Georgia Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

From the hustle and bustle of Atlanta to the relaxed southern vibe of Savannah, Georgia offers many opportunities for pharmacy technicians to thrive. In Georgia, regulations for pharmacy technicians are not as stringent as some other areas of the United States. This makes Georgia a good place to start a career as a pharmacy technician for professionals who are still working to further their education or earn their pharmacy technician certification.

Georgia Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

The state of Georgia requires that pharmacy technicians meet the following qualifications:

• Age: Georgia is one of the few states that allows pharmacy technicians to register and work at 17 years of age. Most states require that pharmacy technicians be at least 18 years of age before beginning to work.
• Background Check: All pharmacy technicians are required to obtain a background check when registering as a pharmacy technician.
• Education: Pharmacy technicians must have a high school diploma or a GED, or must be currently enrolled in high school. Georgia is one of the few states that allows 17-year-old high school students to work as pharmacy technicians. This can allow budding pharmacy technicians to get a head start on the work experience necessary for a successful career in the field. Formal pharmacy technician programs are recommended for those who want their pick of employment opportunities and higher salaries.
• Certification: In Georgia, pharmacy technicians are not required to hold a national certification. Technicians who are certified need to submit a copy of their Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certificate when applying for registration. The state of Georgia recognizes the ExCPT exam provided by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) nationally certified pharmacy technician programs for certification. For pharmacy technicians who are thinking about beginning their careers, it may make sense to get started without a certification. Pursuing a certification over the course of a career as a pharmacy technician can allow for more and higher-paying job opportunities.

Georgia Pharmacy Technician Careers & Employment Outlook

In Georgia, there are many different opportunities for pharmacy technicians. Some technicians choose to work in small, independently owned pharmacies, while others choose to work in pharmacies run by large corporations. There are also many opportunities to work as a pharmacy technician in hospitals and other healthcare settings.

Working as a pharmacy technician can be an excellent start for professionals who eventually want to work to become a pharmacist. Learning the ins and outs of how a pharmacy works can be an invaluable addition to the resume of a newly licensed pharmacist, especially in fast-paced settings.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career openings for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This rate of growth is similar to the rate of growth for other jobs in the United States. For new pharmacy professionals, it’s key to stay competitive in order to stay competitive in the field. Earning certification, participating in continuing education, and pursuing higher education are all ways to increase the likelihood of staying competitive in the job market as a pharmacy technician.