Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Fall 2024 - Watertown Class – In seat
September 16, 2024 – November 6, 2024
Classes run Monday/Wednesday from 6:00pm - 9:30pm

No Class: October 14, 2024

Course Contact Hours: 50 hours
Clinical Externship Hours: 80 hours 

Cost: $999 (textbook included)

This comprehensive 50 hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.  Course content includes: pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names.  Through classroom lecture and hands on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement. 

Funding Opportunities

MyCAA funding may apply for qualified individuals. Note this scholarship will NOT pay for the textbooks. Textbook expenses will be the financial responsibility of the student. For this course, textbook cost is $150. MyCAA Education and Training Plans (ETPs) must be submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the training start date to MyCAA for consideration for funding within the training program.

Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program may apply for qualified individuals.
Note: To be eligible to use CA for Fall Pharmacy Technician Training, start date September 16, 2024, and end date November 6, 2024, the Soldier must have an ETS no earlier than December 7, 2024, and must submit the Credentialing Assistance Request between June 18, 2024 - August 2, 2024.

Traditional Army tuition assistance, GI Bill® funding and traditional college financial aid does not apply.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define the difference between retail and hospital pharmacy settings
• Demonstrate ethical conduct in all duties performed
• Explain the laws that govern pharmacy, whether federal or state mandated
• Interpret physician orders and prescriptions
• Prepare and explain the administration of medications
• Define medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations
• Explain the pharmacology of medications in relation to the anatomy affected
• Perform pharmaceutical calculations
• Communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals
• Recognize the importance of confidentiality of all patient information
• Process insurance billing and/or collect payments
• Control inventory
• Discuss important milestones and leaders in the history of pharmacy practice
• Identify the requirements, behaviors, characteristics, and career options for the pharmacy technician
• Describe how advances in technology and research impacts pharmacy practice
• Describe the commonly used drug reference resources including the major reason for use and the organization
• Describe the drugs in the current Top 200 Drug List including brand and generic name, drug classification, and uses

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam(s) essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility. Any additional expenses incurred for the optional externship will be the financial responsibility of the student. 

Disclosure: In partnership with Jefferson Community College, this program will be fully delivered by Condensed Curriculum International (CCI). CCI is headquartered at 214 Little Falls Road Fairfield, NJ 07004. There are no additional costs students are expected to incur as a result of enrolling in the educational program.

Pharmacy Technician

Online Certification Course with Optional Volunteer Externship, Exam Voucher not included

Cost: $1,299

Online Class
Textbooks included
Exam Voucher not included
6 months
Open enrollment
Self paced
Optional Clinical Externship Hours: 80 hours

Program Description

This comprehensive course will prepare learners to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Content includes pharmacy terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, defining generic and brand names drugs, and much, much more.  This program will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to pursue certification including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.

Funding Opportunities

MyCAA funding may apply for qualified individuals.

Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program may apply for qualified individuals. 
Note: To be eligible to use CA for Online Training, the Soldier must have an ETS no earlier than 31 days to training end date and must submit the Credentialing Assistance Request (CAR) between 45-90 days from training start date. Therefore, for online training start date June 30, 2024, and end date December 30, 2024, the Soldier must have an ETS no earlier than January 30, 2025, and must submit the CAR between April 1, 2024 - May 16, 2024.
Traditional Army tuition assistance, GI Bill® funding and traditional college financial aid does not apply.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Define the difference between retail and hospital pharmacy settings
• Demonstrate ethical conduct in all duties performed
• Explain the laws that govern pharmacy, whether federal or state mandated
• Interpret physician orders and prescriptions
• Prepare and explain the administration of medications
• Define medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations
• Explain the pharmacology of medications in relation to the anatomy affected
• Perform pharmaceutical calculations
• Communicate effectively with patients and medical professionals
• Recognize the importance of confidentiality of all patient information
• Process insurance billing and/or collect payments
• Control inventory
• Discuss important milestones and leaders in the history of pharmacy practice
• Identify the requirements, behaviors, characteristics, and career options for the pharmacy technician
• Describe how advances in technology and research impacts pharmacy practice
• Describe the commonly used drug reference resources including the major reason for use and the organization
• Describe the drugs in the current Top 200 Drug List including brand and generic name, drug classification, and uses

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. Exam voucher expense will be the financial responsibility of the student. 

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Optional Volunteer Externship Opportunity

Learners who complete this program are eligible to participate in an optional volunteer externship opportunity with a local company/agency/organization whose work aligns with this area of study in order to gain valuable hands-on experience.  As learners progress through their program, an Externship Coordinator will reach out to coordinate placement.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility. Any additional expenses incurred for the optional externship will be the financial responsibility of the student. 

Disclosure: In partnership with Jefferson Community College, this program will be fully delivered by Condensed Curriculum International (CCI). CCI is headquartered at 214 Little Falls Road Fairfield, NJ 07004. There are no additional costs students are expected to incur as a result of enrolling in the educational program.

Online Pharmacy Technician (Exam Voucher Included with Optional Volunteer Practicum)

Cost: $2,995.00

Online Class
400 course hours
Textbooks included
Exam Voucher included
Optional Practicum Experience included
12 months
Open enrollment
Self paced

Program Description

This online pharmacy technician certification course will prepare aspiring pharmacy technicians in how to assist the pharmacist in the packing and distribution of medication. Students will receive didactic and hands-on training to develop the skills necessary for employment in the field.

This pharmacy technician training program will prepare you for entry-level pharm tech positions by teaching you medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to the pharmacology of medications, and pharmaceutical calculations. Through this course, you will obtain hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module. You will learn what information is necessary to process prescriptions and physician orders and apply that knowledge to fill mock prescriptions. The curriculum in this online pharmacy technician course also includes the ethics of pharmacy practice and education about prescription medications, patient care and interaction, and charges and reimbursement.

Upon completion of this course, you will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This course includes an exam voucher which covers the fee for the exam. As a part of the Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Course, you will also have the option to perform a hands-on, 100-hour Practicum Experience. Practicum Experiences are based on individual state board requirements.

You must ensure that the Pharmacy Technician Course meets your state's requirements. For more information, visit your state's Board of Pharmacy site or view a map directly from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website. You can also call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations.

DISCLAIMER: This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.

Funding Opportunities

MyCAA funding may apply for qualified individuals.

Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program may apply for qualified individuals. 
Note: To be eligible to use CA for Online Training, the Soldier must have an ETS no earlier than 31 days to training end date and must submit the Credentialing Assistance Request (CAR) between 45-90 days from training start date. CAR WINDOW starting APRIL 1, 2024: Therefore, for online training start date June 30, 2024 and end date June 30, 2025, the Soldier must have an ETS no earlier than January 31, 2025, and must submit the CAR between April 1, 2024 - May 16, 2024.

Program Objectives

After completing this program, learners will be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy technician role, including essential professional skills and communication expectations necessary for success in a pharmacy setting
• Understand pharmacy regulations and standards from regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure patient safety, high-quality care, and proper medication handling
• Gain practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures, including the ability to identify medication orders and read prescription forms accurately
• Learn about medication storage guidelines and quality assurance procedures in the pharmacy department
• Develop essential skills for success as a pharmacy technician, including accuracy, attention to detail, and effective communication

How you will benefit

• Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a pharmacy technician and perform all related tasks and responsibilities with confidence
• Gain hands-on learning through an online lab module that provides practical experience in processing orders and identifying correct medication dosing and sourcing
• Access a comprehensive work experience guide and receive personalized support from our work experience team to prepare for your future as a certified pharmacy technician
• Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)'s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and earn the highly respected Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential upon successful completion
• Take advantage of an exam voucher for the certification exam and apply for a 100+ hour work Practicum Experience to gain valuable practical experience and further enhance your professional skills

Certification Opportunities

After completing this program, learners will have the option to take the leading national/industry-recognized certification exam essential to entry-level employment in this fast-growing field. Exam voucher is included with tuition. 

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Certification Requirements:

• Reside in the United States of America or its territories (US)
• Completion of a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program or equivalent Practicum Experience
• Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions
• Compliance with all applicable PTCB Certification policies
• Passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®)

State Requirements:

You must ensure that the Pharmacy Technician Course meets your state's requirements. For more information, visit your state's Board of Pharmacy site or view a map directly from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website. You can also call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations. This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Please note that PTCB credentials are designed for use exclusively in the US. Therefore, PTCB exams are generally only administered in the US. Active members of the US military and their spouses are an exception and are eligible to test anywhere in the world.

Optional Volunteer Practicum Experience Requirements:

As a student in our Pharmacy Technician course, you'll have the opportunity to participate in our exclusive optional volunteer Practicum Experience, which provides a valuable advantage in today's competitive job market. Through our nationwide agreement with several pharmacies, you can gain hands-on experience and assist pharmacists with prescriptions, patient inquiries, and administrative tasks.

To qualify for the hands-on, 100-hour Practicum Experience, you will need to meet certain requirements, including passing a drug screening test, obtaining professional liability insurance, completing a background check and employment verification, meeting current immunization standards, and conforming with state mandates such as registration, fingerprinting, licensing, etc. To qualify for the Practicum Experience application process, students must complete the online course successfully and have account balances up to date (at a minimum).

Going through the Practicum Experience application process does not guarantee a placement. However, affiliated partnerships increase the likelihood of finding a site that matches student needs. COVID may be affecting the capacity of availability in your area. Students can begin researching the steps of the application process two weeks before completing courses. Additional forms may be necessary for participation in the Practicum Experience with certain pharmacies. Please note that while we strive to find available openings, a Practicum Experience placement is not guaranteed for the Pharmacy Technician course and may take up to 12 weeks to secure. As a candidate, you should start applying for the PTBC Trainee License 2 weeks before you take the final exam in the course.

Prerequisites:

To register for this course, you must be 18 years of age or older. You should be proficient in keyboarding (approximately 35 words per minute), have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended), have a command of English grammar and punctuation, and have a basic understanding of high school math.

To participate in the competency activities and receive feedback from your instructor, you will need to have access to a video camera (on the phone or other device of familiarity) and be able to upload the video as an .mp4 file to the assignment pages for review. These activities are required in order to pass the course successfully.

Disclosure: In partnership with Jefferson Community College, this program will be fully delivered by Education To Go (Ed2Go).  Ed2Go is headquartered at P.O. Box 760, Temecula, CA 92593. There are no additional costs students are expected to incur as a result of enrolling in the educational program.