If you're a pharmacy technician in New Jersey 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 earning a better salary in the field.

- Obtain Certification: Consider obtaining certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Many employers in New Jersey prefer to hire certified pharmacy technicians, which can lead to higher salaries.
- Gain Experience: Look for 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 employers, which can translate to a higher salary.
- Continue Education: Consider pursuing additional education or training in specialized areas of pharmacy practice, such as compounding, sterile products, or medication therapy management. Institutions like Rutgers University's Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy offer continuing education programs for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey.
- Negotiate Salary: When applying for a new job or seeking a raise, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average salary for pharmacy technicians in New Jersey and use this information to make a compelling case for a higher salary.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the field of pharmacy practice. Join professional organizations like the New Jersey Pharmacists Association or the New Jersey Society of Health-System Pharmacists to network with other professionals and stay updated on industry news.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey can be a rewarding choice. It is a great fit for those interested in healthcare and helping others. Here are some key steps to help you embark on this career path in the Garden State.

Earn a High School Diploma or GED
The first step to becoming a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey is to complete your high school education. Alternatively, you can obtain a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Most employers require this as a minimum educational requirement.

Subjects like biology, chemistry, health, and mathematics can provide a solid foundation. Studying these will set you up for a successful future pharmacy tech career.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Training Program
While New Jersey does not mandate formal education for pharmacy technicians, most employers prefer trained candidates. Training programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, or online platforms like Stepful. These programs usually cover medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacology.

Many also include a hands-on externship for real-world experience. Stepful can be a great choice for affordable and flexible online certification training.

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

Obtain Certification
Certification is not a requirement in New Jersey, but it can make you more competitive in the job market. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offer recognized certifications. These require passing an exam, and some require completion of a training program or equivalent work experience.

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

Once certified, you will need to maintain your certification through ongoing continuing education. By following these steps, you can start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in New Jersey.

Remember, continuous learning and development in this field can open doors to more opportunities. It can also lead to advancement in your career.

Thinking about stepping into the healthcare field in New Jersey? Pharmacy technicians are becoming an essential part of the care team as pharmacies evolve to offer more direct patient services. From busy city pharmacies to hospital systems, opportunities are growing for those ready to get certified and start making a difference.

National projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a 7% increase in pharmacy technician employment from 2023 to 2033, outpacing average job growth. This trend translates to around 47,400 job openings each year, largely driven by the need to replace retiring workers or those changing careers.

In New Jersey, approximately 10,960 pharmacy technicians were employed as of May 2023, working in settings such as drugstores, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. While the state’s concentration of pharmacy technician roles is slightly below the national average, New Jersey’s dense healthcare landscape still offers solid opportunities for those looking to enter this essential and growing field.