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If you want to work in the medical field in Arkansas, you can choose to become a pharmacy tech.
The industry has experienced growth, which also means an increased number of work opportunities.
Read on for tips and info on starting a pharmacy tech career.
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Required Qualifications In Arkansas
In order to register as a pharmacy technician in this state, you have to be at least 18 years old.
Some other requirements you will need to fulfill include getting a high school diploma or a GED.
Arkansas does not have any other requirements for a college degree or other type of qualifications.
Pharmacy technician schools in Arkansas
You can meet the training criteria by attending a 2-year program.
These programs are offered in trade schools and technical colleges.
The school you choose to train at must also be accredited by the state.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | 1000 Iowa Street, Beebe, Arkansas 72012-1000 |
| Remington College | 19 Remington Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 |
| Walmart Stores, Inc | 702 SW 8th Street, Bentonville, AR 72716-0430 |
How to get licensed as a pharmacy technician
The first step in starting your career is registering with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy.
In order to do so, you must provide proof of education and have a background check done.
The permit you will be getting has to be renewed on the last day of the years, once at 2 years.
Although you do not need a national license, getting one can secure a better job.
If you want to get national certification, you must:
- Provide a high school diploma or GED
- Become a member of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
- Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
- A $129 fee
If you finished an accredited training course, you can also take the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.
Some of the best accredited schools in Arkansas include Black River Technical College, Arkansas State University, and Penn Foster.
Job opportunities for pharmacy techs in Arkansas
Based on a report from the Projections Managing Partnership, pharmacy technicians’ jobs will increase by 10% until 2026.
Throughout the US, jobs in the field will see an increase of 12% within the same time period.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a pharmacy tech is about $32,330 yearly.
If you have extra education, you can get a better-paid job and additional work opportunities.
It is also easier to find a high-paid job in one of the state’s larger cities such as Little Rock.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Little Rock | $32,581 |
| Fort Smith | $30,484 |
| Fayetteville | $31,595 |
| Springdale | $31,595 |
| Jonesboro | $32,240 |
| North Little Rock | $32,581 |
| Conway | $32,265 |
| Rogers | $31,406 |
| Bentonville | $31,342 |
| Pine Bluff | $31,374 |
Regional Salary in Arkansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 760 | $36,990 | $17.79 | $47,270 | $29,700 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | 390 | $33,700 | $16.2 | $45,120 | $27,370 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 220 | $34,590 | $16.63 | $45,080 | $28,460 |
| Jonesboro, AR | 250 | $34,500 | $16.59 | $44,660 | $28,550 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | 1,300 | $35,180 | $16.91 | $46,070 | $28,520 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 80 | $33,220 | $15.97 | $40,770 | $27,060 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where can you get hired in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, you can find a job in the field in any medical facility.
Some of these include hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.
Numerous facilities are open all night, so you may have to work night shifts.
Part-time jobs are also available for those who have a second job.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State