Pharmacy technicians play an important role in our modern healthcare system. A pharmacy technician works with a licensed pharmacist to provide medication and related healthcare products to patients. He or she may perform tasks such as counting tablets, labeling bottles, verifying the accuracy of prescriptions, and preparing insurance claim forms. However, the pharmacy technician must refer all questions relating to prescriptions, side effects, and potential drug interactions to the licensed pharmacist on duty.

Although some pharmacy technicians are hired without any formal training, employers are increasingly searching for skilled applicants. The pharmacy technician training program at College provides students with the skills they need to succeed in this fast-paced profession. Students will learn basic pharmaceutical and medical terminology, which abbreviations and symbols are used in prescribing medications, and the correct strengths, dosages, and forms of administration.

Since real world experience is highly valued by potential employers, students at College must complete a 260 hour externship with a retail pharmacy, hospital, or pharmaceutical distributor. After completing the externship, students will be able to work with the Graduate Placement Department to find permanent employment. College attributes its high placement rates to a curriculum that emphasizes the skills students need to be successful in their work environment.

Since an increasing number of students seeking higher education opportunities are juggling school with career and family responsibilities, College is committed to making its courses accessible to a diverse group of individuals. To minimize the distance you’ll need to travel, College offers the pharmacy technician training program at its Mesa, Phoenix, Portland, Albuquerque, Spokane, and Tucson locations. To ensure that students receive the personal attention they need, class sizes are limited to between 15 and 24 students.

If you’re searching for a career with abundant job opportunities, you’ll be pleased to learn that the employment outlook for pharmacy technicians is above the national average. As the general population ages and new medications are developed to treat common illnesses, the demand for trained pharmacy technicians continues to increase. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications.

While the average compensation for pharmacy technicians is approximately $10 per hour, wages vary according to their place of employment. Pharmacy technicians employed by medical or surgical hospitals generally receive higher salaries than those who work in grocery stores, department stores, or personal care establishments. In most cases, pharmacy technicians who work evening or weekend hours will receive pay for shift differentials.

Train for an Exciting New Career

is committed to helping students succeed at their educational endeavors. The pharmacy technician training program uses a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning to teach students how to excel as entry-level assistants to licensed pharmacists. Students learn the fundamentals of pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems, and preparation of sterile dosage forms. Upon graduation, students will have the knowledge necessary to complete the exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).

Don’t let your financial situation keep you from getting the career training you need. students are eligible to receive Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, work study, and other forms of federal financial aid.

If you’re organized, responsible, alert, and observant, a career as a pharmacy technician may be the right choice for you. Although many of the pharmacy technician’s duties are supervised by a pharmacist, he or she is still entrusted with a tremendous amount of responsibility. Mistakes can often be a matter of life or death.

Pharmacy technicians usually perform tasks such as counting tablets or labeling bottles. They must verify that the information on a prescription order is accurate. They must establish and maintain patient profiles, take inventory of medications, and prepare insurance claim forms. Pharmacy technicians must know the names and proper dosages of common medications, the fundamentals of pharmacy record-keeping, and basic pharmaceutical calculations.

Get the Training You Need

If you’re interested in beginning a career as pharmacy technician, can put you on the fast track to success. Students receive a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction that provides a foundation for successful employment as a pharmacy technician.

Since many students are juggling career and family responsibilities, makes it easy to get the training you need. Courses are offered at the Antioch, Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, Stockton, Emeryville, San Leandro, and San Jose campuses, so you can select the location that’s closest to you. Financial aid is available to those who meet the necessary qualifications. For additional information about preparing for a career as a pharmacy technician.