Pharmacy Technician

The need for Pharmacy Technicians continues to grow with demand expected to increase substantially through 2024. Technicians work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies and other healthcare settings. This high demand for pharmacy technicians is the result of a multitude of factors including the constant availability of new drugs, the national shortage of registered pharmacists, the establishment of certified pharmacy technicians, and the aging population. This course includes pharmacy terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, defining generic and brand names drugs, and much, much more.

Learning 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

Prior Learning

This noncredit course is beginner-friendly, with no prior expertise required. However, to ensure success, students should:

• Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.
• Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, installing software, and using applications like Microsoft Word.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our primarily online courses.

National Certification

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

Clinical Externship / Hands-on Training / Practicum

Although not a requirement, once participants complete the program, they have the ability to participate in a volunteer clinical externship/ hands-on training/ practicum with an organization in their area so as to practice the skills necessary to perform the job requirements of a professional in this field. Participants will also be assisted with completing a resume and/or other requirements necessary to work in this field.

Note: Additional documentation including health records, immunizations, drug-screening, criminal background checks, etc. may be required by the externship facility.