Sometimes, life takes us in directions we don’t expect.
This may require a career change.
It doesn’t have to take long to learn how to become a Pharmacy Technician in New Hampshire though.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in New Hampshire
The Board of Pharmacy requires Pharmacy Technicians to register within 15 days of hire when they apply for a license for the first time.
They also must not have any prior drug convictions and have already graduated high school or earned an equivalent diploma.
The Board recognizes the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), National HealthCareer Association (NHA) and the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA).
They also approve of the New Hampshire Pharmacists Association (NHPA).
Keep the PTCB, NHA, NPTA and NHPA in mind when seeking quality education.
Furthermore, you may want to start communicating with local employers who also know the requirements.
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Hampshire
1. Great Bay Community College
Great Bay has a 12-month online Pharmacy Technician certificate program offering.
You can join it online via Ed2Go.
A voucher for one certificate exam is included.
They have an open enrollment policy, and you can work the classroom portion at your own pace.
You can study for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) too.
Any opportunity to apply for entry into a 100-hour (or more) externship is also available.
This training will provide you with foundational knowledge, including medical terminology and ethics.
In addition, it develops your practical skills, including identifying and packaging medications for distribution and tracking inventory.
2. Manchester Community College
Manchester offers an online Pharmacy Technician Certification program.
It takes place over 28 virtual sessions, usually three days a week except for during breaks.
The college will pay for your PTCB exam.
Your training here will include an 80-hour internship at Hartford Healthcare, a medical treatment network.
It’s typically an advantage to attend a school recognized by a local employer because they know the requirements that will most get you hired.
Manchester may provide you with the “edge” you need when looking for work as soon as possible.
3. Intercoast
Your training at Intercoase includes 180 hours of externship training.
During this time, you will experience what it’s like working in a pharmacy all day. 
Duties you will gain proficiency in include compounding pills for prescriptions and measuring doses, packing and labeling, and distribution.
You will also learn the techniques used in keeping track of patient records and medication inventories.
This coursework includes background courses online too.
Other portions of your training will take place in a lab.
Many legalities and ethics are involved in working with drugs — even prescription ones, by the way.
For that reason, you will learn the correct ways to handle medications and the consequences of mishandling or wrongfully distributing them.
4. Keene State College
Keene College will prepare you for a position as an entry-level Pharmacy Technician or clerk.
It’s a six-week, instructor-led online course.
It will help you master all aspects of medication preparation and dispensation.
You will also become proficient in data entry and inventory management.
Most importantly, you gain experience interacting with patients, and showing them compassion while answering their questions.
Moreover, the courses you take will prepare you for your certification exam.
This short-term program will prepare you for your first Pharmacy Technician position.
Keep in mind, that it’s only the beginning though.
You may want to discuss your career goals with Keene before you enroll to make sure you understand what skills this entry-level program will prepare you for.
5. New Hampshire Pharmacists Association (NHPA)
The NHPA offers continuing education (CE) opportunities.
You can sign up for their mailing list to receive information about upcoming courses.
The NHPA credentialing body also hosts Pharmacy Technician Conferences and other events.
By the way, the NH Board doesn’t require CE courses.
However, they do state that if you do take CE courses, you should take ones approved by the Board.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in New Hampshire
Top 5 Schools in New Hampshire
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Great Bay Community College | 320 Corporate Dr Room SW113, Portsmouth, NH 03801 |
| Manchester Community College | 1066 Front St, Manchester, NH 03102 |
| Intercoast | 19 Keewaydin Dr, Salem, Town of, NH 03079 |
| Keene State College | 229 Main St, Keene, NH 03431 |
| New Hampshire Pharmacists Association (NHPA) | 105 N Main St, Concord, NH 03301 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in New Hampshire
If you had become an NH entry-level Pharmacy Technician by July 2022, you probably would have made an average annual income of about $37,775.
Your salary for the year would range from $34,063 to $42,150.
You can find jobs in Concord, Lee, Hampton, Milford, or other places near you.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in New Hampshire
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Manchester | $38,200 |
| Nashua | $40,400 |
| Concord | $38,500 |
| Derry | $39,300 |
| Rochester | $38,000 |
| Salem | $39,800 |
| Dover | $38,200 |
| Merrimack | $40,400 |
| Londonderry | $40,400 |
| Hudson | $40,400 |
Regional Salary in New Hampshire
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover-Durham, NH-ME | 150 | $41,310 | $19.86 | $49,530 | $29,330 |
| Manchester, NH | 500 | $39,360 | $18.93 | $52,650 | $31,360 |
| Portsmouth, NH-ME | 160 | $41,430 | $19.92 | $53,850 | $31,320 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Pharmacy Technician in NH do all day?
They spend quite a bit of time communicating with patients on the phone and in person.
This time is usually spent filling prescription orders with guidance from a Licensed Pharmacist.
Pharmacy Techs also stocks and order supplies as directed.
In addition, they update patient insurance and billing records.
Does it cost much to become a NH Pharmacy Technician?
It doesn’t have to cost much if you attend a program eligible for financial aid.
Some employers will also sometimes pay at least a portion of your tuition.
Paying out-of-pocket for a certificate program would cost you about $3,000-$5,000.
Degree programs would cost about twice that per year.
Where should I start looking for Pharmacy Technician jobs?
Just about any reputable medical center in your state probably has the need for it.
If you’re not sure where to start your search, look online near you.
If you consider relocating, you won’t feel too limited.
How do I verify I am getting the correct Pharmacy Technician training?
It’s wise to confirm it with the New Hampshire Board of Pharmacy.
Ask other students who graduated and now work too.
Contacting employers directly will also put you in the right training direction.
