EDG482 - Pharmacy Technician

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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

Cindy Lamkin
Cindy Lamkin has been employed in the dental field for over 20 years. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a degree in dental hygiene and holds Registered Dental Assistant and Registered Dental Hygienist credentials. In addition to practicing clinical hygiene, she has also worked in dental office administration and treatment coordination. Her career includes general dentistry, as well as specialty practices of periodontics, endodontics, pedodontics, and orthodontics.

This course is 100% online.