If you want to work in the fast-growing healthcare field, becoming a pharmacy technician is a great choice. Pharmacy technicians are becoming more prevalent in the healthcare industry and are in high demand. Aspiring pharmacy technicians can now earn their degrees online, giving them the flexibility they need to advance their careers while also balancing their other commitments. Furthermore, pharmacy technician school online provides training programs that will equip you with the necessary skills to achieve your objectives without the need for a four-year college degree.
You don’t have to be concerned about where to begin; we’ve included all of the information you’ll need in this article to learn how to become a pharmacy technician. Not only that, but we’ll connect you with the best pharmacy technician school online on the planet. You may choose the option that best meets your needs. The table below will assist you in navigating the various options.
Why do you want to be a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians have licensed health care professionals who perform pharmacy-related tasks in collaboration with a licensed pharmacist. Their job entails dispensing the correct medication to their patients, and they must be familiar with their pharmacy’s inventory in order to treat their patients. Pharmacy technicians are true professionals who work in the medical field. They provide an extremely important service to the people in their communities in addition to providing healthcare to patients.
A career as a Pharmacy Technician is both financially and personally rewarding. In fact, in the United States of America According to the Department of Labor, the number of Pharmacy Technician jobs will grow in the coming years.
How Do I Go About Becoming a Pharmacy Technician?
Being a Pharmacy Technician is a relatively simple and straightforward process. Before enrolling in any program, whether online or on-campus, make sure you check references. Follow the steps below to learn how to become a pharmacy technician.
- Obtain formal training from a recognized institution.
- Prior to employment, complete an externship and gain clinical experience.
- Obtain certification from a reputable pharmacy and health standards organization.
How Much Does It Cost to Enroll in An Pharmacy Technician School Online?
Enrolling in an online pharmacy technician program has a wide range of costs. State residency is one of the factors that determine the cost; students who live in the same state as their school will often pay less in tuition than out-of-state students. Some schools, on the other hand, charge flat tuition for all online students, regardless of residency. The cost of an online degree is also influenced by technology fees. The online pharmacy technician certification typically costs $100 to $200 per credit and takes 5 to 24 months to complete.
How Long Does It Take to Finish Pharmacy Technician School Online?
The duration of a Pharmacy Technician program varies by school. Most certificate programs are 18 to 50 credit hours long and take up to two years to complete. Accelerated programs, on the other hand, allow students to graduate in as little as three months if they study full-time. In most cases, the amount of time it takes students to graduate is determined by their availability. Online pharmacy technician schools, on the other hand, meet or exceed the training requirements for both the PTCB and NHA exams.
What Online Pharmacy Technician Programs Are Available?
To meet the diverse needs of their students, online pharmacy technician schools offer a variety of programs. It assists prospective students in becoming familiar with the programs available and ensuring that they select the option that best suits their career goals. Let’s look at the specifics of the three most popular program options.
1. Career Diploma
Online career diplomas from vocational schools and community colleges can be completed in a year or less. Community colleges are public institutions with tuition that is generally lower for in-state students. In most cases, pharmacy technician career diploma programs combine classroom instruction with supervised training by a licensed pharmacist. These programs teach students how to manage and update patient records, comprehend medical terminology, and assist pharmacists with office duties. Externships may be available at community hospitals or retail pharmacies in the area.
2. Associates
General education courses not found in diploma programs make up associate degree programs. Community colleges offer associate degree programs as well as diploma programs to prepare students for careers as pharmacy technicians. For in-state residents, community college tuition is less expensive and may be a better financial option. Tuition varies by program, so it’s important to do your homework before committing to one. The majority of associate degree programs include 90 credit hours of general education and pharmacy technician courses.
Students may be required to meet math or science prerequisites before beginning their associate degree program, so prospective students should learn what is expected of them ahead of time.
3. Continuing Education
Pharmacy technicians maintain competency and improve their professional skills through continuing pharmacy education (CPE). CPE is required to renew certification in most states because pharmacy technicians are required to be certified. The requirements for certification or license renewal are set by each State Board.
What Are the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools Online?
The following is a list of the best pharmacy technician schools available on the internet. These schools provide certificate and associate degree programs that prepare students for the PTCE exam as well as professional practice skills. Our selection criteria include school awards, rankings, and reputation, as well as the quality and range of courses offered. We gathered information from reputable sources, including testimonials, interviews, and direct contact with individual schools.
The schools are listed below; you must read on to learn more about the various degree programs offered, tuition information, and program options for these schools.
1. North Dakota State College of Science
North Dakota State College of Science is a highly regarded online pharmacy technician program. It is a public university with Higher Learning Commission regional accreditation. NDSCS offers an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology that equips students with the technical and management skills required for entry-level positions in pharmacy-related fields. Pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical calculations, a chemical/physical pharmacy lab, and a pharmacy practice orientation are all required courses.
You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate to be eligible for this program.
2. Vincennes University
Vincennes University is a public university with Higher Learning Commission regional accreditation. The associate degree in pharmacy technology offered by VC prepares students for entry-level positions in hospitals and retail pharmacies. Medical terminology for allied health and pharmacology are covered in class, as well as in a dispensing lab. For placement purposes, the application requires the ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, or another VU-approved exam. Students who hold an Indiana University health pharmacy technology certificate are automatically accepted into this associate program.
3. Casper College
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Casper College regional accreditation and it offers an online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program. A skills-based curriculum is taught by experienced instructors in the school program. Medical terminology, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy experiential training, and pharmacy law and ethics are among the topics covered in class. A high school diploma or a GED certificate is required for admission.
A 2.0 high school GPA is required, as well as a “C” or better in certain prerequisite classes. Before they can participate in clinical experiences, students must also pass a background check and a drug test.
4. Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is a public college that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school offers an associate of applied science in pharmacy technology and is located in Matthews, North Carolina. Hospital pharmacy, professional issues, a survey of medical terminology, and sterile products are among the major courses offered in the program. You must submit your high school transcripts as well as a separate pharmacy technology application form to be considered for admission.
5. State Fair Community College
State Fair Community College, located in Sedalia, Missouri, offers one of the best pharmacy technician programs. The Higher Learning Commission has granted SFCC regional accreditation and it offers an online associate of applied science in healthcare specialists with a pharmacy technician emphasis. Microbiology, microcomputer applications, human physiology labs, and sociology are all covered in class. Students must also take public speaking, business communication, US history, and American government as part of their general education requirements.
6. Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College is a state-run institution. A pharmacy technician certification can be earned in three semesters of full-time study. HCC offers entirely online courses, but students must attend an on-campus lab each semester they are enrolled in the program. Throughout the program, students will learn theory, gain hands-on experience, and work in clinical settings. A Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is one of the requirements for applicants (PTCE). Students can apply for a variety of institutional scholarships to help pay for their certificate program.
7. Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, Wisconsin is the location. For people who are currently working as pharmacy technicians or in a closely related field, Lakeshore Technical College offers a pharmacy technician program. It’s a 17-credit program that gives students hands-on experience, a better understanding of technician theory, and preparation for the national certification exam. In some cases, students may be required to complete lab-based coursework in person.
8. University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public university with Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities regional accreditation. An online pharmacy tech occupational endorsement certificate is available from UAA. Students will be prepared to take the national pharmacy technician certification board examination after completing the program. The program’s curriculum includes core concepts such as pharmacology for technicians, pharmacy practice techniques, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy topics.
A high school diploma or a GED certificate is required for admission. Applicants must also demonstrate math, English, typing, and computer technology skills.
9. Barton County Community College
Are you interested in learning how to assist pharmacists in hospital and retail pharmacies? If you answered yes, Barton County Community College is the right place for you. BCC is a public school in Great Bend, Kansas, with regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. A two-semester pharmacy technician certificate is offered by Barton County. Pharmacy calculations, pharmacy operations, customer service, and pharmacy technician topics are covered in this program. Students can sit for the pharmacy technician certification board exam or the exam for pharmacy technician certification after completing the program.
10. Southwestern Oregon Community College
Coos Bay, Oregon’s Southwestern Oregon Community College is a public institution. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has regionally accredited the college, which offers a certificate in pharmacy technology. This program’s coursework includes pharmacology, pharmacy records management, and organizational human relations. To graduate, students must complete 51 credits with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Placement exams in math, writing, and reading are part of the application process. Students must also submit to a criminal background check and drug testing.
As a pharmacy technician, where can I find work?
Pharmacy technicians are critical to any pharmacy, nursing home, or hospital’s daily operations. They work in a variety of settings, and their responsibilities differ depending on the setting. Dental assistants, medical assistants, medical transcriptionists, and a variety of other positions are available to Pharmacy Technicians.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Make?
The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $31,750, according to the most recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Manual. Your pay may rise depending on where you work, as rates in outpatient services and hospitals may be higher than in supermarkets or pharmacies. A Pharmacy Technician with experience can earn up to $32,700 per year.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. More demand for pharmaceutical services will result from increased demand for prescription medications.
Other Pharmacy Technician School Online
1. Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Central Louisiana University offers a pharmacy technician certificate program that is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. By completing two semesters of 29 credit hours of coursework, students can complete the certificate in as little as nine months. Students will work with preceptors from various sites, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and community sites, to fulfill the clinical certification requirements. The program curriculum includes classroom, lab, and supervised clinical externships.
Introduction to computers, pharmacy technician fundamentals, pharmacology, and pharmacy technician professionalism are all covered in this course. CLTCC also offers state and federal financial aid, as well as a number of scholarships to deserving students.
12. Altierus Career College
If you want to get into the pharmacy field quickly, Altierus Career College is the place to start. The school offers a flexible 8-month pharmacy technician program in which students can take classes three days a week, either online or on campus. General courses in health care, pharmacy ethics, pharmacology, pharmacy operations in retail and hospital settings, and medical calculations are available to students. The program also includes a clinical externship where students can apply what they’ve learned in class.
The intriguing part is that the school offers individualized academic support in the form of coaching, interview preparation, and job search assistance. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has granted Altierus accreditation (ACCSC). Altierus provides financial aid in the form of scholarships to qualified students in addition to the course curriculum.
3. North Seattle College
North Seattle College is another well-known online pharmacy technician school. The program is 53 credit hours long and takes nine months to complete. Students who have completed introductory math and English courses can enroll in this program to jumpstart their careers in pharmacy quickly. North Seattle’s pharmacy tech program includes hands-on externship experiences that often lead to a full-time position with the externship site after graduation. The coursework leads to the national certifications required to work as a pharmacy technician in the United States.
The school has a graduation rate of 99.6%. The Washington State Board of Pharmacy and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists have both accredited the North Seattle certificate program (ASHP).
4. Pickens Technical College
Pickens Technical College is one of the best pharmacy technician schools in the country. The school offers an online pharmacy technology certificate. The Council on Occupational Education has accredited Pickens Tech, which prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technical Certificate Board Exam at the end of the program. Students can apply for a variety of scholarships and other forms of financial aid at the school. Pickens, on the other hand, does not provide student loans.
Pickens Tech pharmacy technology students can continue their general education courses and fulfill other requirements at the Community College of Aurora to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or an Associate of General Studies degree in pharmacy technology.
5. University of Montana
One of the best pharmacy tech online schools is the University of Montana. A Certificate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology is offered by UM, which is accredited. The program includes both online and hands-on learning opportunities in UM-River Missoula’s Campus pharmacy lab. In addition to coursework, UM-Missoula offers a variety of student support services, such as an academic advising center and workshops to help students improve their study skills and learning strategies.
Students can also receive financial assistance in the form of scholarships to help pay for their pharmacy technology certificate program. You must demonstrate college-level writing, math, and computer skills to be admitted to UM-Missoula.
6. Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers one of the most competitive pharmacy technician programs in the country. Students who earn the Pharmacy Technician Certificate can complete at least half of their requirements online. After that, pharmacy technician certificate holders who want to be licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy can take the national certification exam. It’s a 25-credit-hour certificate that includes both synchronous and asynchronous courses in human biology, medical technology, and psychology.
In addition, 135 hours of externship experience at a local pharmacy are required as part of the program. This course, plus the externship, takes two semesters to complete. This program requires students to have a GED or a high school diploma.
7. Allen County Community College
Allen County Community College offers an online Associate in Applied Science for Pharmacy Technician program. The program includes specific pharmacy technician classes, as well as general education and health science classes, to prepare students for a career as entry-level pharmacists. The 60-credit-hour program includes a technical internship or a pharmacy topics class, as well as a variety of business, computer, and communications courses to round out the education. Special topics classes, such as Natural Healing with Herbs and Hot Topics in Women’s Health, are available as part of the course.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a pharmacy technician is a fantastic decision. However, before enrolling in any program leading to a career in this field, there are a number of things to consider. In this article, we’ve highlighted a number of Pharmacy Technician programs, particularly for those considering a distance-learning option. Select the options that best meet your needs; they will assist you in pursuing a variety of job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the program, it could take anywhere from 5 to 24 months.
Yes, you certainly can. Many schools offer a mix of on-campus and online courses, while others only offer online programs in pharmaceutical technology.
A 2.0 GPA is required.
Yes. To meet this demand, online pharmacy technician programs have been developed.
There is no such thing as the best online pharmacy school. Each online program has its own curriculum and admissions requirements. Selecting an accredited, degree-granting program that fits your budget and interests is critical.
COPYRIGHT WARNING! Contents on this website may not be republished, reproduced, redistributed either in whole or in part without due permission or acknowledgment. All contents are protected by DMCA.
The content on this site is posted with good intentions. If you own this content & believe your copyright was violated or infringed, make sure you contact us at [xscholarshipc(@)gmail(dot)com] and actions will be taken immediately.
