Are you interested in starting a career in healthcare? Becoming a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire could be the perfect opportunity for you. This guide will walk you through the process of enrolling in a pharmacy technician school, obtaining your pharmacy technician certification, and exploring various pharmacy technician jobs in the Granite State.

Key Points

• Pharmacy Technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service.
• To become a certified pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, you must complete an approved training program and pass a national certification exam like the PTCE or ExCPT.
• Pharmacy technician training programs typically take 4-6 months to complete, including an externship for hands-on experience.
• In New Hampshire, the average pharmacy technician salary is $42,540 per year.

What is a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy Technicians help pharmacists with various tasks, such as preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining medication inventory, and providing customer service.

Where does a Pharmacy Technician work?

Pharmacy Technicians can find employment in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialty pharmacies.

How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in New Hampshire

To become a certified pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, you need to complete an approved training program and pass a national exam such as the PTCE or ExCPT exam for certification.

1. Meet requirements

Requirements to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire include:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have or be working towards a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Must not have been convicted of a drug-related felony

2. Find a training program

If you'd like to become a certified pharmacy technician, you should find a pharmacy technician program. You can use Dreambound to find approved pharmacy technician programs. You can compare class options by online, cost, and whether financial aid is available for those who qualify.

3. Complete your training program

Training programs can vary in length but generally take 4-6 months to complete. Training programs can also be self-paced, which means you can complete them as fast as you are able to complete all of the modules. We recommend this if you're looking for an accelerated option, but you must be fairly self-motivated - it's easy to stop the program if other things come up in life.

You will also need to complete an externship, which has you do on-the-job training under a licensed pharmacist. Your school should match you up with an externship site, such as CVS or Walgreens.

4. Take a national exam

To become certified, you will need to pass a nationally recognized certification exam approved by the NH Board of Pharmacy. Exams include options such as the PTCE or ExCPT exam for certification.

5. Registered with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy

The initial registration fee is $100. You will also need to renew your registration biennially (every two years) by March 31 of odd-numbered years.

6. Look for jobs

Finally, search for job opportunities in pharmacies or healthcare settings. Contribute to patient well-being while earning a competitive salary.

What are the requirements to become a Pharmacy Technician in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, you must complete an accredited training program and pass one of the NH-recognized national exams. These include the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). You must also be at least 16 years old, have or be working towards a high school diploma (or equivalent), and not have been convicted of a drug-related felony

Where can I find Pharmacy Technician classes in New Hampshire?

Dreambound is the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs, including Pharmacy Technician classes in New Hampshire.

How do I get my Pharmacy Technician certification?

Getting your pharmacy technician certification in New Hampshire is a key step towards starting your career in this field. By following the right steps and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure success. Here's what you have to do:

1. Find the right training program: Start by researching and enrolling in a pharmacy technician school that suits your needs. Dreambound can help you find the best options to prepare for the certification exam.

2. Complete your training: Attend classes and complete the coursework to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. This training will cover important topics like pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety.

3. Apply for the certification exam: Once you’ve finished your training, register for either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Fill out the application and pay the required fees.

4. Study and prepare: Use study guides and practice exams to review key concepts and get ready for the test. Focus on areas like drug interactions, pharmacy calculations, and patient communication.

5. Take the exam and get certified: On exam day, bring the required identification and take the test. After passing, you’ll receive your pharmacy technician certification, qualifying you for various pharmacy technician jobs in New Hampshire.

How do I get a job as a Pharmacy Technician?

After completing your training and obtaining your certification, you can start looking for pharmacy technician positions at various healthcare facilities in New Hampshire. Networking, internships, and job search platforms can also help you find employment. Here's what you have to do:

1. Update your resume and cover letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your certification, skills, and any relevant experience. Make sure these documents are clear, well-organized, and showcase why you’d be a great fit for a pharmacy technician job.

2. Search for job openings: Look for job listings on healthcare job boards, local classifieds, and hospital or pharmacy websites. Make a list of potential employers and keep track of application deadlines.

3. Apply to multiple positions: Submit your application materials to various employers to increase your chances of getting hired. Follow the application instructions carefully and ensure all required documents are included.

4. Network within the industry: Connect with other pharmacy technicians, join professional organizations, and attend industry events. Networking can help you learn about job openings and build valuable relationships in the field.

5. Prepare for interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be ready to discuss your training and experience. Show enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to providing excellent patient care during the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a registered and certified pharmacy technician?

Registered pharmacy technicians meet basic requirements and complete on-the-job training. Certified pharmacy technicians have passed a national certification exam and may have additional responsibilities. Generally employers prefer certified pharmacy technicians.

Registered pharmacy technicians must go through 80 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed pharmacist and register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy within 15 days of working. For this option, you need to be at least 16 years old and have or be working towards a high school diploma.

What tasks can a pharmacy technician perform?

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists with non-discretionary tasks in preparing medications, talking to customers, and providing technical support. All tasks must be verified by a pharmacist.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire typically takes between 4 to 6 months. This includes completing an approved training program and an externship, followed by passing a national certification exam like the PTCE or ExCPT.

Do I need to complete continuing education?

Continuing education is not required for registered pharmacy technicians. However, certified pharmacy technicians must complete board-approved continuing education.

What qualifications do you need to be a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire?

To qualify as a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire, you must be at least 16 years old, have or be working towards a high school diploma (or equivalent), and complete an accredited training program. Additionally, you must pass a national certification exam and register with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy.

How many pharmacy technicians are currently working in New Hampshire?

As of 2023, there are 1,950 registered pharmacy technicians and 2,157 certified pharmacy technicians in New Hampshire.

How much does a certified pharmacy technician make in NH?

As of May 2023, certified pharmacy technicians in New Hampshire earn an average annual salary of $42,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This competitive wage reflects the crucial role pharmacy technicians play in healthcare settings across the state.

Where is the highest paid pharmacy technician?

The highest paid pharmacy technicians are in California, earning an average annual salary of $55,710 as of May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This higher pay reflects the state's cost of living and demand for skilled pharmacy technicians.

Where can I find more information about becoming a pharmacy technician?

You can contact the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy or visit their website for the most up-to-date information.

Career Paths and Opportunities after Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

With experience and additional training, Pharmacy Technicians can pursue career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead or senior Pharmacy Technician, a pharmacy manager, or even continuing their education to become a pharmacist.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and understanding the requirements, you'll be well on your way to starting a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician in New Hampshire. Remember to always stay informed about any changes in regulations or requirements by checking with the NH Board of Pharmacy.

If this article isn't quite hitting the mark for you, why not give these other articles a try:

• Medical Billing and Coding Training in New Hampshire
• Phlebotomist Training in New Hampshire