Pharmacy Technician Certification

Below you will find reviews and links to the best pharmacy technician certification schools online. Request free enrollment and financial aid information packets from these top pharmacy tech schools by using the "More Info" buttons:

1.

Ultimate Medical Academy - AS in Pharmacy Technician. As the pharmaceutical industry grows, the Ultimate Medical Academy continues to prepare career-oriented students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Their flexible online program is designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) national certification exams.

2.

South University - AS in Allied Health Science. South University is a respected university dedicated in extending their quality programs to students interested in advancing in their careers but don't have the time to attend a traditional campus. South offers an online program in Allied Health Science which will give working students the opportunity to pursue a healthcare degree at a time convenient to them.

5.

Keiser University - AS in Medical Assisting. Keiser University is dedicated in helping students enter the career of their dreams. The university offers an online Medical Assisting program that will prepare students for tasks such as preparing examination rooms, taking vital signs, assisting in medical procedures, and more.

3.

Virginia College - BS in Health Services Management. Preparing students for various careers, Virginia College is committed to providing students with real-world knowledge and experiences through their highly-qualified instructors. Students will receive the same academic excellence with Virginia College's online programs as they do at the college's traditional campuses.

4.

Jones International University - BS in Health Care Management. Jones International University is dedicated to providing quality eduation for students passionate about learning. Their Health Care Management program gives students the chance to move up the ladder in their current positions and assume management or supervisory roles.

7.

Penn Foster Career School - This Pharmacy Technician program includes all of the practical training needed, and also includes the textbooks, and learning aids you need to become a pharmacy technician completely online in an affordable and fast timeframe.

Pharmacy Technician Certification: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

• Certificate/Diploma in Pharmacy Tech: In these pharmacist technician certification programs, students prepare to take national certification exams and to work as entry-level assistants. Skills accumulated during pharmacy tech certificate or diploma programs include the ability to fill and mix IVs, maintain pharmacy inventory, take orders from patients, and assist pharmacists with other daily duties.
• Pharmacy Technician Program: Not all pharmacy technician programs offer students the opportunity to sit for a national exam and earn a professional diploma. These programs do, however, train students to work as pharmacist assistants, communicate by using medical terminology, fill prescriptions, understand how prescription and non-prescription drugs affect the body and treat illnesses, and more. These types of programs should offer enough training for graduates looking for entry-level jobs as pharmacy technicians.
• Associate of Applied Science: Pharmacy Technician: Students who want to go to school and get an actual degree will benefit from an AAS in Pharmacy Tech. These programs require both general education requirements and pharmacy technician classes, which will include chemistry, biology and medical terminology. Students are adequately prepared to begin work as a pharmacist assistant, mix IV solutions and prepare prescriptions, manage inventory, take orders and understand how medicine is used to treat illnesses and symptoms. An AAS degree is also a good starting point for someone who wishes to further their education or advance their career in the future.

1. Virginia College: Greenville, SC; Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, AL; Jackson, Biloxi, MS; Austin, TX; Pensacola, FL, Chattanooga, TN

   Certificate, Diploma Pharmacy Technician Program

   : This program trains students to become qualified professionals and skilled pharmacy technicians. The curriculum combines business and office skills like customer service and keyboarding with pharmacy technician courses like Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, and Institutional Pharmacy. Students will also learn how to recognize the prescriptive needs of the body and assist pharmacists.

2. Stratford Career Institute: Correspondence

   Pharmacy Assistant

   : Students participating in this correspondence program will learn how to communicate using medical terminology, understand product information and gain a working knowledge of pharmacology, physiology and more. The program lasts less than one year for most students.

3. Allied College: St. Louis, Fenton, MO

   Pharmacy Technician

   : Students learn to become capable, skilled pharmacy assistants in this program. Coursework covers anatomy, physiology, dietary supplements, herbal remedies and prescription drugs and more. Students also learn the relation of different drugs to the body and their effectiveness in treating certain illnesses. The curriculum also requires an externship at a clinic.

4. Everest College: TX, FL, CA, CO, GA, IL, MI, MN, NJ, OH, OR, PA, UT, WA

   Pharmacy Technician Program

   : In this program, students learn all about pharmacology, anatomy, nutrition, pharmacy administration and making pharmaceutical calculations. Graduates of the program are prepared to work as pharmacist assistants in hospitals, medical centers, pharmacies and more.

5. California State University: Los Angeles

   Pharmacy Technician Certification

   : Cal State's LA program is comprised of 50 hours of coursework that teaches students about the evolution of pharmacy, prescription labels and making orders,, IV solutions, dosage, emergency pharmacy, understanding patient needs and patient profiles, and more. Graduates of the certificate program will be eligible to sit for the PTCB exam, provided they have their GED or high school diploma.

6. National American University: Colorado Springs, Denver, CO; Overland Park, Wichita, KS; Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Roseville, MN; Independence, Zona Rosa, MO; Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, NM; Rapid City, Ellsworth AFB, Sioux Falls, Watertown, SD; Austin, TX; Online

   Associate of Applied Science - Pharmacy Technician

   : NAU's program has been preparing traditional and working students to become pharmacy technicians since 1941. Coursework covers topics in pharmacy information technology, the role of the pharmacy technician, prescription and nonprescription medications, anatomy and physiology, mixing IV solutions, and more.

7. Durham College: Ontario, Canada

   Pharmaceutical and Food Science Technology

   : Durham College offers a traditional and fast-track diploma program in pharmaceutical and food science technology. Classes in the curriculum include science classes like organic chemistry and biology, as well as more focused classes like Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and others.

8. University of Phoenix: Online

   Associate of Arts in Health Care Administration - Pharmacy

   : This 60-credit program introduces students to the business and science of pharmacy. It does not prepare students to sit for any certification exams, but it does instruct them in areas like medical terminology, basic pharmacy processes and medical claims processing. Students must also fulfill general education requirements.

9. Pima Medical Institute: AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, WA

   Pharmacy Technician Certificate

   : Students prepare for entry level careers and to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT) in this program. Class work and lab work help students develop the skills they'll need after graduation like mixing IV solutions, managing products and drug labels, receiving prescriptions and orders, preparing medications and more.

10. Concorde Career Colleges: Miramar, Tampa, FL; Memphis, TN

    Pharmacy Technician

    : In this program, students learn how to manage inventory, review patient records and medication orders, prepare medication, use the appropriate office and lab technology, and work as a pharmacist assistant in clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. Coursework also introduces students to the skills and processes involved in mixing IV solutions, filling prescriptions and more.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is very good, and the industry is expected to increase at an above average rate. Pharmacy technicians are usually paid hourly and are not on salary. The average salary range was between $10.10 and $14.92 in May 2006. Pharmacy technicians earning the greatest amount are employed in medical and surgical hospitals, while grocery store pharmacy technicians and technicians who work in pharmacies or drug stores earn less.

• Pharmacy Technician Wikipedia page: Here, prospective pharmacy technicians and students can learn about the training and certification required to enter the job force, as well as the daily duties that are expected of pharmacy technicians. Visitors to the Wikipedia site will also find helpful links to networks and organizations like the National Pharmacy Technician Association and more.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The BLS website is a great resource for anyone considering work as a pharmacy technician. The website features information about education and training, the job outlook, nature of the work and employment conditions, salary information and more.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board: The PTCB website has information about the certification exam and recertification, as well as a general overview of the pharmacy technician profession.
• Radiology Degree: This guide to radiology tech degree programs provides information about radiology schools, degrees and programs.
• American Association of Pharmacy Technicians: Visitors to the AAPT site will find information about continuing education programs designed for competitive pharmacy technicians. The website also features a job search for pharmacy technicians and employers who want to sign up for job alerts, post a resume and advertise job openings.

Complete Listing of our Blog Articles

• It Ain’t What You Eat: Understanding What Actually Causes High Cholesterol
• Exercise is good for the Heart : Duh, Well At Least We Now Have Proof
• Epidural or Natural – That is the Question
• Make Sure Your Pills Don’t Become Ills
• Bone Health For Workout Addicts
• Sliding Scale Ambulance Service – Making a Difference
• Sorry Dear, Not Tonight! I have a Headache!
• Stem Cell Therapy – The Past, Present, and the Future
• The Top 50 Pharmaceutical News and Research Blogs
• 100 Best Blogs for Healthy, Home-Cooked Meals
• 25 Health Problems That are Growing in a Slow Economy
• Top 50 Incredibly Inspiring Weight Loss Blogs
• 50 Social Networks for Healthy and Happy Moms
• 100 Things You Can Learn or Do in 30 Days or Less
• 50 Healing Herbs You Can Grow in Your Own Garden
• 50 Foods to Better and Beautify Your Skin
• Top 100 Nutritionist Blogs