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.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime!
Course Details
- 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.
ORIENTATION TO PHARMACY
History, foundations and role of the pharmacy technician in today’s 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.
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Chromebook, or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- The Pharmacy Technician: A Comprehensive Approach
- Pharmaceutical Calculations for Pharmacy Technicians
- Law and Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians
- Fundamental Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians
- Fundamental Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians Workbook
- Pharmacy Lab Kit with Manual (only available for residents of U.S./Canada; additional information available in the FAQs section)*
- Externship packet and lab coat provided upon acceptance into the Externship Program
Please Note: You will receive a digital book if the physical book is on backorder.
Please Note: Your Pharmacy Lab Kit with Manual will be sent separately from the rest of your materials and will be received within 3 months of enrollment.
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.
$2,495.00 (USD)
This course is 100% online.
| Course Hours | Duration | Start Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 400 Course Hrs | 12 Months | Start anytime! |
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.
“I never thought I would be able to complete a course such as Pharmacy Technician online. At times the course became challenging, especially when it came to the calculations, but the instructional materials really explained everything thoroughly. I was encouraged with positive, constructive feedback.”
T.N., Central Michigan University