Are you looking to increase your pharmacy technician salary in South Dakota? Here are some tips to help you achieve that goal:

Obtain Certification through PTCB or ExCPT: Becoming certified through organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) can lead to higher paying job opportunities and increased earning potential. Consider enrolling in a program at a local institution like Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls.

Gain Experience in a Specialty Area: Specializing in a specific area of pharmacy, such as compounding or oncology, can make you more valuable to employers and result in a higher salary. Look for opportunities to gain experience in these specialty areas at hospitals like Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls or Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls.

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

Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Keeping up to date with the latest trends and advancements in the pharmacy industry can make you a more valuable employee. Consider attending continuing education courses or workshops offered by organizations like the South Dakota Pharmacists Association.

Consider Advancing Your Education: Pursuing additional education, such as an associate degree in pharmacy technology or a related field, can open up higher paying job opportunities. Look into programs at institutions like Lake Area Technical College in Watertown or Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell.

High School Diploma or GED
Your first step is to complete high school or obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate. South Dakota requires all pharmacy technicians to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

This foundation is critical as it prepares you for the necessary training and certification programs that follow. Even in high school, taking courses such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics can provide a good foundation for your future career.

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Program
Next, you should enroll in a pharmacy technician program. While South Dakota does not mandate formal education for pharmacy techs, it certainly helps to have formal training from an accredited institution.

These programs provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform your duties as a pharmacy tech effectively. You can find pharmacy technician programs at various institutions, including Western Dakota Tech and Southeast Tech in South Dakota. Alternatively, you can also consider online certification training with Stepful, which is typically more affordable than traditional college.

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

Get Certified
Finally, while South Dakota does not require pharmacy technicians to be certified, obtaining certification can make you more competitive in the job market. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a nationally recognized certification body that offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification.

This certification can increase your job prospects and potentially lead to higher pay. To qualify, you must have a high school diploma, complete a PTCB-approved training program, and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). After obtaining your certification, you must maintain it by completing continuing education.

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

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to starting a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician in South Dakota. Remember, each step is important and contributes to your overall knowledge and skills in the pharmacy field.

If you're considering a career as a pharmacy technician in South 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 South Dakota, pharmacy technicians are employed across various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. As of May 2023, there were approximately 1,140 pharmacy technicians employed in the state. The state's employment concentration for this occupation is 2.573 per 1,000 jobs, with a location quotient of 0.85, 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, South Dakota presents a viable environment for individuals pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician.