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Receive your national NHA-CPhT certificate
100% online followed by in-person externship
Job interview prep and resume services
ASHP/ACPE accredited program
1:1 support from enrollment to employment
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What You’ll Learn
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Weeks 1-4
Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge you need to become a well-rounded pharmacy technician and start diving into pharmacy practice.
Weeks 5-9
Master the ins and outs of pharmacology and get hands-on with pharmacy calculations and prescription medications.
Weeks 10-14
Develop skills in processing and dispensing prescriptions, and prepare for the NHA ExCPT Exam with mock tests and a comprehensive review of key pharmacy concepts.
Weeks 15+
Apply everything you learned online and earn clinical hours in a pharmacy setting. Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search.
Online Pharmacy Tech classes at your own schedule
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01
Graduate from High School or Complete Your GED
To become a certified pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, all applicants must pass a criminal background check and criminal record, free of felonies, as part of the state’s licensing process.
02
Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course
Enroll in a pharmacy technician training program that provides the necessary knowledge and skills for the role. Pharmacy technician candidates are recommended to complete an approved PTCB training course since job opportunities are higher when a recognized PTCB course has been completed.
Stepful’s 4-month pharmacy technician course online provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for certification exams and real-world responsibilities.
03
Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship
Hands-on experience is invaluable for pharmacy technicians. In Arkansas, students may seek externship opportunities in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or healthcare centers to gain practical experience.
Our team collaborates with select pharmacies and healthcare facilities to provide externship opportunities, though availability may vary by location and schedule availability. Regardless of placement, we offer personalized support, including resume assistance and job search guidance, to help students advance in their pharmacy technician careers.
04
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
Before pursuing certification, register with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. This involves submitting a notarized application, paying a mandatory fee of $73.50, and undergoing a comprehensive criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
After doing so, pursue national certification by passing an exam such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
This certification demonstrates your competency and commitment to the profession. Stepful’s online pharmacy technician certification course is approved by both the PTCB and NHA, ensuring students meet national industry standards.
05
Get Your Pharmacy Technician License & Search for Jobs
Once you have obtained your pharmacy technician certification and registration in Arkansas, you can begin applying for positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Job searching is an exciting step in your journey, and job searching platforms can help you find local opportunities in Arkansas.
If the process feels overwhelming, Stepful’s career coaching team is here to support you. We offer personalized job search guidance, resume optimization, and interview preparation to help you stand out in the job market. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
While national certification is not mandatory in Arkansas, obtaining it can significantly enhance your employment prospects and demonstrate your dedication to the profession. Certification involves passing a national exam, such as the PTCE or ExCPT, which assesses your knowledge in areas like medication safety, federal regulations, and pharmaceutical calculations.
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To practice as a pharmacy technician in Arkansas, you must register with the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy. This process includes submitting a notarized application, paying the mandatory fee and submitting all required documents to the state board. Candidates are also required to undergo a robust criminal background check and to submit fingerprints.
Maintaining your registration requires renewal every two years, accompanied by a $70 fee. Currently, there are no state-mandated continuing education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for pharmacy technicians nationwide is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. In Arkansas, pharmacy technician employment remains steady, with over 4,500 positions across the state.
The average salary for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas is $37,170 annually, with an hourly wage of approximately $17.87. Certified pharmacy technicians can earn higher wages depending on experience, location, and employer.
With a stable job market and opportunities for career growth, becoming a pharmacy technician in Arkansas is a great choice for those interested in patient care and working in a fast-paced environment.
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$37,170
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7% Growth
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4,550
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Joining a professional organization can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education for pharmacy technicians in Arkansas. These organizations offer support, advocacy, and professional development to help technicians grow in their careers.
- Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA): This association supports pharmacy professionals across the state, offering continuing education, advocacy, and industry updates.
- Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists (AAHP): The AAHP focuses on advancing health-system pharmacy practice, providing continuing education, networking opportunities, and professional advocacy.
- National Pharmacy Technicians Association (NPTA): The NPTA provides specialized training, career development, and networking opportunities for pharmacy technicians nationwide.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): This PTCB administers the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and offers continuing education and credential maintenance support.
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA): This association offers professional development, industry publications, and advocacy to support pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.
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