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If you plan on starting a new career in the medical field, you can easily become a pharmacy technician in Minnesota.
Check out the training requirements for licensing as well as tips on the industry.
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Training Requirements in Minnesota
The first step in getting your license is enrolling in a trade school and complete a program.
The program you opt for should be accredited by the Board.
In order to be accepted, you must be at least 18 years old and have completed high-school.
The training programs in this state can result in a certification diploma or an associate’s degree.
If you choose an associate’s degree, you will have higher chances of getting a better job in the future.
The most popular schools that offer programs in Minnesota are:
- Hennepin Technical College: This college offers a 34 credit program and features theory classes like law and ethics and chemistry.
- You will also be able to have a hand-on training period after completing your program.
- Hibbing Community College: Here you can attend an associate’s degree program that lasts for 2 years.
- Some of the classes available include computers and communication.
- Rasmussen College: The college provides a 9-month certification diploma, which includes a period of hands-on training.
- Penn Foster Career School: This school is approved by the Board and only offers online programs ending in a certification diploma.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hennepin Technical College | 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445 |
| Hibbing Community College | 1515 E 25th St, Hibbing, Minnesota 55746 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537-1000 |
| National American University | 7801 Metro Parkway, Suite 200, Bloomington, Minnesota 55425-5550 |
| National American University | 6200 Shingle Creek Parkway, Suite 130, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430-4100 |
| National American University | 513 West Travelers Trail, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337-2548 |
| National American University | 1550 West Highway 36, Roseville, Minnesota 55113-4035 |
| Northland Community and Technical College | 1101 Hwy One East, Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701 |
| Rasmussen College | 226 Park Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-3713 |
| Saint Paul College | 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102 |
| South Central College | 1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, Minnesota 56003-1920 |
In order to get a license as a pharmacy technician, you need to register with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
How to Get Licensed in Minnesota
If you decide to get a national license, you need to send an application.
You will also need to pay a $129 fee and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
The certification is valid for 2 years, and after that, you will need to renew it.
You will also be required to attend some extra hours of education before renewal.
In this state, licenses are valid for a year.
If you want to renew your license, you will need to attend a 480 hours program that is accredited by the Board.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in Minnesota
Usually, how much you make in the field will depend on your experience level and your education.
If you have a higher education, you will be able to advance faster in your career.
The Projections Managing Partnership has reported a 10.2 growth for pharmacy techs between 2016 and 2026.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $37,349 |
| St. Paul | $37,349 |
| Rochester | $34,012 |
| Duluth | $33,310 |
| St. Cloud | $33,127 |
| Eden Prairie | $37,286 |
| Lakeville | $37,117 |
| Burnsville | $37,243 |
| Minnetonka | $37,349 |
| Moorhead | $32,948 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 470 | $39,660 | $19.07 | $48,860 | $32,400 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 170 | $41,830 | $20.11 | $50,220 | $33,120 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 4,930 | $44,500 | $21.39 | $56,850 | $35,810 |
| Rochester, MN | 700 | $44,960 | $21.61 | $54,690 | $37,450 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 300 | $42,490 | $20.43 | $52,740 | $35,410 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Get Hired in Minnesota
Once you have completed your training and get your licenses, you can find a job easily.
Some of the places hiring include drugstores, pharmacy chains, hospitals, and doctor’s offices.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are the cities with the most job opening in this state.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State