Program Overview

Pharmacy Technician Certification Prep

This 100% online pharmacy technician course will prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The course includes exam voucher and helps students understand how to assist pharmacists in packing and distributing medication. Students will obtain hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module.

Course Overview

Pharmacy technician training covers the ethics of pharmacy practice, education about prescription medications, patient care and interaction, and charges and reimbursement. Students will also have the option to perform a hands-on, 100-hour Clinical Experience. Clinical Experiences are based on individual state board requirements.

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 6% through 2032, faster than the average rate for all other professions. The BLS notes that the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $40,300, with the top 10% earning more than $57,000.

Pharmacy Technicians FAQs

• What is a pharmacy technician? Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution, and provide information to patients.
• Do pharmacy technicians need certification? Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration, or licensure.
• How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician course? Pharmacy technician training can be completed in one year or less.
• 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.

Course Objectives

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy technician role
• Understand pharmacy regulations and standards
• Gain practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures
• Learn about medication storage guidelines and quality assurance procedures
• Develop essential skills for success as a pharmacy technician
• Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)'s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

Prerequisites

To register for this course, students must be 18 years of age or older and have:

• Proficiency in keyboarding (approximately 35 words per minute)
• A basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended)
• A command of English grammar and punctuation
• A basic understanding of high school math

Certification Requirements

• Reside in the United States of America or its territories
• Completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent Practicum Experience
• Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
• Compliance with all applicable PTCB Certification policies
• Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

State Requirements

Students must ensure that the Pharmacy Technician course meets their state's requirements. This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Clinical Experience Requirements

To qualify for the Clinical Experience, students will need to meet certain requirements, including:

• Passing a drug screening test
• Obtaining professional liability insurance
• Completing a background check and employment verification
• Meeting current immunization standards
• Conforming with state mandates such as registration, fingerprinting, licensing, etc.

Instructors

The course instructors are:

• Carline Dalgleish
• Sharon L. Blackford
• Stacey O'Brien
• Leahnata Davis
• Kate Moura Dos Santos
• Alexis M. Ramirez
• Mary Mould
• Melissa Dunworth
• Betty Stahl
• Lorraine Zentz

Instructor Interaction

The instructor will interact with students in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions about the course content.