If you are a pharmacy technician in Indiana looking to increase your salary, there are steps you can take to improve your chances.

Obtain Certification through PTCB: Becoming certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can demonstrate your commitment to the profession and potentially lead to higher pay. Consider enrolling in a PTCB-approved program at local institutions such as the Indiana University School of Medicine or Ivy Tech Community College.

Gain Experience in Various Settings: Working in different pharmacy settings, such as retail, hospital, or long-term care facilities, can make you a more well-rounded pharmacy technician and increase your market value. Look for opportunities to diversify your experience at places like Community Health Network or Franciscan Health.

Pursue Continuing Education: Continuing education can show employers that you are dedicated to staying current in the field and may lead to salary advancement. Consider taking courses through organizations like the Indiana Pharmacists Alliance or attending conferences sponsored by the Indiana Board of Pharmacy.

Seek Specialized Training: Obtaining specialized training in areas such as compounding or sterile products can make you a more valuable asset to employers and potentially lead to a higher salary. Look for training programs offered by local institutions like the University of Indianapolis or Purdue University.

Negotiate Your Salary: When seeking a new job or during performance evaluations, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary based on your experience, certifications, and skills. Research salary ranges for pharmacy technicians in Indiana to ensure you are being fairly compensated for your qualifications.

Choosing to become a Pharmacy Technician in Indiana is definitely a decision that leads to a fulfilling and stable career. With the industry growing at a fast pace, there are numerous opportunities for those who are ready to dive in. The pathway to this fulfilling career involves some crucial steps, including education, certification, and gaining experience.

Education Requirements
Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Indiana begins with obtaining your high school diploma or GED. This is an essential requirement for most pharmacy technician programs.

Once you've completed high school or achieved your GED, it's time to join a pharmacy technician training program. You can find these programs at local community colleges, vocational schools, or online platforms such as Stepful.

Stepful provides online certification training that is budget-friendly compared to traditional colleges. The program equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in a pharmacy setting.

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

Certification
After completing your training, it's time to get certified. In Indiana, Pharmacy Technicians are required to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The certification exam evaluates your knowledge and skills in areas like pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy operations. Having a certification not only fulfills the state requirements but also makes you a more desirable candidate to potential employers.

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

Gain Experience
After your education and certification are complete, the next step is to amass experience. Look for entry-level pharmacy technician positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare facilities.

Practical experience not only sharpens your skills but also makes you more attractive to future employers. Volunteering or doing an internship at a local pharmacy can also be an excellent way to gain hands-on experience.

Pharmacy technicians are expected to see steady job growth nationwide over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. This expansion is anticipated to result in approximately 47,400 job openings annually, primarily due to workforce turnover and retirements.

In Indiana, pharmacy technicians play a vital role in various healthcare settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were about 10,490 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Indiana's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.324 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.10, indicating a slightly higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.
Bureau of Labor Statistics