Are you looking for where to study pharmacy technician courses?

Pharmacy technician programs are educational courses that prepare individuals to work as technicians in a pharmacy setting. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Students learn about drug classifications, dosage calculations, pharmacy law, and ethics.

Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools Near Me

Upon completing a pharmacy technician program, graduates are often eligible to take a certification exam to become certified pharmacy technicians.

Some programs may also provide opportunities for externship or on-the-job training. The program duration is usually around three months to 12 months, and the requirements to enroll in the program vary across the state.

There are also pharm tech programs you can complete online.

  • Program Length

Duration of Pharmacy technician programs varies, with some taking as little as six months to complete and others taking up to two years. The length of the program will depend on the type of program and whether it is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Certificate programs are designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills needed to begin working as a pharmacy technician and usually take six months.

Diploma programs are more comprehensive than a certificate program, include more in-depth coverage of the subjects, and typically take around 12 months.

An associate degree program is the most comprehensive, includes more advanced coursework and usually takes two years to complete.

These programs are often recommended for students who want to pursue a pharmacist career and include general education requirements such as math, science, and English.

Additionally, some programs are offered part-time, which usually takes longer to complete than full-time programs and may be terminated at a slower pace.

  • Curriculum

Pharmacy technician programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field through classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Classroom instruction covers the theoretical aspects of the field, while hands-on training allows students to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.

The curriculum of these programs typically includes subjects such as anatomy and psychiatry, pharmacology, medical terminology, and pharmacy law and ethics.

These subjects give students a basic understanding of the human body and its systems, the properties and uses of drugs, and pharmacy technicians’ legal and ethical responsibilities.

In addition, students receive training in the use of pharmacy software and other technology used in the industry, which prepares them for the responsibilities they will face in the workplace.

This approach allows students to understand the field comprehensively and prepares them for the responsibilities they will face in the workplace.

  • Certification and Licensure

Certification and licensure are essential for pharmacy technicians to work in the field.

Upon completion of a pharmacy technician program, graduates may be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcare Association (NHA) offer these exams. Passing these exams demonstrates that the technician has the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a pharmacy technician.

Certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years by completing 20 hours of continuing education and passing the PTCB’s recertification exam.

Licensure is also required for pharmacy technicians to work in certain states.

Requirements for licensure vary by state but generally include passing the PTCE or ExCPT and completing any continuing education requirements.

Additionally, some states may require pharmacy technicians to register with the state pharmacy board.

It is important to note that certification and licensure requirements may vary by state and employer, so it is essential to check with your state pharmacy board and potential employer to determine the specific requirements for your area.

  • Career Outlook

The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a good career choice for those interested in the healthcare industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Several factors, including an aging population and an increase in the use of prescription drugs, drive this growth.

An aging population means that more people are living longer and have more chronic health conditions requiring ongoing medication management.

As a result, there is an increased demand for pharmacy technicians to assist pharmacists in dispensing medication and providing customer service in retail and hospital settings.

Additionally, an increase in the use of prescription drugs means that more people are using medicine to manage their health, leading to more demand for pharmacy technicians to assist with dispensing and managing these medications.

  • More Details.

Furthermore, with the increasing adoption of technology in the healthcare industry, pharmacy technicians must be proficient in using pharmacy software and other technology used in the industry.

This makes the role of pharmacy technicians even more vital in today’s healthcare system.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of the healthcare system and the role that pharmacy technicians play in it.

The pandemic has led to an increase in demand for healthcare services and an increase in the need for medication management.

This has further highlighted the need for skilled pharmacy technicians to assist in providing these services. In conclusion, pharmacy technician programs provide students with the education and training needed to become successful in this field.

Graduates of these programs may be eligible to take certification exams and may have excellent career prospects in the growing healthcare industry.

Pharmacy Tech Program: Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for pharmacy technician programs vary depending on the school or institution. However, most programs generally require a high school diploma or GED; some may require a certain GPA.

Some programs also require applicants to have completed specific prerequisite coursework, such as math and science classes.

Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have prior work experience in the healthcare field. Some institutions may require applicants to pass a background check and drug test before enrollment.

It is essential to check with individual institutions for specific admission requirements.

Pharmacy technician programs are an excellent way for individuals to enter the pharmacy field and become essential to a healthcare team.

These programs typically provide students with the knowledge and skills to assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing prescriptions.

SEE: Cost of Pharm Tech Schools

Graduates of pharmacy technician programs are in high demand and can find employment in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

Overall, pharmacy technician programs are a valuable investment for those looking to start a career in the healthcare industry.