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

Obtain Certification from PTCB or ExCPT: Becoming certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can lead to higher paying job opportunities in Massachusetts. Local institutions like the New England Health Career Institute offer certification programs that can help you advance in your career.

Gain Experience in Specialty Areas: Specializing in a specific area of pharmacy, such as oncology or compounding, can make you more valuable to employers and increase your earning potential. Consider seeking out specialized training programs or on-the-job experience in these areas.

Further Your Education: Pursuing additional education, such as an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in pharmacy technology, can make you a more competitive candidate for higher paying positions in Massachusetts. Look into local schools like Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for advanced degree options.

Seek Employment with Hospitals or Specialty Clinics: Hospitals and specialty clinics in Massachusetts tend to offer higher salaries to pharmacy technicians compared to retail pharmacies. Applying for positions in these settings can help you secure a better salary.

Negotiate Your Salary: When applying for a new job or seeking a raise, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average pharmacy technician salary in Massachusetts and use this information to advocate for fair compensation.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts comes with its own unique set of requirements. As a Pharmacy Technician, you'll be responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medication and providing healthcare services to patients. Here are some steps to consider in order to embark on this rewarding career path in the Bay State.

Education and Training: The first step to becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts is to get the right education and training. You'll need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Some pharmacy technicians learn through on-the-job training, but many employers prefer to hire those with formal training or certification.

There are a number of programs available in Massachusetts, including those at North Shore Community College and Massasoit Community College, that provide Pharmacy Technician training. Alternatively, online platforms like Stepful offer affordable certification training that can be completed at your own pace.

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

Certification: In Massachusetts, Pharmacy Technicians are required to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To be eligible for the PTCB certification, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

The PTCE is a computer-based exam that tests knowledge in areas such as medication safety, pharmacy quality assurance, and pharmacy inventory management.

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

State Registration: After obtaining your certification, you will need to register as a Pharmacy Technician with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. The application process involves submitting a completed application form, paying the required fee, and passing a criminal background check.

This registration is required before you can legally work as a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts.

By following these steps, you can start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Massachusetts. Remember to keep your certification and registration up to date, as continuing education is important in this ever-evolving field.

Thinking about a career in healthcare in Massachusetts? Pharmacy technicians are in demand across the state, and the outlook for 2024 is encouraging. As pharmacies expand their services and the need for prescription support grows, trained technicians are becoming increasingly essential in both retail and clinical settings.

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 Massachusetts, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 9,840 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. Massachusetts's employment concentration for this occupation is 2.701 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 0.89, indicating a slightly lower concentration of pharmacy technician jobs compared to the national average.

With a favorable national job outlook and opportunities across the state, Massachusetts presents a viable environment for individuals pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician.