Workbook for Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

by Nancy Saffer

n  the  past,  a  pharmacist probably filled the prescrip­tions you ordered. Today, although  pharmacists   are   on duty wherever medications are dispensed, a pharmacy techni­cian or pharmacy assistant of­ten does most of the work in pre­paring and selling prescriptions.

The role of pharmacy technicians and assistants has changed for a number of rea­sons. One reason is that using these work­ers minimizes health care costs. Another is that because pharmacy technicians and assistants handle routine work, pharma­cists are able to focus more on supervisory duties and patient care and advice.

This article describes what pharmacy technicians and assistants do, as well as where they work, what their job outlook is, how much they earn, and how they train for these careers.

Nature of the work

Pharmacy technicians and assistants help licensed pharmacists in providing medi­cation and health care to patients. They

Nancy Saffer is an economist formerly with the Office of Employment Projections, BLS.

In the world of pharmacy, it’s increasingly the technicians and assistants who are minding the store. Here’s a profile of these two health-related occupations.

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prepare prescribed medication for pa­tients and perform clerical tasks. Al­though their duties are often similar, technicians usually have more responsi­bilities than assistants.

Laws vary by State, but most States re­quire the work of technicians and assist­ants to be closely supervised by pharma­cists. Pharmacists must check every prescription technicians prepare before it can be given to a patient. And any ques­tions regarding prescriptions, drug infor­mation, or health matters are directed to a pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy tech­nicians follow a procedure for filling pre­scriptions. After receiving patients’ written

prescriptions or requests for prescription re­fills, they verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. Then, technicians retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and, if necessary, mix the medica­tion for the prescription. Next, they prepare the prescription labels, select a prescription container, and affix the prescription and other labels to the container. Once the pre­scription is filled, technicians price and file it. Technicians also establish and maintain patient profiles and prepare insurance claim forms.

In retail settings, technicians also stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications, clean and help maintain equipment, and man­age the cash register in addition to their other duties.

In hospitals, technicians read physi­cian orders on patients’ charts and prepare and deliver medication after it is checked by a pharmacist. They also enter informa­tion about prescribed medications into patients’ medical records. They may as­semble a 24-hour supply of medicine for every patient, packaging and labeling each dose separately. Each package is checked by the supervising pharmacist before being given to a patient. Like their counterparts in retail establishments, pharmacy technicians in hospitals keep an inventory of the medicines and other supplies they use.

Occupational Outlook Quarterly •Spring 1 999

The duties of pharmacy technicians have changed recently, along with those of pharmacists. “Pharmacists are becoming more focused on patient care, so pharmacy technicians are needed to perform more of the distributive functions,” says Melissa Murer, Executive Director of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

And with technicians concentrating on preparing and dispensing medication, pharmacists have more time for patient consultation. “Preparing the work for the pharmacist is the most important duty of a pharmacy technician,” says Jennifer Corley, a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Haltom City, Texas. “This frees up the pharmacist to spend more time counsel­ing patients and less time behind the counter.”

Pharmacy assistants. Some hospitals and pharmacies employ pharmacy assist­ants, whose duties may be similar to those of technicians. Pharmacy assistants in re­tail pharmacies often work as clerks or cashiers. They may answer phones, handle money, and perform clerical func­tions. Assistants who work in hospitals deliver medication to patients. They also assist in the hospital pharmacy with du­ties such as stocking shelves.

Employment and working conditions

In 1996, pharmacy technicians and assist­ants held about 130,000 jobs—82,000 pharmacy technicians and 47,000 phar­macy assistants. Over two-thirds worked in retail trade, mainly in retail pharma­cies; about a quarter worked in hospitals; and most of the rest worked in other health-related settings such as clinics and nursing homes.

Pharmacy technicians and assistants work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. They spend most of the workday on their feet. Techni­cians and assistants may be required to lift boxes weighing up to 40 pounds and may

Pharmacy technicians prepare routine prescriptions under the supen’ision of a pharmacist.

tablishments and hospitals, since they are paid less than pharmacists. Also, phar­macy workloads—and, consequently, the demand for technicians—are increasing because of society’s growing population of older people, who are more likely to need prescription medication than people in other age groups. Employment of phar­macy assistants likewise will grow as assistants take over some duties of higher-paid pharmacists and pharmacy tech­nicians.

Traditionally, States have required a ratio of one pharmacist to every techni­cian, but that is also expected to change. “Many of the major employers of techni­cians are expanding the number of their facilities, and boards of pharmacy in some States are allowing the legal ratio of tech­nicians to pharmacists to expand,” says

Occupational Outlook Quarterly • Spring 1999

The duties of pharmacy technicians and assistants vary according to their work setting.

In other words, automation is not ex­pected to replace technicians.

Earnings

There are no Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for pharmacy technicians and assistants. Based on the limited data available, pay appears to vary by geo­graphic location and employer. Accord­ing to estimates from experts in the field, technicians employed in retail pharma­cies earn between $5 and $8 per hour, and those working in hospitals start at about $7 to $9 per hour. Some hospitals pay more to technicians who work evenings, nights, or weekends.

Experienced technicians may earn as much as $10 to $14 per hour, and techni­cians with certification are likely to be paid the most. “Hospitals are offering higher salaries to technicians who are cer­tified,” says Don Ballington, Director of the pharmacy technician program at Mid­lands Technical College in Columbia,

South Carolina. “Certified technicians are also given the first opportunity to ad­vance to a higher position.” More infor­mation about certification is in the next section.

Depending on geographic location, pay for pharmacy assistants ranges from minimum wage, currently $5.15 per hour, to $6.50 per hour.

Most retail pharmacies and hospitals also provide benefits. These include paid vacation and sick leave, medical and den­tal insurance, and retirement plans. Some employers pay overtime to technicians and assistants who work on holidays.

Qualifications, training, and certification

People who want to become pharmacy technicians and assistants should be pro­ficient in basic subjects such as math­ematics, spelling, and reading. A strong background in chemistry and health edu­cation is also recommended. Some em­ployers may prefer to hire people with ex­perience in typing, handling money, or operating special equipment. Pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.

Technicians and assistants must be alert, observant, organized, honest, and responsible; have good manual dexterity; and be able to perform repetitious work accurately. They need good interpersonal and communication skills because of their frequent interaction with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Technicians and assistants must be able to work as part of a team. Ability to take di­rection is also important, but technicians and assistants should be able to work on their own without constant instruction from a pharmacist.

There are few State and no Federal re­quirements for formal training of phar­macy technicians and assistants. Most pharmacy technicians and assistants re­ceive informal on-the-job training. But many employers—especially those who cannot invest the time or money required for on-the-job training—prefer to hire

OO Occupational Outlook Quarterly •Spring 1999

technicians who have completed formal training.

Pharmacy technician education pro­grams involve both classroom and labora­tory work in subjects such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceu­tical calculations, pharmacy record keep­ing, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians must learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Students who success­fully complete requirements receive a di­ploma, certificate, or associate degree, de­pending on the program.

The American Society of Health-Sys­tem Pharmacists has accredited more than 50 programs for pharmacy technician education. Formal training programs are offered by some hospitals as well as pro­prietary schools, vocational and techni­cal colleges, community colleges, and colleges of pharmacy. The Society also offers an accredited program that requires 600 hours of training.

Pharmacy technicians may also dem­onstrate professional competency by earning certification. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board adminis­ters the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, a standard­ized test of knowledge and skills required for pharmacy technicians. The exam cov­ers three function areas: Assisting the pharmacist in serving patients, medica­tion distribution and inventory control systems, and pharmacy operations. The cost is $105. About 20,000 pharmacy technicians were certified in 1996, ac­cording to the Board.

To be eligible for the certification exam, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Individuals who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Like formal training, certification is not required for pharmacy technicians. However, being certified does provide ad­vantages. “Allowing technicians to be­come certified is one way for them to for­malize their career—they feel like part of a health-care team,” says the Board’s Mel-

Pharmacy technicians and assistants stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

issa Murer. “Certification also gives em­ployers a sense of retention and recruit­ment in their employees.” Results of a 1994 Board survey confirm that assertion. Surveyed technicians cited better wages, job opportunities, and job security, along with improved self-worth and compe­tence, as a result of earning certification.

Jennifer Corley is among the certified technicians who support certification. “Since technicians are being handed more and more responsibilities, there is a need to have formally educated and well qualified people,” she says. “When I passed the certification exam, I got a $1 per hour raise. I also gained more recogni­tion and respect for my work.”

Certified technicians must be recerti­fied every 2 years. Recertification re­quires completion of 20 “contact” hours—defined as class time or training received in addition to usual duties—of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period. At least 1 hour must be in the area of pharmacy law. Techni­cians can earn contact hours from sources such as pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician train­ing programs. A technician working un­der the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist can earn up to 10 contact hours.

In contrast to the formal training and certification available to technicians,

pharmacy assistants are almost always trained on the job. Pharmacy assistants might start out observing a more experi­enced worker. After becoming familiar with hospital or store equipment, poli­cies, and procedures, they are able to work on their own. Assistants are not likely to receive additional training unless their employer introduces new equipment or changes policies or procedures.

Working in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital is helpful for someone interested in becoming a phar­macy technician or assistant. Other jobs that may prove useful include work that involves checking inventories, counting, measuring, and using a computer. Many pharmacy technician training programs include clerkships or internships, which provide opportunities for hands-on expe­rience in pharmacies.

Related occupations

Workers in other medical support occupa­tions include medical secretaries, hospi­tal admitting clerks, dental assistants, medical record clerks, occupational therapy assistants and aides, licensed nursing aides, surgical technologists, and physical therapy assistants and aides.

For more information

For information on certification and re-certification or to receive a National Phar­macy Technician Certification Examina­tion Candidate Handbook, contact:

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

2215 Constitution Ave., NW.

Washington, DC 20037-2985

(202) 429-7576

www.ptcb.org

For a directory of accredited pharmacy technician programs, contact:

American Society of Health-System

Pharmacists
7272 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-3000                          OOQ

‘ccupational Outlook Quarterly • Spring 1 999 O /

Pharmacy Technicians and assistants is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Prepare for a Pharmacy Technician Career

Become a Pharmacy Technician

The field for Pharmacy Technicians has increased due to more
retail and grocery stores providing pharmacy services.
Jobs are available in many settings including hospitals, drug stores, grocery, club and some retail chain stores.

Simply put, pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions. A qualified pharmacy technician needs to know much more than how to count medication.

1. Study mathmatics, health and life sciences in high school.
2. Step 2

   Medical terminology is also helpful.

3. Step 3

   Complete a vocational, ROP, technical or community college certificate program for Pharmacy Technician, typically a 1-year program.

4. Step 4-1

   Gain work experience as a pharmacy assistant, while completing your certificate. Pharmacy assistants usually have less complex responsibilities than technicians. They often serve as clerks, cashiers or stock shelves. Experienced assistants often have as easier time finding technician jobs after graduation.

5. Step 5

   Take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam after graduating your certification program. This exam is voluntary, yet will formalize your education and allow employers to know you have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. The passed exam will earn you the title Certified Pharmacy Technician.

6. Step 6

   Keep up with your education and re-certify every two years by completing 10 contact hours of related pharmacy education each year.

Use our Pharmacy Technician Career Center to learn how to become a pharmacy technician. Explore this solid health care career with our in-depth resources on:

• Finding the best pharmacy technician school
• schools.com/faqs/pharmacy-technician-online.php”>Online pharmacy technician courses
• Pharmacy technician certification
• Pharmacy technician salary
• Pharmacy technician career outlook
• Canadian pharmacy technicians
• Pharmacy technician training resources and organizations

1. Get training. Google for a list of schools that close to your location and offer pharmacy technician training. It usually takes a year to complete training. You can complete faster if you have background in biology, mathematic, science. You can also study online and work as pharmacy assistant as the same time.
2. Step 2

   Get certification. Go to www.ptcb.org and read about Pharmacy Technician certification and sit in this exam for $129. The state regulation may not require to get certification to work as pharmacy technician, but most jobs require that to prove that you have complete standard education.

3. Step 3

   Apply for job. Start online by google it. For example jobsearch.monster.com/Pharmacy-Technician/get-jobs-5.aspx
   Entry level salary is about $30K, 4 year experience is about $40K, and supervisor is about $40-$50K. You also should consider the benefits beside paycheck.

4. Step 4

   Upgrading yourself. You can read more information here: http://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/faqs/pharmacy_technician
   Good luck on your career!

Pharmacy Technician Career Overview

If you have strong attention to detail, a talent for working with customers and the desire to help people improve their health, a pharmacy technician career could be just the prescription for you. Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed pharmacists to ensure safe and accurate handling of each prescription.

As a pharmacy technician professional, your precision and care in your daily job will serve an important function in the medical field. Your typical duties may vary depending on your state’s regulations; however, they will most likely include the following:

• Assisting with prescriptions by counting pills
• Measuring medications
• Labeling products
• Verifying prescriptions from doctors
• Maintaining patient records
• Tracking insurance information
• Assisting patients with insurance forms

Pharmacy technicians are not permitted to consult with patients about their medication. Those questions fall under the expertise of the licensed pharmacist.

Read the interview with a pharmacy technician professional for more details about a pharmacy technician career.

Become a Pharmacy Technician is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Dayton, Ohio
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: This nine month program prepares students to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in preparation of medications.
• Request Information from the Ohio Institute of Photography and Technology

careers.org/schools/pioneer-pacific.html”>Pioneer Pacific College

• Location: Eugene/Springfield, Oregon
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Students learn pharmaceutical technology and pharmacy calculations, along with computer skills.
• Request Information from Pioneer Pacific College

Penn Foster Career School

• Location: Home Study Program
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: One year program teaches students how to receive and prepare prescriptions, medical terminology, and pharmacy arithmetic as they prepare to assist druggists in retail or hospital pharmacies.
• Request Information from Penn Foster Career School

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician with Externship certificate
• Quick Summary: This program prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. Coursework covers the procedures used in assisting pharmacists with preparing prescriptions and maintaining patient and insurance records.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=990″ target=”_blank”>Information from Pennsylvania Institute of Technology

Rasmussen College

• Location: Ocala and Holiday, Florida; Aurora and Rockford, Illinois; St. Cloud, Eagan and Mankato, Minnesota and Green Bay, Wisconsin
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Associate degree
• Quick Summary: Program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, and includes training in pharmacy math, medical law and ethics, and computer software used in the pharmacy.
• Request Information from Rasmussen College

Remington College

• Location: Mobile, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Cleveland and North Olmstead, Ohio; Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, Southeast Houston and North Houston Texas; Memphis, Tennessee
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Program includes both lab and classroom training, along with an internship.
• Request information from Remington College

Sanford-Brown Institute

• Location: Dallas and Houston (Northloop), Texas, Iselin, New Jersey, Garden City and New York City, New York, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Technology certificate
• Quick Summary: Get the education needed to assist with customer service, pharmacy computing, inventory, and billing.
• Request Information from Sanford-Brown Institute

South Texas Vocational Technical Institute

• Location: Brownsville and McAllen, Texas
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: With a combination of classroom instruction and laboratory practice, graduates of this program are prepared for entry level positions in hospital or retail pharmacies.
• Request Information from South Texas Vocational Technical Institute

Technical Career Institute

• Location: Miami, Florida
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Associate degree
• Quick Summary: Get professional-type experience in the school’s laboratories. Includes an internship.
• Request Information from Technical Career Institute

TechSkills

• Location: Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona, Oakland and Sacramento California; Indianapolis Indiana, Kansas City Kansas, Minneapolis Minnesota, Charlotte Raleigh and Greensboro North Carolina, Cincinnati Cleveland and Columbus Ohio, Nashville, Tennessee, Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn to assist pharmacists with ordering and dispensing medications as you gain the skills for the Registered Pharmacy Technician certification.
• Request Information from TechSkills

TESST College of Technology

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Includes a 160 hour externship at a hospital pharmacy, or retail pharmacy.
• Request Information from TESST College of Technology

The Bryman School of Phoenix

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degree
• Quick Summary: Learn the duties of a pharmacy technician in both the retail and hospital environments, along with pharmacy law.
• Request Information from The Bryman School of Phoenix

Tucson College

• Location: Tucson, Arizona
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Prepare for a position in a hospital or retail pharmacy with this program, which includes an internship.
• Request Information from Tucson College

UEI College

• Location: El Monte, Huntington Park, Ontario, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Van Nuys California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: Prepare to assist licensed pharmacists with this 8 month program that teaches product preparation, pharmacology, and retail and hospital pharmacy procedures.
• Request Information from UEI College

University of Phoenix

• Location: Online Distance Learning Program
• Programs: AA in Health Care Administration – Pharmacy Practice
• Quick Summary: The Associate of Arts degree in Health Care Administration with an emphasis on Pharmacy Practice provides a context for the study of the basic operations of community and institutional pharmacies, as well as for further study in health care at the bachelor’s degree level. Topics focus on medical terminology, disease diagnosis and treatment, basic pharmacy processes and equipment, and medical claims processing.
• Request Information from University of Phoenix

US Career Institute

• Location: Distance Learning Home Study Program
• Programs: Pharmacy Techniciandiploma
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmacy math, compounding of medications, drug interations and more.
• Request Information from US Career Institute

Utah Career College

• Location: Layton and Orem, Utah
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn the theory and practical applications of pharmacy practice in this program which prepares graduates to take the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
• Request information from Utah Career College

Vatterott College

• Location: Missouri, Nebraska
• Programs: Pharmacy Assistant diploma, Pharmacy Office Assistant diploma, and Pharmacy Technician Associate degree in Occupational Studies
• Quick Summary: Programs cover the technical and administrative skills needed to assist pharmacists with dispensing medications and processing paperwork and insurance reimbursements
• Request Information from Vatterott College by clicking on the campus nearest you:
  Joplin, Missouri (Pharmacy Technician)
  Kansas City, Missouri (Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Office Assistant)
  Springfield, Missouri (Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Technician)
  Omaha, Nebraska (Pharmacy Office Assistant, Pharmacy Technician)

Western Career College

• Locations: Antioch, Citrus Heights, Emeryville, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology associate degree
• Quick Summary: Program prepares students for the CPhT exam with training that includes drug procurement, inventory control, packaging and labeling standards, and computer applications used in pharmacies.
• Request Information from Western Career College

YTI Career Institute

• Location: Altoona and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Develop the skills needed to seek a pharmacy technician position, including medication preparation, insurance processing, and inventory tracking.
• Request Information from YTI Career Institute

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Allentown, Center City Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lincoln Rhode Island
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Classroom instruction, lab experience, and an internship teach students to mix medications, fill out insurance claims, and assist with filling prescriptions.
• Request Information from Lincoln Tech

Medix

• Location: Smyrna, Georgia and Landover, Maryland
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, compounding, and computer pharmacy software in this program, which includes a 160 hour externship.
• Request Information from Medix

National American University

• Location: Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado; Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, and Roseville, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degree
• Quick Summary: Designed for individuals new to pharmacy, or for technicians interested in increasing their skills, the program in a format suitable for traditional students and working adults.
• Request Information from National American University

careers.org/schools/national-college.html”>National College

• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana; Danville, Florence, Lexington, Louisville, Pikeville and Richmond, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Stow and Youngstown, Ohio; Bartlett, Bristol, Knoxville, Madison, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Bluefield, Charlottesville, Danville, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Martinsville, and Roanoke, Virginia
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma or Associate degree Program.
• Quick Summary: Learn to assist licensed pharmacists, and prepare to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification exam.
• Request Information from National College

North Florida Institute

• Location: Orange Park, Florida
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology Associate degree
• Quick Summary: Prepare for employment as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or retail drug store.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=532″ target=”_blank”>Information from North Florida Institute

Northwestern Business College

• Location: Bridgeview and Chicago, Illinois
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Students learn to prepare and dispense medications in this program, which is offered during the day, evenings, and on weekends.
• Request Information from Northwestern Business College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter L, M and N is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Alhambra, City of Industry, Ontario, Reseda, San Francisco, Torrance and West Los Angeles, California; Chicago, Merrionette Park, and Skokie, Illinois; Portland, Oregon; Arlington (Mid-Cities) and Ft. Worth, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Bremerton, Everett, Renton, and Tacoma Washington
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn the administrative and clinical aspects of pharmacy work, and prepare for an entry-level position in retail and hospital pharmacies, clinics and home IV facilities.
• Request Information from Everest College

Everest Institute

• Locations: Fort Lauderdale, Hialeah, Kendall and North Miami, Florida; Jonesboro, Georgia; Detroit and Kalamazoo, Michigan; Eagan, Minnesota; South Plainfield, New Jersey; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Houston Bissonnett, Texas
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Learn to assist licensed pharmacists in providing medications to patients with courses in pharmacology, medical terminology, and pharmacy administration.
• Request Information from Everest Institute

Everest University

• Locations: Brandon, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Melbourne, North Orlando, South Orlando and Tampa, Florida
• Program: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: This program includes academic and clinical training in the areas of pharmacology, pharmacy administration, pharmaceutical calculations, and organizational skills needed for this expanding industry.
• Request Information from Everest University

Fortis College

• Location: Dothan, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida and Richmond, Virginia
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degrees.
• Quick Summary: Students learn pharmacy practice basics, including filling prescriptions, recordkeeping, legal responsibilities and drug interactions..
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=294″ target=”_blank”>Information from Fortis College

Harris School of Business

• Location: Linwood, New Jersey
• Programs: Pharmacy Tech
• Quick Summary: Taught either in the day or in the evenings, this program prepares students to assist registered pharmacists.
• Request Information from Harris School of Business

Herzing College

• Location: Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario, Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn prescription processing, recordkeeping, and pharmacy procedures.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=920″ target=”_blank”>Information from Herzing College

High-Tech Institute

• Location: Sacramento, California, Orlando, Florida, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Nevada, Memphis, Tennessee, and Dallas, Texas.
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Students receive training in the procedures used in hospital and retail pharmacies, along with knowledge of physiology, and pharmacy law.
• Request Information from High-Tech Institute

Kaplan Career Institute

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio, McAllen and San Antonio, Texas
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: A combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training teaches skills in preparing and filling medication orders, maintaining patient information, and working with insurance claims.
• Request Information from Kaplan Career Institute

Kaplan College

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona, Palm Springs and Vista, California, Denver, Colorado, Las Vegas, Nevada and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Professional training program teaches students to price prescriptions, prepare medications, maintain patient histories, and bill for insurance claims.
• Request Information from Kaplan College

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter E, H and K is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Beaverton, Oregon
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: This program teaches the duties of a pharmacy technician, including processing drug orders, maintaining inventory, and managing records. Students learn about pharmacy law, and practice their new skills in an externship.
• Request Information from Cambridge College

Career Centers of Texas

• Location: El Paso and Fort Worth, Texas
• Programs: Pharmaceutical Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Prepare for the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam as you learn pharmacology, sterile processing and hospital and retail pharmacy procedures. Practice your new skills in a 160 hour externship.
• Request Information from Career Centers of Texas

Career College of Northern Nevada

• Location: Reno, Nevada
• Programs: Pharmaceutical Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: 60 week program provides training in compounding, dosage calculations and billing procedures for pharmacy prescription plans. Graduates are eligible to take the PCTB certification exam.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=466″ target=”_blank”>Information from Career College of Northern Nevada

Central Coast College

• Location: Salinas, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Students learn the skills needed to work in a hospital pharmacy or retail drug store in this diploma program, which includes a 120 hour internship in a pharmacy.
• Request Information from Central Coast College

Charter College

• Location: Canyon Country, Lancaster and Long Beach, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate
• Quick Summary: Eleven month program prepares students to assist licensed pharmacists in settings including drug stores, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=476″ target=”_blank”>Information from Charter College

CHI Institute

• Location: Broomall and Franklin Mills, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Offered in the day or in the evenings, this program includes training in inventory control, pharmacy terminology, and computer skills.
• Request Information from CHI Institute

Coyne American Institute

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Prepare for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician with this program which emphasizes detailed product knowledge of different types of drugs and includes an internship in a retail or hospital pharmacy.
• Request Information from Coyne American Institute

Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter C is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

• Location: Distance Learning Program
• Programs: Pharmacy Technology
• Quick Summary: Offered as a correspondence course or over the web, the Pharmacy Technology diploma program teaches terminology, pharmacy math and measurements, pharmaceutical dispensing, and inventory management.
• Request Information from Ashworth College

Algonquin Careers Academy

• Locations: Mississauga and Ottawa, Ontario
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn pharmaceutical calculations, compounding and computer skills in this 40 week program, which includes a six week co-op placement+.
• Request Information from Algonquin Careers Academy

All-State Career – Healthcare Division

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Graduates are eligible to sit for the certification exam for Pharmacy Technicians through the Commission on Technician Certification.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=237″ target=”_blank”>Information from All-State Career – Healthcare Division

Allied College

• Location: Fenton and Maryland Heights, Missouri
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician associate degree
• Quick Summary: Students learn the functions and procedures used in retail and hospital pharmacies, and practice their new skills in an externship at a clinical site.
• Request Information from Allied College

Allied Medical and Technical Institute

• Location: Forty Fort, Pennsylvania
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn drug preparation and distribution, records management, and patient care.
• Request careers.org/go/to.php?id=238″ target=”_blank”>Information from Allied Medical and Technical Institute

American Career College

• Location: Anaheim, Los Angeles and Ontario, California
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician Certificate
• Quick Summary: Learn the classifications and names of major drugs, along with how to calculate dosages. Students also learn medical and pharmaceutical terminology.
• Request Information from American Career College

Apollo College

• Locations: Mesa, Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Boise, Idaho; Albuquerque, New Mexico and Portland, Oregon
• Program: Pharmacy Technician
• Quick Summary: Students learn the terminology and symbols used in a pharmacy, and participate in an internship at a drug store, hospital, or pharmaceutical distributor.
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ATI Career Training Center

• Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician diploma
• Quick Summary: Learn medical chemistry and laboratory procedures along with insurance billing and coding and medical records management.
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Baker College

• Locations: Auburn Hills, Flint, Muskegon and Owosso, Michigan
• Programs: Pharmacy Technician certificate or associate degree
• Quick Summary: Students learn to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in preparing medications, and maintaining stock levels. Graduates are prepared for positions in hospital or retail drug stores, and are eligible to take the certification exam from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
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Pharmacy Technician Schools and Training Programs letter A is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

Pharmacy Technicians in Ohio tend to migrate toward Mansfield, Springfield, and Toledo where jobs for them are more common, relative to the population, than in other parts of the state. In contrast, there are proportionally fewer jobs for Pharmacy Technicians in Akron, Sandusky, and Cincinnati.

(Of course, going strictly by the raw number of jobs for Pharmacy Technicians, you’d find the most in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus.)

Following The Money

The Ohio metro areas with the highest median salaries for Pharmacy Technicians are Cleveland, Toledo, and Springfield.

More Details

Schools for Pharmacy Technicians in Ohio are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Pharmacy Technicians by major metro area.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.

Pharmacy Technicians in Ohio

Pharmacy Technicians in Ohio is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools

The recent shake up in the world economy was a wakeup call for everyone is a post from: Pharmacy in jobs, news, schools