If you are a pharmacy technician in North Dakota looking to increase your salary, there are several strategies you can implement to achieve this goal.

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. Institutions like the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy offer resources and guidance for obtaining certification.

Gain Experience in Specialized Areas: By gaining experience in specialized areas such as compounding, sterile products, or nuclear pharmacy, you can make yourself more valuable to employers and increase your earning potential. Consider reaching out to institutions like the Sanford Health System or Essentia Health for specialized training opportunities.

Pursue Further Education: Pursuing additional education, such as an associate degree or advanced certifications, can help you stand out in the job market and negotiate a higher salary. Institutions like North Dakota State College of Science offer pharmacy technician programs that can help you advance your career.

Seek Employment in High-Paying Regions: Researching and applying for pharmacy technician positions in high-paying regions of North Dakota, such as Fargo or Bismarck, can result in a higher salary. Look for job openings at institutions like Sanford Medical Center Fargo or CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.

Negotiate Your Salary: When applying for a new job or during performance reviews, don't be afraid to negotiate your salary based on your experience, certifications, and skills. By advocating for yourself, you can potentially increase your earning potential as a pharmacy technician in North Dakota.

Starting a career as a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota can be a rewarding choice. It offers opportunities for those interested in healthcare to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients. The path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota involves education, certification, and registration.

Acquire Necessary Education and Skills
The first step towards becoming a Pharmacy Technician in North Dakota is acquiring the necessary education and skills. This often involves completing a high school diploma or equivalent. Then, you need to enroll in a Pharmacy Technician program.

Such programs are offered by various institutions, including North Dakota State College of Science and Rasmussen College. These programs provide the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in this role.

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

Obtain Certification
In North Dakota, individuals must be certified to work as a Pharmacy Technician. This involves passing a certification exam. It could be the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Both of these exams test individuals' knowledge and skills in areas such as medication safety, quality assurance, and pharmacy law. For those looking for affordable training options, Stepful offers online certification training. This can be a more cost-effective option compared to traditional college.

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

Registration with the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy
After obtaining certification, Pharmacy Technicians in North Dakota must register with the North Dakota State Board of Pharmacy. This involves completing an application, submitting the required documentation, and paying a fee.

The Board reviews applications and, upon approval, issues a license to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in the state. Applicants should remember that maintaining this license requires ongoing education and renewal every two years.

If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician in North Dakota, the outlook for 2024 is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% national growth in pharmacy technician employment from 2023 to 2033, which is 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 North Dakota, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 430 pharmacy technicians employed in the Fargo, ND-MN metropolitan area. The state's employment concentration for this occupation is 2.924 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 0.96, 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, North Dakota presents a viable environment for individuals pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician.