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Pharmacy Technician Training: Top Schools to Consider
In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medications, dosages, and treatment plans. As integral members of the healthcare team, pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals to deliver quality care to patients. With the growing demand for healthcare services and an aging population, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians is expected to continue rising.
If you’re considering a career as a pharmacy technician, one of the most important steps is to choose the right educational program. Pharmacy technician training provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this field. In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of pharmacy technician education and highlight some of the top schools and programs to consider for your training.
1. The Importance of Pharmacy Technician Education
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, including filling prescriptions, managing inventory, preparing medications, and assisting patients with over-the-counter medications. With the growing complexity of pharmaceutical practices and the advancement of healthcare technologies, pharmacy technicians must be well-trained and knowledgeable in areas such as drug interactions, dosage calculations, medical terminology, and patient safety.
While some pharmacy technicians may start their careers through on-the-job training, enrolling in a formal educational program is often the best way to gain the necessary skills and credentials. Pharmacy technician programs typically offer a combination of classroom learning and practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
a. Key Skills for Pharmacy Technicians
A pharmacy technician’s role requires a variety of technical and interpersonal skills, including:
- Pharmaceutical Knowledge: Understanding medications, their uses, side effects, and interactions is essential for patient safety.
- Attention to Detail: Pharmacy technicians must be detail-oriented to ensure that prescriptions are filled correctly and patients receive the proper dosage.
- Communication Skills: As pharmacy technicians often interact with patients and healthcare professionals, strong communication skills are crucial.
- Problem-Solving Abilities: Pharmacy technicians must be able to identify and resolve issues related to medications, prescriptions, and patient care.
- Organizational Skills: Managing inventory, keeping track of prescription records, and ensuring efficient workflow in a pharmacy requires strong organizational skills.
A well-rounded pharmacy technician program will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in these areas.
2. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pharmacy Technician School
When selecting a school for your pharmacy technician education, there are several important factors to consider:
a. Accreditation
One of the most important considerations when choosing a pharmacy technician program is accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the standards set by relevant professional organizations and regulatory bodies. In the United States, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is the primary accrediting body for pharmacy programs. Look for schools that are accredited by ACPE or other recognized accrediting organizations to ensure the program’s credibility and quality.
b. Program Length and Flexibility
Pharmacy technician programs typically vary in length, with most programs taking between 9 months to 2 years to complete. Some schools offer certificate programs, which can be completed in as little as 9 to 12 months, while others offer associate degree programs, which may take 2 years to complete. Choose a program that fits your timeline, career goals, and personal schedule.
For those who may be working or have other commitments, some schools offer online or hybrid programs, which allow for greater flexibility in completing coursework. These programs are often ideal for students who need to balance work, family, and education.
c. Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of pharmacy technician programs can vary widely depending on the school, location, and program length. Tuition fees for certificate programs may range from $1,000 to $15,000, while associate degree programs can cost upwards of $20,000 or more. Be sure to research the cost of the program and consider financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, to help offset the expenses.
d. Clinical Experience and Internship Opportunities
Hands-on training is an essential component of pharmacy technician education. Many schools offer internship or externship opportunities, where students gain real-world experience in a pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Clinical experience allows students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom and develop the practical skills necessary to perform their job duties effectively.
e. Job Placement Assistance
Another important factor to consider when choosing a pharmacy technician program is whether the school offers job placement assistance. Many schools have partnerships with local pharmacies and healthcare organizations, which can help students secure internships and, eventually, employment after graduation. Look for schools that have a strong track record of placing graduates in pharmacy technician positions.
3. Top Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs
Now that we’ve explored the key factors to consider when choosing a pharmacy technician program, let’s take a look at some of the top schools and programs offering high-quality education for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
a. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute is a well-known provider of healthcare education, offering pharmacy technician programs at several campuses across the United States, including locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. The school offers both certificate and associate degree programs in pharmacy technology. The programs provide hands-on training through clinical externships at local pharmacies, ensuring that students gain real-world experience.
Pima Medical Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and graduates are well-prepared for certification exams, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
b. University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers an online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program that provides flexible learning options for students. The program is designed to be completed in about 9 months, and students can gain the skills needed to work as a pharmacy technician in a variety of settings. The curriculum covers topics such as medication dispensing, pharmacy law, pharmacology, and drug interactions.
While the University of Phoenix does not offer in-person clinical training, the program is designed to prepare students for Pharmacy Technician Certification and allows students to complete the coursework at their own pace.
c. Keiser University
Keiser University is a private university with a strong focus on healthcare education. It offers an Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technology that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and prepares students for certification exams, such as the PTCE or ExCPT.
Keiser University offers clinical externships to students, allowing them to gain valuable experience in a real-world pharmacy setting. The program is designed to be completed in about two years and is available at Keiser University’s campuses in Florida.
d. The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)
The College of Health Care Professions offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Program that provides both classroom instruction and clinical externships. The program is available at CHCP campuses in Texas and prepares students for certification exams. The curriculum includes topics such as pharmacy law, drug classifications, patient safety, and medication therapy management.
CHCP offers both day and evening classes, allowing students to choose a schedule that works best for them. The school’s strong ties to local pharmacies and healthcare facilities help students secure internships and job placements after graduation.
e. Carrington College
Carrington College is a well-established institution that offers pharmacy technician programs at campuses across the United States, including locations in California, Nevada, and Oregon. Carrington’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program provides a well-rounded education that covers topics such as pharmacology, drug classification, dispensing medication, and patient safety. The program includes hands-on training through clinical externships at local pharmacies.
Carrington College is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and offers both certificate and associate degree options. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
f. Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute offers a Pharmacy Technician Program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful pharmacy technicians. The program is available at several campuses in Texas and offers both day and evening classes. Students receive classroom instruction in areas such as pharmacology, drug interactions, medication dispensing, and pharmaceutical calculations, along with hands-on training through externships at local pharmacies.
Southern Careers Institute offers flexible program lengths, allowing students to complete the program in as little as 9 months for the certificate program.
4. Certification and Licensure for Pharmacy Technicians
In addition to completing an accredited educational program, pharmacy technicians must often obtain certification to work in many states. Certification can be earned by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Some states may also require pharmacy technicians to be licensed, and requirements vary by state. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your state and consider programs that help prepare you for certification and licensure.
Choosing the right pharmacy technician school is an important step toward a successful career in the healthcare industry. With many excellent programs available across the country, it’s important to consider factors such as accreditation, program length, cost, clinical experience, and job placement assistance when making your decision.
By selecting a reputable school and obtaining the proper certification, you’ll be well-equipped to launch your career as a pharmacy technician and contribute to improving patient care in healthcare settings. Whether you choose an online program, a community college, or a specialized healthcare school, investing in quality education will pay off in the long run, opening doors to new job opportunities and career advancement in the growing field of pharmacy technology.