Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Program

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in RI

Here at Stepful, we have a 4-Month Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician program that prepares you to take the NHA CPhT certification exam. We offer career coaching plus an optional in-person externship around Rhode Island.

Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.
  • 4-Month Online RI Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment

  • Now Enrolling in Rhode Island!

Stepful graduates were hired at

 

Get Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Online While in RI

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career by becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) in Rhode Island, Stepful’s online pharmacy technician program can help you achieve your goals.

Our Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) & National Healthcareer Association (NHA) approved program prepares you to earn your CPhT certification online, perform all the duties of pharmacy technicians, and find a job near you in Rhode Island after graduation.

Our Rhode Island pharmacy technician classes take 4 months to complete and cover essential topics such as pharmacology, prescriptions, pharmacy calculations, and more.

At Stepful, it's not just about getting certified; we are here to help students gain real world experience and land full time jobs. The Stepful staff is here to support you at every stage of the journey. From career preparedness to help finding an in-person externship*, we're here to help you launch your career in healthcare.
*Please note, students must be available M-F, 9-5 p.m. to be eligible for externship support.

4 months of online training
130 clinical hours
PTCB CPhT & NHA CPhT Certification Prep
75%
NHA Certification Pass Rate
+12 Points Above the National Average
Apply Now
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How to Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island

To begin your career as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, it’s essential to follow the guidelines set by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy. This ensures you meet all necessary requirements for patient support and prescription drug safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide to becoming a certified pharmacy technician:
1

Graduate from High School or Complete Your GED

To work as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, you must meet the age requirements of 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and have experience in the field.

2

Enroll in and Complete a Pharmacy Technician Course

Candidates in Rhode Island must complete a state-approved training program, which can include passing the PTCB or ExCPT exam or receiving on-the-job training provided by a pharmacy. Completing a structured pharmacy technician course not only enhances your understanding of job responsibilities but also ensures patient safety through proper medication handling and regulatory compliance.

Stepful’s pharmacy technician training program covers essential topics required for national certification exams. Our program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring high-quality education and industry recognition.

3

Complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship

Many employers require candidates to have some practical experience. At Stepful, our externships are a part of our curriculum and mandatory. Externships allow students to gain real experience under a pharmacist while developing skills for their new career. Stepful’s career coaches will help you find a local healthcare facility near you.

4

Pass Your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam

Rhode Island doesn’t require pharmacy technicians to become certified, although it makes you more competitive when you obtain your certification. The two most common exams include the  Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association

These certifications demonstrate competency and safety, which is a plus when you're job searching.

Students who enrolled in our online pharmacy technician course have a 75% pass rate. After passing your exam, you can register with the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy for your license.

5

Search for Jobs

As a licensed pharmacy technician in Rhode Island, you can begin a fulfilling career that makes a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in healthcare, ensuring accurate medication dispensing and assisting pharmacists in various settings.

You can also check out local pharmacies such as Seaside Pharmacy, Walgreens, or Chapel Pharmacy. Stepful can also help you find the right job for you. Our career coaches will assist you with interviews and resume tips.

Apply Now
  • Get Hired as a Pharmacy Technician

    Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Rhode Island.

  • Pharmacy Tech Classes that Fit your Life

    Our Rhode Island pharmacy technician course is completely online and includes an optional in-person externship in RI. Part-time and evening classes are available.

  • Supportive Community

    We’re there for you every step of the way. Your instructor, coach, and peers will do whatever they can to help you succeed.
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It works

80% of graduates are employed as medical assistants within 3 months of graduation

Graduate our online medical assistant training program & find jobs at top healthcare companies—just like Stepful’s alumni.
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Monique
New Jersey, New Jersey
The reason I joined Stepful is to pursue my life-long dream of working in the medical field. And they made it happen!
Imani
Brooklyn, New York
This is the first time someone invests in me. Thank you Stepful for the leap of faith.
Juan
Queens, New York
Thank you Stepful for helping me land my dream job as a Medical Assistant in a Doctor's office. I wouldn’t have made it without you.
Jianee
Bronx, New York
Amazing school! Great learning environment! It allows you to apply your skills into the medical field.

Pharmacy Technician Classes at Your Own Schedule in Rhode Island

Learn online, part-time, and at your own schedule while in RI. Morning & evening classes are available. Get 1:1 support from enrollment to employment.

4 Months

Program length

Part Time

Morning & Evening Classes

$42,360

Average starting salary

NHA-CPhT

Certification

Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program has received accreditation by ASHP! American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only nationally-recognized pharmacy association that accredits pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. ASHP accreditation represents formal recognition of the high quality of services and care provided by Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program.

What you'll learn

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Weeks 1-4

Learn the foundational healthcare knowledge you need to become a well-rounded pharmacy technician and start diving into pharmacy practice.

Weeks 5-9

Master the ins and outs of pharmacology and get hands-on with pharmacy calculations and prescription medications.

Weeks 10-14

Prepare for your certification exam and work with your Stepful coordinator to find a clinical externship at a convenient location.

Weeks 15-20

Apply everything you learned online and earn clinical hours in a pharmacy setting. Our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search.

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Course
Schedule & Upcoming Classes

Start Date
Graduation Date
Timing
Status

Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island: Certification & Licensing

Rhode Island differs from many states in that certification is not required to work as a pharmacy technician. However, obtaining national certification can enhance job opportunities and demonstrate a higher level of expertise.
1

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements

Although not mandatory, obtaining national certification from organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can improve employment prospects, increase earning potential, and provide greater job security.

The Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy serves as a valuable resource for pharmacy technicians, whether they choose to pursue certification or not. It provides information on regulations, continuing education, and best practices to ensure safe and effective pharmacy operations.

2

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician License Requirements

In Rhode Island, pharmacy technicians are an essential part of assisting pharmacists and ensuring medication handling is done efficiently. The scope of practice and job responsibilities for pharmacy technicians are regulated by the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy.

Continuing education is not required by the State Board of Pharmacy but is required to maintain PTCB national certification.

Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician Scope of Practice & Common Responsibilities

Rhode Island has a code of conduct that pharmacy technicians must follow to maintain employment. The Rhode Island Department of Health provides more information about licensing and renewals.

What Pharmacy Technicians Cannot Do in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, pharmacy technicians play a vital part in medication safety. Pharmacy technicians cannot perform the following:

  • Counseling patients
  • Taking verbal prescription orders from other providers 
  • Interpreting prescriptions
  • Making clinical decisions 
  • Verifying medications 

What Pharmacy Technicians Can Do in Rhode Island

Pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island, under the direct supervision of pharmacists, can perform the following tasks:

  • Pouring prescriptions into their appropriate medication bottles
  • Retrieving patient information
  • Creating prescription labels
  • Inventory management
  • Processing payments
  • Patient safety
  • Assisting with administrative tasks

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in Rhode Island

Salary: $42,360/yr

Average salary in Rhode Island

Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Nationwide from 2023 to 2033

Local # of Jobs: 1,590

As of May 2023

In Rhode Island, pharmacy technicians earn an average annual salary of $42,360. Becoming a certified pharmacy technician can improve your job prospects and increase your earning potential. 

With over 1,590 pharmacy technicians currently employed in the state, there are numerous opportunities in settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and mail-order pharmacies, where technicians play a crucial role in patient care.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, offering job stability and career advancement opportunities. Many positions provide flexible scheduling, including weekends off or part-time hours.

Professional Organizations for Pharmacy Technicians in Rhode Island

Professional organizations for pharmacy technicians provide resources, membership discounts, and networking opportunities. Pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island can boost their knowledge by joining these organizations. Those include:

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Pay
with a loan
$166*
per month for 12 months
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $166* per month.
Pay
as you go
$249*
every 2 weeks over 8 payments
Pay $59 to secure your spot now.

Once the class starts, you will pay $249 every two weeks over 8 payments.
0% interest

Resources for Aspiring
Pharmacy Technicians

Pharmacy Technician Program FAQs

What is Stepful?

Stepful provides online training for healthcare careers, including pharmacy technicians. We are on a mission to create economic opportunity for 1 million job seekers in healthcare.

What is included in Stepful’s Rhode Island pharmacy technician program tuition?
Tuition includes online instructor-led Zoom classes, clinical sessions, PTCB & NHA certification exam prep, dedicated 1:1 coaching and job support services. Exam fees are not included in your tuition.
What is the refund policy?
A student who cancels before the first week of class receives a refund with tuition paid to date with the exception of the $59 non-refundable registration fee. Thereafter, the student who cancels receives a prorated refund.
What are the requirements to enroll in your Rhode Island pharmacy technician training program?
You need a copy of your high school diploma or GED and a stable internet connection.
What pharmacy technician certifications do you prepare me for?
Our classes prepare you to test for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (CPhT). You will also be prepared to take the National Healthcareer Association's Certified Pharmacy Technician exam (ExCPT).
Is the program online or in-person?

The Pharmacy Technician program is 100% online and is followed by a 130-hour, in-person, unpaid clinical externship near you around Rhode Island. Stepful has partnerships with pharmacies across the nation and will do its best to find a convenient location for you.

Do you help graduates find a job?

Yes! After you pass the certification exam and complete your in-person externship, our experienced coaches will help polish your resume, prepare you for interviews, and support you in your full-time job search in Rhode Island.

Do you have a partnership with the National Healthcareer Association?
Yes! Our program is recognized by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), a leading credentialing organization in the healthcare industry. Our status as an NHA-Recognized Education/Training Program ensures your full preparation for the NHA Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT) exam.
What tuition payment options are available?
Students have the options to pay upfront or in installments with a flexible payment plan. Stepful offers partial scholarships, reach out to our admissions team for more information.

FAQs About Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Rhode Island

What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island?

The median salary for pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island is $42,360 per year or $20.37 per hour.

Here is a full list of pharmacy technician salaries in Rhode Island cities:

  • Providence-Warwick,  RI-MA – $40,840 ($19.63)
How do pharmacy technician salaries in Rhode Island stack up to other locations?

The median pharmacy technician salary nationally is $37,790. Pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island make slightly more than that at $42,360.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island?
Pharmacy technician jobs are projected to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032 nationwide. This is slightly higher than the national average of 5% but lower than other health technologists and technician jobs (7%).
What are the education requirements for pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy issues two kinds of pharmacy tech licenses: Tech I and Tech II. Tech I requires training by a licensed pharmacist and Tech II requires passage of PCTB or ExCPT exams.
Do I need a license to work as a pharmacy technician in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island recently changed its laws to require pharmacy technicians to be licensed to work in the state. There are two types of pharmacy technician licenses, pharmacy technician 1 requires only registration with the state, and pharmacy technician 2 requires certification through the PTBC. Each of these types of pharmacy technicians has different roles and responsibilities.
Where can a pharmacy technician work in Rhode Island?

Pharmacy technicians in Rhode Island typically work in retail pharmacies and pharmacies in hospitals. Nationally, around 52% of pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies and drug retailers while 16% work in hospitals.

Your new Pharmacy Technician career starts here

Get 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment
Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
Program Currently Not Available in This Region.
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  • 4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course

  • Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate

  • 100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship

  • Job Interview Prep and Resume Services

  • 1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment