Pharmacy Technician

This program is offered every Spring term. Applications are Currently Closed.

To apply for this program, download the information packet and follow the application steps listed on the "How to Apply" page.

Download Information Packet

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare provider who performs pharmacy-related functions, generally working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. As a pharmacy technician, you will help the pharmacist package or mix prescriptions, maintain client records, refer clients to the pharmacist for counseling, assist with inventory control and purchasing, as well as collect payments and coordinate billing. This course meets for 200 hours of in-person instruction. Students may be eligible to complete an off-site externship of 120 hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician in their state and be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareers Association (NHA) examinations.

Course Objectives

• Design a study plan that fits their learning style and personal commitments
• Assist the pharmacist in collecting, organizing, and evaluating information for direct client care, medication use review, and departmental management
• Receive and screen prescription/medication orders for completeness and authenticity
• Prepare medications for distribution
• Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians
• Distribute medications
• Assist the pharmacist in the identification of clients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices
• Initiate, verify, collect payment for, and initiate billing for pharmacy services or goods
• Purchase pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies according to an established plan
• Control the inventory of medications, equipment, and devices according to an established plan
• Assist the pharmacist in monitoring the practice site and/or service area for compliance with state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards
• Maintain the pharmacy equipment and facilities
• Assist the pharmacist in preparing, storing, and distributing investigational medication products
• Assist the pharmacist in monitoring medication therapy
• Participate in the pharmacy department’s process for preventing medication errors
• Demonstrate their skills in a lab setting
• Be aware that background checks are mandatory to become a state-registered PT
• Use communication strategies associated with quality customer service
• Draft a resume that clearly communicates their value to an employer
• Utilize networking, informational interviews, and other resources to generate job interviews
• Orally express their goals, skills, and personal qualities in a manner that makes them desirable employees
• Contrast effective communication approaches for dealing with people of various personal styles/temperaments
• Use active listening, mirroring, and parameter-setting to participate effectively in difficult conversations
• Describe and apply several strategies for managing stress on the job, at school, and at home
• Complete a PTCB examination practice test

Course Codes:

• PHRA 1001 Introduction to Pharmacy: 64 contact hours (6.4 CEUs)
• PHRA 1005 Drug Classification: 96 contact hours (9.6 CEUs)
• PHRA 1009 Pharmaceutical Mathematics I: 40 contact hours (4.0 CEUs)
• PHRA 1060 Clinical – Pharmacy Technician: 120 contact hours (12.0 CEUs)

Attendance Policy

The Pharmacy Technician program requires 85% attendance to successfully complete. Attendance will be taken at each meeting.