If you are a pharmacy technician in Nevada looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to improve your chances. By taking the following steps, you can potentially boost your earning potential in the field.

Obtain Certification through PTCB or ExCPT: Becoming certified through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can demonstrate your knowledge and skills, making you a more valuable candidate to potential employers. Local institutions like the Academy of Healing Arts Pharmacy Technician Training Program in Las Vegas can help you prepare for these exams.

Pursue Further Education or Training: Consider pursuing additional education or training in specialized areas such as sterile compounding or medication therapy management. This can make you stand out among other pharmacy technicians and potentially lead to higher salary offers.

Gain Experience in Diverse Settings: Working in a variety of pharmacy settings, such as retail, hospital, or long-term care facilities, can broaden your skill set and make you a more versatile pharmacy technician. This diverse experience may make you more attractive to employers seeking candidates with a range of expertise.

Network with Pharmacy Professionals: Building relationships with other pharmacy professionals in Nevada can provide you with valuable insights into the industry and potential job opportunities. Consider attending local pharmacy association events or joining professional organizations like the Nevada Pharmacy Association to expand your network.

Stay Informed about Industry Trends: Keeping up to date with the latest developments in the pharmacy industry, such as new medications, technologies, or regulations, can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. This knowledge can make you a more valuable asset to employers and potentially lead to higher salary offers.

Embarking on a journey to become a Pharmacy Technician in Nevada can be both exhilarating and fulfilling. This exciting path involves a few crucial steps, namely fulfilling educational prerequisites, acquiring certification, and registering with the state. Here’s how you can navigate your way to a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician in the Silver State.

Educational Requirements

To kickstart your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Nevada, you will need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some might opt for a traditional college or university, but there are other more affordable and swift options like Stepful's online education.

Stepful’s programs cover all the essential topics such as basic medical terminology, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmaceutical calculations. It's critical to ensure the program you choose is recognized by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.

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

Certification

Once you've accomplished your educational requirements, the next step is to acquire certification. Both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer certification exams.

To prepare for these exams, you may need to study and review resources provided by these organizations or your educational program. Passing the certification exam is a pivotal step towards advancing your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Nevada.

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

State Registration

Before you can officially start working as a Pharmacy Technician in Nevada, you must register with the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy. Registration involves providing photocopies of your high school diploma or equivalent, proof of certification, and a completed application.

The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy also requires a fingerprint and background check. Once registered, you can proudly embark on your career as a Pharmacy Technician in Nevada.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that pharmacy technician roles will see a 7% increase in employment from 2023 to 2033—growing faster than the average for most occupations. This steady demand is expected to lead to roughly 47,400 job openings each year, largely due to retirements and workers shifting into other fields.

In Nevada, pharmacy technicians support patients and healthcare providers in a range of settings, from retail pharmacies and hospitals to long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, approximately 4,990 pharmacy technicians were employed throughout the state. With an employment concentration of 2.482 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.81, Nevada’s pharmacy tech workforce is slightly below the national average, but still offers plenty of opportunity.

Thanks to national growth and steady local demand, Nevada remains a strong option for anyone looking to build a stable, rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.