Pharmacy tech jobs in New York require exceptional attention to detail, organization, and customer service skills.
Education & Training
Completing a pharmacy tech program at a NY trade school can qualify you for higher-paying pharmacy technician jobs in New York.
How Will You Benefit from a Training Program?
PT courses are designed to help you pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Also, online courses let you control your study schedule.
How Long is Pharmacy Tech School in NY?
Many pharmacy tech students in New York complete their certificate program in about 6 months. If you attend classes part-time, you’re likely to finish in roughly 9 months or even a year.
Some students may consider enrolling in a 2-year pharmacy tech degree program, especially if they plan to further their healthcare careers and eventually become licensed pharmacists.
How Much Does it Cost?
Most students pay about $2,500 to complete their courses and obtain their certificates. If you work at a pharmacy while pursuing your certificate, your employer may reimburse you for the cost of your program.
What Do You Study?
Depending on where you enroll, your pharmacy tech program in New York may have different curriculums and course requirements. However, most institutions teach classes on:
- Basic Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Terminology
- Drug Classifications
- Medication Calculations
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Healthcare Systems
- Drug Regulation and Control
- Ethics in Pharmacy
Some schools may also teach communication classes revolving around customer service and interaction. Instructors may cover the proper methods for troubleshooting insurance claims as well.
Hands-On Training
Pharmacy techs in NY may also need to participate in internships in order to complete their educational program. Internships usually include anywhere from 80 to 120 hours of training under a licensed pharmacist and involve performing duties like:
- Stocking pharmacy shelves
- Processing and filling prescriptions
- Packaging prescriptions for delivery
- Explaining proper dosages and potential side effects to customers
Throughout the internship, pharmacists must record your work hours to ensure you meet your chosen program’s requirements. After graduation, some students may be able to get a paid position at the same pharmacy where they interned.
New York PT Requirements
In the state of New York, unlicensed pharmacy technicians may only work in non-medical settings like privately-owned or grocery store pharmacies. Those who work in these settings cannot legally perform or assist with tasks that involve measuring, weighing, compounding, or mixing ingredients for prescription medications.
NYSED Registered Pharmacy Technicians
Meanwhile, only NYSED-registered pharmacy technicians can qualify for jobs in hospital and health-system settings, such as:
- Nursing homes
- Long-term care facilities
- Narcotic addiction rehabilitation centers
- Urgent care facilities
- Home healthcare companies
- Outpatient clinics
- Hospice agencies
Certifications
To qualify for these pharmacy tech jobs in New York, you must obtain national certification through organizations like:
- The National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Those who choose to go through the NHA must take a licensing exam and pass with a particular score. If you pursue PTCB certification, you’ll need to complete the agency’s official training course to receive your license, then complete continuing education classes to keep your certification valid.
Registering Your License
Once you receive your national certification, you must register your license with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). In addition to submitting an application form, pharmacy techs must pay a $175 licensure and first registration fee.
Do Pharmacy Technicians Need a Certificate or Degree?
Although New York lacks a specific post-secondary educational requirement for pharmacy technicians, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have a pharmacy tech certificate from an accredited school.
Some pharmacies even require and pay for formal courses that supplement their workers’ on-the-job training.
Other Requirements
Most small businesses and pharmacy chains require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED.
Many employers also require pharmacy techs in NY to pass a criminal background check before they’re eligible for hire.
If there is a felony on your record, you may be unable to qualify for specific pharmacy tech jobs in New York. However, some pharmacy owners may be willing to make an exception.
Salary
How Much Can You Make?
While the average pharmacy tech salary in New York State is about $43,760, you might make more or less than that, depending on the region you live in.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $19.28 | $40,100 |
| Binghamton | $18.57 | $38,620 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $18.86 | $39,220 |
| Capital/Northern New York | $18.91 | $39,340 |
| Central East New York | $19.26 | $40,060 |
| Elmira | $18.13 | $37,710 |
| Glens Falls | $18.47 | $38,410 |
| Ithaca | $18.88 | $39,260 |
| Kingston | $19.04 | $39,600 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $21.58 | $44,890 |
| Rochester | $18.70 | $38,890 |
| Southwest New York | $18.94 | $39,400 |
| Syracuse | $19.37 | $40,280 |
| Utica-Rome | $18.02 | $37,480 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $17.80 | $37,010 |
Occupation:Pharmacy Technicians(SOC Code292052)
source: data.bls.gov
Over time, employers may offer you performance-based raises and promotions that increase your annual wages. As a result, you may be able to earn closer to $50k per year once you have more experience.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
Pharmacy techs in NY work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Professionals in this role are primarily responsible for helping pharmacists fill prescriptions.
Job Duties
Licensed techs retrieve, count, weigh, pour, measure, or even mix medications while preparing each customer’s order. A pharmacy technician must also check each prescription before sending it out to ensure accuracy.
Other duties for New York pharmacy techs include:
- Taking inventory
- Stocking product shelves
- Assisting customers on the sales floor
- Running the cash register
What Employers in New York Are Seeking in Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians in New York play a vital role in the healthcare system, with employers seeking individuals who possess a blend of technical skills, attention to detail, and customer service expertise. Across the state, major healthcare organizations, specialty pharmacies, and retail chains are hiring pharmacy technicians to support inpatient and outpatient services, assist in medication preparation, and ensure regulatory compliance. Based on job listings from employers such as NYC Health + Hospitals, Shields Health Solutions, OnPoint Pharmacy, and Navits Partners, several key qualifications, skills, and responsibilities emerge.
Essential Qualifications and Certifications
Most employers in New York require pharmacy technicians to meet the following baseline qualifications:
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is a common minimum requirement.
- Certification: While some entry-level positions do not require certification, most reputable employers strongly prefer or require candidates to be Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Licensing: Effective April 2021, New York mandates that all new pharmacy technicians be licensed with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). This is a key credential for both inpatient and outpatient roles.
- Experience: Though entry-level roles may accept candidates with minimal experience, employers like Shields Health Solutions and Winston Medical Staffing prioritize applicants with 2-5 years of experience. Specialty and hospital pharmacy positions often require prior experience in compounding, inventory management, and familiarity with automated dispensing systems (e.g., Pyxis or Omnicell).
Core Responsibilities
The job descriptions highlight a consistent set of technical and administrative duties expected of pharmacy technicians in New York:
1. Medication Preparation and Dispensing
- Preparing and labeling prescriptions for pharmacist verification.
- Compounding medications (combining, diluting, or mixing substances) under the supervision of a pharmacist, a requirement particularly emphasized by NYC Health + Hospitals.
- Retrieving and restocking medication, including controlled substances, while maintaining strict accuracy and documentation protocols.
2. Inventory Management and Quality Control
- Performing regular inventory checks, including identifying expired medications.
- Restocking and maintaining automated dispensing systems (e.g., Pyxis cabinets) and performing medication reconciliations.
- Managing narcotics and ensuring accurate tracking, as seen in roles at NYC Health + Hospitals.
3. Patient Interaction and Customer Service
- Fielding patient inquiries and providing customer support, particularly in retail and specialty pharmacy settings like OnPoint Pharmacy.
- Educating patients on medication usage and offering support with refills and insurance claims.
- Delivering prescriptions directly to patients in inpatient settings, often with direct pharmacist oversight.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
- Adhering to New York State and federal pharmacy regulations.
- Maintaining accurate patient records, medication logs, and ensuring proper labeling.
- Participating in quality assurance (QA) and performance improvement (PI) initiatives.
Top Employers Hiring in New York
Several major healthcare providers and pharmacies in New York are actively recruiting pharmacy technicians, each with unique expectations:
- NYC Health + Hospitals
- Offers positions in both inpatient and outpatient settings, requiring technicians to assist in trauma centers, specialty clinics, and hospital pharmacies.
- Focuses on advanced skills such as compounding, narcotics handling, and using automated systems (e.g., Pyxis).
- Provides competitive pay (~$57,893 annually) with extensive benefits, including health insurance, pension plans, and loan forgiveness programs.
- Shields Health Solutions
- Specializes in specialty pharmacy services, requiring technicians to have expertise in complex medication regimens.
- Offers higher salary ranges ($64,350 – $70,000 annually) with benefits starting from day one.
- Prefers candidates with 2-5 years of experience, making it ideal for mid-level technicians.
- OnPoint Pharmacy
- A retail pharmacy focused on combining modern digital pharmacy services with a personalized, community-oriented approach.
- Technicians handle customer service and medication fulfillment, with an emphasis on efficiency and accuracy.
- Pay ranges from $18 – $24 per hour, making it a solid option for entry- to mid-level technicians.
- Navits Partners at SUNY Upstate Medical University
- Hires entry-level technicians for hospital pharmacy settings in Syracuse, NY.
- Duties include stocking, labeling, and assisting pharmacists, with opportunities for skill development in a clinical setting.
- Offers pay of $1,800 – $2,300 per week, making it a lucrative option for entry-level technicians.
Crossover into Other Disciplines
Pharmacy technician roles in New York frequently involve crossover into other healthcare disciplines, expanding the skill set and career opportunities:
- Cardiology and Internal Medicine: At institutions like NYC Health + Hospitals, pharmacy technicians work alongside cardiology teams to manage medications for cardiac patients.
- Long-Term and Senior Care: Companies such as PharMerica specialize in serving senior living facilities, requiring technicians to collaborate with nursing and administrative staff.
- Technology and Data Management: Pharmacy technicians at companies like BrightSpring Health Services handle data entry, insurance claims processing, and use multiple healthcare software platforms.
- Compounding and Specialty Services: Specialty pharmacies (e.g., Shields Health Solutions) involve technicians in the preparation of complex medication regimens for chronic and rare diseases.
Key Takeaways for Pharmacy Technicians in NY
Employers in New York seek pharmacy technicians who bring accuracy, technical skills, and customer service expertise to their roles. The field offers diverse opportunities in hospital, specialty, and retail pharmacy settings, with significant crossover into healthcare technology, patient services, and clinical disciplines. With competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a growing demand for certified professionals, the pharmacy technician career path in New York is both promising and dynamic.