If you're looking to increase your pharmacy technician salary in Mississippi, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances. Consider the following advice to help boost your earning potential in this field.

Obtain Certification through PTCB: Becoming certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) can demonstrate your knowledge and skills to employers, potentially leading to higher pay. Consider preparing for the certification exam through resources like the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy.

Gain Experience through Internships or Externships: Building experience through internships or externships at local pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics can make you a more valuable candidate to potential employers. Look for opportunities at institutions like Baptist Memorial Hospital or the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Pursue Continuing Education: Continuing your education through programs like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) can help you stay current on industry trends and advancements, making you a more desirable employee and potentially increasing your salary.

Network with Professionals in the Field: Building relationships with other pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals can provide you with valuable connections and opportunities for career advancement. Attend local events or conferences hosted by organizations like the Mississippi Pharmacists Association.

Consider Specializing in a Certain Area: By specializing in a specific area of pharmacy, such as compounding or oncology, you can increase your value as a pharmacy technician and potentially command a higher salary. Look for specialized training programs at institutions like the Mississippi College School of Pharmacy.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi offers a rewarding path in the healthcare industry. You will be working directly with pharmacists to dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.

Let's explore the steps to establish a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi.

Get a High School Diploma or GED

In Mississippi, the first step toward becoming a pharmacy technician is to obtain a high school diploma or GED. This is a basic requirement for most pharmacy technician programs and roles.

In high school, students should focus on courses in mathematics, health, and sciences. These subjects are relevant to the pharmacy technician profession.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program

You will need to complete a pharmacy technician program. These programs provide the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in this field. You can choose to enroll in a local community college or vocational school.

Alternatively, online programs like Stepful offer affordable and flexible options for individuals who can't attend traditional classes. Stepful provides comprehensive training that prepares you for the certification exam and the real-world challenges of a pharmacy technician.

Obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification

Mississippi requires pharmacy technicians to be certified. Certification can be obtained through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Both certifications require passing an examination.

The exam covers various areas, including medication order entry and fill process, pharmacology for technicians, and pharmacy law and regulations. Being certified can increase your employment opportunities and potentially lead to higher pay.

Remember, starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in Mississippi requires dedication and commitment. But the reward of helping others in their healthcare journey is well worth the effort.

Pharmacy technician careers are expected to see steady growth nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033—faster than the average for all occupations. Each year, roughly 47,400 openings are anticipated, largely due to retirements and professionals shifting to other roles.

In Mississippi, the demand for pharmacy technicians remains strong. As of May 2023, about 3,890 individuals were employed in this role across retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. With an employment rate of 3.386 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.12, the state maintains a higher concentration of pharmacy technician positions than the national average—making it a solid choice for launching a healthcare career.