If you are a pharmacy technician in Colorado looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to improve your chances. By taking proactive steps such as pursuing additional certifications or seeking employment at top-rated pharmacies, you can enhance your earning potential in this field.

Obtain Additional Certifications: Consider obtaining certifications such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to showcase your expertise and commitment to the profession.

Gain Experience: Seek opportunities to gain experience in specialized areas such as compounding or sterile products to make yourself more valuable to employers. Look for positions at reputable institutions like the University of Colorado Hospital or Children's Hospital Colorado.

Network with Professionals: Attend local pharmacy technician conferences and networking events to connect with industry professionals who may offer insights on job opportunities or salary negotiations.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the pharmacy industry by reading industry publications or attending continuing education courses.

Consider Advancing Your Education: Pursuing an associate degree in pharmacy technology or a related field can open up opportunities for higher-paying positions in pharmaceutical companies or research institutions. Look into programs offered at institutions like the Colorado State University Global Campus or the Community College of Denver.

Kickstart your journey towards an exciting career as a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado. This dynamic profession demands a deep understanding of medications, comprehensive knowledge of the healthcare system, and a devotion to providing top-notch patient care.

Embark on a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Your first move in becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado is to enroll in a training program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Such programs cover essential topics like pharmacy law, drug interactions, and patient safety.

While many community colleges and vocational schools like Pima Medical Institute and Emily Griffith Technical College in Colorado offer these programs, a better alternative could be online certification training. Stepful online education, for instance, is a budget-friendly option that provides the same thorough training.

>> Read More: How Much Do Pharmacy Technician School & Certification Cost?

Secure Certification
After you've completed your training, the next step is to secure certification. To become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), you'll need to pass a certification exam issued by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

>> Read More: Pharmacy Technician Certification Options (PTCB, NHA, CPhT, & More)

Both certifications are recognized in Colorado, demonstrating your adeptness and expertise in the field.

Register with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy
Finally, to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado, you must register with the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. This process involves submitting an application, fee, and proof of certification. Upon approval, you will receive a license to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in the state, which you must renew every two years.

Pharmacy technicians in Colorado can look forward to steady job prospects over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% increase in pharmacy technician employment nationwide from 2023 to 2033—outpacing the average growth for all occupations. This upward trend is expected to create around 47,400 openings annually, largely due to retirements and career shifts.

In Colorado, roughly 5,920 pharmacy technicians were employed as of May 2023. The state has an employment concentration of 2.089 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 0.69. This suggests that while demand is slightly lower than the national average, opportunities still remain across retail, hospital, and long-term care settings.

For those considering a healthcare career in Colorado, pharmacy technology continues to offer reliable job opportunities in a range of environments.