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4-Month online CA Pharmacy Technician course
Receive your national NHA-CPhT certificate
100% online followed by in-person externship
Job interview prep and resume services
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
You must be at least 18 years old and either have a high school diploma or have completed your GED to start your career as a pharmacy technician. Moreover, Iowa students may have to undergo a criminal background check for licensure.
02
Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course
In Iowa, formal education is not mandatory for becoming a pharmacy technician; however, it is advisable to enroll in a pharmacy technician program to prepare for the PTCB exam. Some community colleges and vocational schools can be completed in about a year or less.
Make sure that the training program you select is accredited by the ASHP. At Stepful, we offer an accredited online pharmacy technician program that lasts four months. This program equips our students with the essential skills needed to succeed as a pharmacy technician in Iowa.
03
Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship
After completing a pharmacy technician program, gaining hands-on experience is essential. Working under a pharmacist’s supervision helps you understand daily responsibilities and pharmacy operations.
Stepful offers externships where students practice skills like patient interaction and medication dispensing. Alternatively, students can explore externships at local retail pharmacies like Walgreens or Rite Aid to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
04
Pass Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and NHA's ExCPT are the most widely recognized certification exams. These assessments effectively evaluate your knowledge and preparedness for the role of a pharmacy technician.
At Stepful, we're proud of our students’ achievements; 75% of our graduates pass the national exam with confidence.
05
Search for Jobs
If you are searching for your dream job as a pharmacy technician in Iowa, there are several effective strategies you can use. Start by exploring popular online job platforms, pharmacy-specific job boards, and local healthcare facilities.
For pharmacy technician students in Iowa, it is necessary to apply to the Iowa State Board of Pharmacy. Ensure that you select the appropriate form based on whether you are applying for on-the-job training or if you have completed formal education.
Individuals looking to become pharmacy technicians in Iowa must complete the national pharmacy technician certification exam before gaining employment. Achieving certification as a pharmacy technician boosts your credibility, especially in highly motivated job markets. Holding this certification can also enhance your career advancement and offer various additional benefits.
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Pharmacy technicians in Iowa are required to register with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. Not registering or failing to maintain certification can lead to disciplinary actions. To ensure compliance as a pharmacy technician in Iowa, it's important to regularly visit the Board of Pharmacy's website for the latest information and updates.
Becoming a pharmacy technician in Iowa can be a smart choice. It offers reasonable pay and chances to grow within the field. As more healthcare services are needed and the population ages, pharmacy technicians will be in high demand.
Iowa employs over 4,480 pharmacy technicians annually. Just doing a quick search online will showcase these jobs within the area. Whether you're looking to work at an acute care facility or remotely, there is a pharmacy technician job awaiting you!
In Iowa, the average salary is $41,080 per year, which breaks down to about $18.89 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you like hands-on work, pay attention to detail, and enjoy interacting with people, a pharmacy technician job might suit you well. Let Stepful help you start your new career today as a pharmacy technician.
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$41,080
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7% growth
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4,480
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As a pharmacy technician in Iowa getting involved with professional organizations is a great way to stay informed about the pharmacy trends.
Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA): The IPA supports pharmacy technicians by providing essential information on state pharmacy laws.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): This national organization offers certification and valuable resources to help them achieve their professional dreams.
National Healthcareer Association (NHA): This association provides career advancement resources and continuing education courses, ensuring you have everything you need to advance in your profession.
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA): The NPTA offers memberships for continuing education and access to other pharmacy technicians.
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Resources for aspiring Pharmacy Technicians
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