Overview
There are a large number of pharmacy technician programs in Florida to choose from. In addition, regardless of the city in which you choose to work, the salary that you are eligible to earn in this state is also extremely good. The main motivation for completing training in this discipline is that it will give you access to the health care industry, and industry that is increasing at a faster rate than any other. Job security and a decent remuneration package make this career very attractive indeed.
What Is A Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with:
- Administrative tasks within the pharmacy, such as answering the phone and taking stock, and
- Medical tasks, such as filling prescriptions
As the role is becoming increasingly more specialized, various states across the country are introducing formal training programs for a job that once required no qualifications at all. Over the years pharmacy technicians have become practically indispensible, and this has led to a gradual movement towards making the job more official. So, although formal training is not yet an actual requirement in Florida, it is recommended that you pursue such training in any case as it will stand you in good stead in the future when training becomes compulsory.
Pharmacy Technician Training In Florida
Formal education is not yet a standard for pharmacy technicians in Florida, but it is quite likely that one day soon it will be. This is because the job description for this career is becoming more and more specialized and this has resulted in a significant shift in expectations. Although there are no certification and training requirements in Florida at this point in time, it is still highly recommended that you take the initiative and complete both as this will make you substantially more marketable within the state of Florida.
The roles that pharmacy technician programs in Florida are designed to prepare you for are:
- Ensuring accurate pill count and labeling
- Matching patients to the correct medications
- Receiving and filling prescription orders
- Keeping stock and inventory of medications
Most employers have their own standards when it comes to hiring pharmacy technicians. They, for example, often expect you to have a high school diploma, a qualification from a formal education program, certification, and experience. Although certification is not compulsory, registration with the Florida Board of Pharmacy is. If you choose to pursue certification, you can do so by contacting either the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Once certification has been achieved, it must be renewed once every two years and continuing education must also be completed. Gaining certification shows your employer that you take the job seriously and that you are interested in pursuing a career in pharmaceuticals further. It may also increase the amount of money you can earn as a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician Careers In Florida
As in all other states, different cities in Florida offer more employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians than others. The cities with the highest percentage of jobs relative to their populations are Punta Gorda, Ocala and Deltona, and the cities with the lowest percentage of jobs relative to their populations are Sarasota, Palm Bay and Orlando. The cities in Florida with the highest absolute number of jobs are Tampa, Miami and Orlando. The number of pharmacy technicians currently employed across the country is three hundred and twenty-six thousand. Of this number, twenty thousand and sixty of them are employed in Florida. This number is expected to grow by 31% over the next 10 years. The bottom line is that there are many career opportunities for pharmacy technicians in this state, both now and in the future.
List Of Pharmacy Technician Programs In Florida
Unlike several other states, Florida has a large selection of pharmacy technician schools for you to choose from when taking the first steps in your career. Different schools have different pros and cons, and the suitability of the school depends not only on its reputation, but also on whether or not it is a good fit for you at a personal level. The list of pharmacy technician programs in Florida given below serves as a guide only – it is essential that you do your own research into each option.
Schools In Florida
- Everest Institute
- Everest University
- Heritage Institute
- Southeastern College
- Virginia College
- Concorde Career Institute
- Ultimate Medical Academy
- Lincoln / Lincoln Technical Institute
- Sanford-Brown Institute
- MedVance Institute
- Florida Technical College
- Fortis College
- Anthem College
- Lincoln Technical Institute
Everest University
Pharmacy Technician
Melbourne
Orange Park
Lakeland
South Orlando
Tampa
Largo
Pompano Beach
Jacksonville
North Orlando
Brandon
Everest Institute
Pharmacy Technician
Hialeah
Miami
Kendall
Southeastern College
Associate in Pharmacy Technology
Diploma in Pharmacy Technology
Tampa
Greenacres
Miami Lakes
St. Petersburg
Heritage Institute
Pharmacy Technician
Jacksonville
Ft. Myers
Florida Technical College
Patient Care Technician
Deland
Lakeland
Concorde Career Institute
Pharmacy Technician
Orlando
Lincoln / Lincoln Technical Institute
Pharmacy Technician
Fern Park
Ultimate Medical Academy
Pharmacy Technician
Tampa
Online Schools
- Ultimate Medical Academy OL
- Keiser University eCampus Online
Correspondence Schools
Virginia College
Pharmacy Technology
Pharmacy Technician
Penn Foster Career School
Ashworth College
Salary
There are a number of aspects that will affect the pay you will be eligible to earn as a pharmacy technician in Florida, not least of which is the specific city in which you work:
- In Altamonte Springs you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Miami Beach you can earn $33,745 a year
- In Apopka you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Naples you can earn $34,971 a year
- In Boca Raton you can earn $36,572 a year
- In New Port Richey you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Bradenton you can earn $33,235 a year
- In Ocala you can earn $29,444 a year
- In Brandon you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Orlando you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Brunswick you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Palm Bay you can earn $33,212 a year
- In Cape Coral you can earn $38,184 a year
- In Panama City you can earn $32,928 a year
- In Clearwater you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Pensacola you can earn $32,998 a year
- In Coral Springs you can earn $33,604 a year
- In Plantation you can earn $33,604 a year
- In Daytona Beach you can earn $29,689 a year
- In Pompano Beach you can earn $33,604 a year
- In Fort Lauderdale you can earn $33,604 a year
- In Port St Lucie you can earn $32,607 a year
- In Fort Myers you can earn $38,184 a year
- In Punta Gorda you can earn $31,966 a year
- In Fort Pierce you can earn $32,607 a year
- In Saint Petersburg you can earn $33,212 a year
- In Fort Walton Beach you can earn $33,235 a year
- In Sarasota you can earn $33,235 a year
- In Gainesville you can earn $34,777 a year
- In Spring Hill you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Hollywood you can earn $33,604 a year
- In St Petersburg you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Jacksonville you can earn $33,934 a year
- In Sunrise you can earn $33,604 a year
- In Kissimmee you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Tallahassee you can earn $33,707 a year
- In Lake Mary you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Tampa you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Lakeland you can earn $34,566 a year
- In Titusville you can earn $30,362 a year
- In Largo you can earn $31,798 a year
- In West Palm Beach you can earn $36,572 a year
- In Lutz you can earn $31,798 a year
- In Winter Haven you can earn $34,566 a year
- In Melbourne you can earn $30,362 a year
- In Winter Park you can earn $32,578 a year
- In Miami you can earn $33,745 a year
Florida is a state which provides a large number of educational as well as employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians. This makes it one of the best states in which to pursue this particular career. It is worth noting that individuals who train as pharmacy technicians often go on to become pharmacists through additional education. Although some pharmacy technician programs in Florida are better than others, they are all of fairly good quality. However, it remains paramount that you complete your own research into each of these options.