to be certified to work as a pharmacy technician in Utah?
+While certification is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. Many employers prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians, and certification can increase your job prospects and salary potential.
How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician training program in Utah?
+Pharmacy technician training programs in Utah can vary in length, but most programs take around 6-12 months to complete.
We hope this article has provided you with valuable information on how to get pharmacy tech training in Utah. Remember to research your options carefully and choose a program that fits your needs and career goals. Good luck on your journey to becoming a pharmacy technician!