Pharmacy Technician
- 12 Month
- 400 Hours
- 2,995
(Voucher Included)
Overview
Become a Pharmacy Technician
There's no shortage of pharmacies in need of skilled pharmacy technicians! This 100% online course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam and help you complete an externship with a leading pharmacy chain.
What you will learn
- The federal and state laws that govern pharmacy, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
- HIPAA requirements and their application to pharmacy.
- How to interpret physician orders and prescriptions.
- Techniques required to order, stock, package, prepare, and distribute medications.
- Definitions of medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations.
- The pharmacology of medications in relation to the anatomy affected.
- How to perform pharmaceutical calculations.
- How to process insurance billing and collect payments.
- How to communicate successfully with patients and medical professionals.
How you will benefit
- After successfully completing your course, you'll receive access to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) practice tests to help you study for your certification exam.
- Jump start your career towards working as a Pharmacy Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Health Technician/Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Records Clerk/Technician, or a Nursing Assistant.
- You will get hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module, applying what you've learned to fill mock prescriptions.
- You will have the opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 - that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!
The BLS notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.
Course Objectives
- Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
- Be fully prepared to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- Become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.
Curriculum
Orientation to Pharmacy
History, foundations and role of the pharmacy technician in today鈥檚 healthcare system
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Introduction to law, liability and federal regulations of controlled substances
Pharmaceutical Calculations
Basic, community and institutional pharmacy math to calculate dosages and dilutions
Pharmacology
The science of pharmacology, evolution of drugs and administration of pharmacological agents
Communication Skills
Verbal and non-verbal methods, HIPAA regulations
Insurance and Inventory Procedures
Cost analysis, purchasing procedures and record keeping
Lab Module
Interactive lab for the retail and hospital settings
Clinical Rotations
Virtual externship in the retail and hospital settings
Final Exam
Final comprehensive exam to qualify for externship
Instructors
Melissa Dunworth
Melissa Dunworth has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Betty Stahl
Betty Stahl holds a doctorate in pharmacy from Shenandoah University. Over the past several years, she has taught pharmacy technician programs at ASA College in New York City and ACT in Arlington, Virginia. Stahl has also worked as a pharmacist in independent and hospital settings.
Pharmacy Technicians FAQs
What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide information to patients. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, their work must be approved by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed.
Do Pharmacy Technicians need a Certification?
Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states' requirements.
How long does it take to complete a Pharmacy Technician course?
This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure.
Is a Pharmacy Technician a good career?
As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more pharmacy technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even see themselves taking on greater responsibilities in their role.
Registration Information
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.