If you are a pharmacy technician in Louisiana looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to achieve this goal. By following the tips below, you can improve your chances of getting a better pharmacy technician salary in Louisiana.

Obtain Certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)

Becoming certified through the PTCB can demonstrate your dedication to the field and increase your marketability to potential employers. The certification can lead to higher paying job opportunities at pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid.

Gain Experience in Specialty Areas

Working in specialty areas such as compounding pharmacies, nuclear pharmacies, or long-term care facilities can help you acquire specialized skills that can lead to higher paying positions. Institutions like Ochsner Health System or LCMC Health may offer opportunities in these areas.

Pursue Continuing Education

By staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the field through continuing education courses, you can enhance your knowledge and skills, making you a more valuable asset to your employer. Local institutions like Delgado Community College or Louisiana State University offer relevant courses for pharmacy technicians.

Negotiate Your Salary

When applying for a new job or during a performance review, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Louisiana and use this information to make a compelling case for why you deserve a higher salary.

Consider Advancing Your Education

If you're looking to increase your earning potential, you may want to consider advancing your education by pursuing a degree in pharmacy or a related field. Institutions like Xavier University of Louisiana or the University of Louisiana at Monroe offer programs that can help you advance your career as a pharmacy technician.

Acquire High School Diploma or GED

The first step in becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Louisiana is to acquire a high school diploma or GED. This is a requirement for most pharmacy technician training programs. It's also a prerequisite for pharmacy technician registration in Louisiana.

It's also important to have a good foundation in math and science subjects. These are essential in the field of pharmacy.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Louisiana does not require pharmacy technicians to complete a formal training program. However, it's highly recommended to do so. The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy recognizes pharmacy technician training programs. These are typically accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

These programs provide foundational knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job effectively.

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

One affordable option for this training is through Stepful. Stepful offers online certification training which is a more affordable alternative to traditional college.

Get Certified

Although certification is not a requirement in Louisiana, it can increase your job prospects and salary. Several national organizations offer certification, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

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

Register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy

In order to work as a Pharmacy Technician in Louisiana, individuals must be registered with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy. The registration process requires an application, a fee, and passing a criminal background check.

The Board also requires pharmacy technicians to renew their registration every year. Remember to keep your registration valid and up-to-date, as working without an active registration is considered illegal.

By following these steps, you can start your journey towards a fulfilling career as a Pharmacy Technician in Louisiana. Remember, success in this field relies not only on your technical skills and knowledge. It also depends on your dedication to providing quality patient care.

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 Louisiana, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 5,850 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Louisiana's employment concentration for this occupation is 3.161 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 1.04, indicating a slightly higher concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.