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If you want to start a career as a pharmacy technician, you need to know some info first.
This article will take you through the most important steps in order to get your first job.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements in South Carolina
The first thing you need to do is finish high-school.
Once you have your high-school diploma, you also need to be 18 years of age at the least.
You will have to pass a background check as well.
The next step is registering with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy for a permit.
You will also have to show you are in US citizens or have a valid permit to work in this country.
In South Carolina, training is not mandatory.
However, if you enroll in a program, you will be able to find a job much faster.
There are several schools in this state that offer training programs for pharmacy tech.
Any of the schools you are choosing must have received accreditation from the state Board.
The program you choose should be based on your needs.
If you choose a diploma program, you can complete it in no longer than a year.
But, an associate’s degree, although lasting for 2 years, offers more job opportunities.
The accredited school in South Carolina are:
- Greenville Technical College: This school offers programs for certification but also for diplomas.
- The ones for certification last for 54 weeks, while the diploma programs have a duration of 52 weeks.
- Southeastern Institute: Here you will find a full-time program lasting for 10 months, and a part-time one that lasts for 1.5 years.
- Penn Foster Career School: This program is only offered online and is accredited by the Board.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Aiken Technical College | 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829 |
| Central Carolina Technical College | 506 N Guignard Dr, Sumter, South Carolina 29150-2499 |
| Greenville Technical College | 738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, South Carolina 29607-2418 |
| Midlands Technical College | 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, South Carolina 29170-2176 |
| Piedmont Technical College | 620 North Emerald Road, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646 |
| Remington College | 607 Bush River Rd, Columbia, South Carolina 29210 |
| Spartanburg Community College | 107 Community College Drive, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303 |
| Trident Technical College | 7000 Rivers Avenue, Charleston, South Carolina 29423-8067 |
How Can You Get a License in South Carolina
Although licenses are not a requirement in this state, it will help you advance in your career.
In order to get a pharmacy technician license, you have to take either the PTCB or the ExCPT exams.
You must also finish 1,000 hours of practical training before you can send your application.
After you get your permit approved, you need to renew it every year before the end of June.
Average Salaries for Pharmacy Technicians in South Carolina
Your salary will depend on various factors, such as your education or where you work.
larger cities usually offer a high salary compared to the smaller areas.
As a rule, you will also earn less in an entry-level position.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $33,350 |
| Columbia | $32,984 |
| North Charleston | $33,350 |
| Mount Pleasant | $33,350 |
| Rock Hill | $34,567 |
| Greenville | $34,263 |
| Summerville | $33,203 |
| Goose Creek | $33,301 |
| Sumter | $31,403 |
| Hilton Head Island | $32,615 |
Regional Salary in South Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 1,280 | $39,250 | $18.87 | $48,020 | $30,160 |
| Columbia, SC | 1,420 | $36,860 | $17.72 | $45,220 | $28,550 |
| Florence, SC | 400 | $35,330 | $16.98 | $43,910 | $27,830 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | 1,260 | $37,290 | $17.93 | $46,530 | $28,940 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | 270 | $36,070 | $17.34 | $45,720 | $28,810 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | 650 | $35,270 | $16.96 | $43,690 | $28,630 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 580 | $37,030 | $17.8 | $46,660 | $29,280 |
| Sumter, SC | 140 | $35,190 | $16.92 | $43,650 | $27,850 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Where Can You Get Hired in South Carolina
Once you have a work permit, you can get hired in one of the medical facilities in this state.
These include drugstores, pharmacy chains, nursing homes, and hospitals.
It is expected that South Carolina pharmacy tech jobs will see a growth of 15% by 2026.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State