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If you plan on working in the medical industry in Kentucky, you should consider a job as a pharmacy technician.
These jobs are in high demand, and we have brought some info on the licensing requirements.
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Training Requirements in Kentucky
In order to get your first job, you will first need to enroll in a training course.
The program must be Board-accredited, and you should be at least 18 years old.
You will also need to show proof of a high-school diploma or a GED and pass a background check.
Depending on what you need, Kentucky trade schools offer 9-month diploma programs or associate’s degrees.
The latter has a longer duration of about 2 years, but also provide better employment options in the future.
In this state, certifications are managed by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.
You will need to register with the Board if you want to apply for a license.
Some of the trade schools that offer pharmacy technician programs include:
- Jefferson Community College: this is a school that provides 2 certifications as well as a diploma.
- Ross Medical Education Center: here you will be able to attend a 36-week program and an internship that lasts for 6 weeks.
- The classes available in the program include law and ethics and compounding.
- Penn Foster Career School: this school offers a Board-approved online program that results in a certification.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashland Community and Technical College | 1400 College Drive, Ashland, Kentucky 41101-3683 |
| Hopkinsville Community College | 720 North Dr., Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240 |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | 109 E Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2005 |
| KCTCS Somerset Community College-Laurel Campus | SCC Laurel Campus 100 University Drive, London, KY 40741 |
| National College | 2376 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, Kentucky 40509 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 1751 Scottsville Rd Ste 1, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42104 |
| Ross Medical Education Center | 600 Rodeo Drive, Ste. 2, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018-1279 |
| Somerset Community College | 808 Monticello Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501-2973 |
| Sullivan University | 3101 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, Kentucky 40205-3013 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, Kentucky 42002-7380 |
How to Get Licensed in Kentucky
After you complete your training program, you can apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
This exam requires a $129 fee.
After you pass it, you will be issued a Certified Pharmacy Technician license.
This license expires after 2 years, and you will need to renew it at that time.
You may also need to take some extra hours of class before renewing your license.
While getting a national license is not required in this state, you will be able to advance faster in your career if you have one.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Kentucky
As per The Projections Managing Partnership, pharmacy tech jobs will see an increase of 12% nationwide within the next 10 years.
In this state, jobs are expected to grow by 17.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $32,987 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $33,057 |
| Lexington | $33,011 |
| Bowling Green | $31,599 |
| Owensboro | $32,922 |
| Covington | $34,280 |
| Richmond | $32,677 |
| Georgetown | $32,992 |
| Florence | $34,266 |
| Hopkinsville | $31,549 |
| Nicholasville | $32,955 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 320 | $34,340 | $16.51 | $44,270 | $28,220 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 290 | $34,630 | $16.65 | $47,140 | $27,860 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,500 | $38,280 | $18.4 | $47,070 | $29,120 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 2,660 | $37,300 | $17.93 | $45,730 | $29,890 |
| Owensboro, KY | 230 | $35,590 | $17.11 | $46,720 | $28,840 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where to Find a Job in Kentucky
Pharmacy technicians are becoming more sought after, so it will not be hard to find an employment place.
For example, you can find a job in a hospital, drugstore, or nursing home.
Be aware that many of these places need a pharmacy technician at all times, so odd working hours, including night shifts, are common.
If you are interested in earning a higher salary, you should look for jobs in the state’s main cities, Louisville and Lexington.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State