If you are a pharmacy technician in Kentucky looking to improve your chances of getting a better salary, there are several strategies you can employ. By taking proactive steps to enhance your skills and qualifications, you can position yourself for higher-paying opportunities in the field.

- Obtain Certification: Consider obtaining certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Certified pharmacy technicians often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and knowledge.

- Gain Experience: Seek out opportunities to gain experience in different pharmacy settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care facilities. The more experience you have, the more valuable you will be to potential employers, which can translate to a higher salary.

- Continue Education: Consider enrolling in continuing education courses or pursuing additional training to expand your skill set. Local institutions such as Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Jefferson Community and Technical College offer programs that can help you enhance your knowledge and expertise.

- Network: Attend industry events, join professional organizations like the Kentucky Pharmacists Association, and connect with other pharmacy technicians to expand your professional network. Networking can lead to valuable opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

- Negotiate: When considering a new job or seeking a raise, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Kentucky and come prepared to make a case for why you deserve to be compensated at a higher rate.

Obtain Your High School Diploma or GED
In Kentucky, the first step towards becoming a pharmacy technician is earning a high school diploma or GED. This is the minimum educational requirement for this profession. It's important to focus on science and math subjects, as they will be crucial in your pharmacy technician training and career.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Next, you need to complete a pharmacy technician training program. This could be a diploma, certificate, or associate degree program from an accredited institution. These programs provide the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for the job.

The curriculum typically includes courses in pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, medication dosage calculations, and pharmacy administration. You can also consider online certification training like that offered by Stepful. This is a more affordable option compared to traditional colleges.

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

Get Certified and Registered
Lastly, you need to get certified and registered. In Kentucky, pharmacy technicians must be registered with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. Registration requires passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Once you pass this exam, you can apply for registration with the Board. This will officially grant you the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). With this title, you are eligible to work in pharmacies across the state.

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

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Kentucky requires commitment and dedication to education, certification, and hands-on training. With the right approach, you can enjoy a rewarding career in this growing healthcare field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 47,400 job openings each year, primarily due to the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

In Kentucky, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 10,160 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Kentucky's employment concentration for this occupation is 5.17 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.71, indicating a higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.