Pharmacy Technician Schools Information

By Julie R. Ball 4 years ago
Richmond VA Pharmacy Technician Class Bremo Pharmacy | Bremo Pharmacy

Students have several options to choose from when looking at pharmacy technician schools. Each school and program will have their own strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is important for anyone considering working in this field to thoroughly research any institution they may wish to prescription drugs online attend. Each institution will differ in their tuition, program length, courses offered, and course loads; although there are some basic things which are common to most institutions.


Pharmacy Technician Schools Information
Program Length
Typically, most schools offer programs that cheap online pharmacy can be completed in nine months to a year, which can be very appealing to students who want to start their career as soon as possible.
Some schools offer a two-year associate’s degree program. Obtaining a two-year degree can make a technician much more appealing to potential employers and open doors to career advancement.
There are also online courses available, which have the added advantage of allowing students to set their own pace and complete their education at home.


Tuition
The cost of tuition for pharmacy technician schools runs from $850 to $1,500, though costs can be much higher. It is important to note that students will often need to purchase textbooks, which cost an average of $150 per program.
There are usually additional costs, such as administration and registration fees which should also be factored in. These costs will vary from one institution to the next, but a student can expect to pay approximately $240 on average. Costs for an associate’s degree will be higher; however, it is certainly worth the extra time and expense due to the increase in earning potential.


Curriculum
Programs generally consist of courses such as anatomy and physiology, computer basics, CPR, first aid, and medical terminology. Students will also be required to learn various levels of pharmacy math, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, and pharmacy law and ethics. Prospective students should also expect to study pharmacy computer applications, pharmaceutical technology, and fundamentals of chemistry. Many institutions will also include courses on customer service.


Aspiring pharmacy technicians learn crucial skills in these courses, such as calculating correct medication dosages and identifying proper usage and effects of various pharmaceuticals. Most programs will also add a practical portion, such as an externship, to familiarize students with the pharmacy environment. It is worth noting that online pharmacy technician schools will not be able to offer externships, which may put job-seeking candidates at a disadvantage.


The Best Schools
There are many pharmacy technician schools to choose from, with the following offering some of the most highly rated programs in the nation:

  • National College has campuses in Tennessee, Ohio, and Indiana, and offers a one-year diploma and two-year associate’s degree.
  • Everest College has a certificate program available in several states. This program covers the basics as well as such topics as customer service, computer, and organizational skills.
    -The US career Institute offers a four-month certificate program online which can also be completed through correspondence.
  • Kaplan College offers a diploma program in Nevada, California, Wisconsin, and Arizona, as well as a certificate program at their Denver campus.
    -Brown Mackie College has an associate’s degree program covering a wide range of topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, physiology, medical administration, and pharmacy procedures.