Financial aid (may be available)
$260 to start
$3,000 total
$239 to start
$4,000 total
Financial aid (may be available)
$233 to start
$4,000 total
$173 to start
$2,200 total
No cost info
$2,180 total
$2,700 total
$3,095 total
$2,493 total
$2,700 total
$1,249 total
$650 total
$4,000 total
No cost info
You should go after becoming a Pharmacy Technician in the vibrant city of Chicago if you're interested in the healthcare industry. The demand for skilled Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago is continually on the rise due to the thriving healthcare sector. In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate the steps needed for you to become a Pharmacy Technician, outline the essential training requirements, and highlight the specific classes available near you in Chicago. Whether you're aiming to kickstart a new career path or elevate your existing healthcare skills, the opportunities for Pharmacy Technician classes in Chicago are plentiful, ensuring your readiness to secure rewarding pharmacy technician jobs with a competitive pharmacy technician salary in this dynamic city.
In addition, the BLS published updated results regarding the job outlook and salary for pharmacy technicians in the country. In Illinois, pharmacy technicians are headed towards a bright future. Illinois is one of the states with the highest employment level for pharmacy technicians! Aside from that, you can expect an average salary of around $42,850 and an hourly mean wage of $20.60.
A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists Pharmacists in the preparation and distribution of prescription medications. They play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and safety of the medication dispensing process. Pharmacy Technicians typically work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, performing tasks such as measuring and mixing medications, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service.
To become a Pharmacy Technician in Chicago, you'll need to complete a formal training program. This can be done through a community college, vocational school, or online program. The training typically includes coursework in pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law and ethics, and hands-on laboratory experience. In addition, you'll need to pass a national certification exam, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
The fastest route to becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Chicago is through a certificate program. These programs can be completed in as little as 6 to 12 months, depending on the program and the student's schedule. Alternatively, you can pursue an associate's degree, which typically takes 2 years to complete. The associate's degree program provides a more comprehensive education, covering a wider range of topics related to the healthcare field.
Chicago offers a variety of Pharmacy Technician classes to choose from. Here are a few examples:
In addition to the in-person Pharmacy Technician classes available in Chicago, there are also online options for those who prefer a more flexible learning experience. Several community colleges and online education providers offer online Pharmacy Technician programs that can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
While there are no entirely free Pharmacy Technician programs in Chicago, some schools offer tuition assistance and financial aid options to make education more accessible. It's worth exploring these options to see if you qualify for any scholarships or grants.
After completing your Pharmacy Technician training program, you'll need to pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The two most common certification exams are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
Once you've passed the exam, you'll need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits and renewing your license every few years, depending on the requirements in your state.
The job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago is quite positive. As the population continues to grow and the demand for healthcare services increases, the need for skilled Pharmacy Technicians is expected to rise. Potential employers for Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago include:
Pharmacy Technicians in Chicago can expect a competitive salary and a variety of benefits, depending on the employer and their level of experience.
If you're interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Chicago, the opportunities are abundant. With a variety of training programs, flexible learning options, and a growing job market, now is an excellent time to pursue this rewarding healthcare career. By completing the necessary training and certification requirements, you can become a valuable member of the healthcare team and contribute to the well-being of your community.
If you're considering a career shift or curious about different professional paths, Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few:
Dreambound's platform allows prospective students to find the right educational program for them through searching, filtering, and connecting with our extensive selection of career & technical education partners.
Dreambound has over 70 programs across healthcare, technology, business, and industrial trades. This includes programs such as Medical Billing, Cybersecurity, and welding.
Some of our schools offer financial aid for those who qualify. Many others offer payment plans, where you can pay the cost of class over time.
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