The pharmacy technician field has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by an aging population and an increased demand for healthcare services. As a result, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians has never been more pressing. With numerous courses available, aspiring pharmacy technicians can find it challenging to navigate the various options and choose a program that aligns with their career goals. In this article, we will explore the top pharmacy technician courses to help you get started on your career journey.
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare system, working alongside pharmacists to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of medications. With a range of courses available, individuals can pursue a career in this field and take advantage of the numerous job opportunities. Our focus will be on providing an in-depth look at the top pharmacy technician courses, highlighting their unique features, and helping you make an informed decision about your education and career.
What to Look for in a Pharmacy Technician Course
When selecting a pharmacy technician course, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
- Curriculum: A comprehensive curriculum should cover pharmacy law, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy operations.
- Clinical Experience: Look for programs that offer hands-on clinical experience in a pharmacy setting.
- Certification: Consider programs that prepare you for certification exams, such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) exam.
- Flexibility: Consider online or part-time programs that cater to your schedule and learning style.
Top Pharmacy Technician Courses
Here are some of the top pharmacy technician courses to consider:
1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The ASHP Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a comprehensive program that covers pharmacy law, pharmacology, and pharmacy operations. The program is designed for pharmacy technicians and provides hands-on training in a pharmacy setting.
| Program Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12-18 months |
| Format | Online and hands-on training |
| Cost | $1,500 - $2,000 |
2. Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) Accredited Programs
CAAHEP accredits a range of pharmacy technician programs, including certificate, diploma, and associate's degree programs. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education in pharmacy technology.
CAAHEP-accredited programs typically cover a range of topics, including:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy calculations
- Pharmacy operations
3. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam Preparation Courses
The PTCB offers a range of exam preparation courses to help individuals prepare for the PTCE. These courses cover the key concepts and skills required for the exam.
The PTCB exam preparation courses include:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Preparation Course
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Practice Exam
| Course Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Self-paced (online) |
| Cost | $200 - $500 |
Key Points
- Accreditation is crucial when selecting a pharmacy technician course.
- A comprehensive curriculum should cover pharmacy law, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy operations.
- Clinical experience is essential for hands-on training in a pharmacy setting.
- Certification exam preparation is vital for career advancement.
- Flexibility is important, consider online or part-time programs.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
The demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians was $34,020 in May 2020.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right pharmacy technician course can be a daunting task. However, by considering factors such as accreditation, curriculum, clinical experience, certification, and flexibility, you can make an informed decision about your education and career. The top pharmacy technician courses highlighted in this article provide a comprehensive education in pharmacy technology and prepare you for a rewarding career in this field.
What is the typical duration of a pharmacy technician course?
+The duration of a pharmacy technician course varies depending on the program. Certificate programs typically take 6-12 months to complete, while associate’s degree programs take 2 years.
What is the cost of a pharmacy technician course?
+The cost of a pharmacy technician course varies depending on the program and institution. On average, certificate programs cost 1,000-3,000, while associate’s degree programs cost 3,000-6,000 per year.
Do pharmacy technician courses offer certification exam preparation?
+Yes, many pharmacy technician courses offer certification exam preparation, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPT) exam.