
Online Pharmacy Technician Course
Become a Pharmacy Technician
There’s no shortage of pharmacies in need of skilled pharmacy technicians! This 100%
online course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
National Certification exam and help you complete an externship with a leading pharmacy
chain.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians
will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!
The BLS notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700.
Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.
Pharmacy Technicians FAQs
WHAT DOES A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DO?
Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide information to patients. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, their work must be approved by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed.
DO PHARMACY TECHNICIANS NEED A CERTIFICATION?
Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN COURSE?
This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure.
IS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN A GOOD CAREER?
As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more pharmacy technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even see themselves taking on greater responsibilities in their role.
Course Objectives
Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy
practice.
Be fully prepared to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the externship requires that
you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.
Curriculum
- ORIENTATION TO PHARMACY
History, foundations and role of the pharmacy technician in today’s healthcare system - PHARMACY LAW AND ETHICS
Introduction to law, liability and federal regulations of controlled substances - PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS
Basic, community and institutional pharmacy math to calculate dosages and dilutions - PHARMACOLOGY
The science of pharmacology, evolution of drugs and administration of pharmacological agents - COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Verbal and non-verbal methods, HIPAA regulations - INSURANCE AND INVENTORY PROCEDURES
Cost analysis, purchasing procedures and record keeping - LAB MODULE
Interactive lab for the retail and hospital settings - CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Virtual externship in the retail and hospital settings - FINAL EXAM
Final comprehensive exam to qualify for externship
Instructors
Melissa Dunworth
Melissa Dunworth has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
Betty Stahl
Betty Stahl holds a doctorate in pharmacy from Shenandoah University. Over the past
several years, she has taught pharmacy technician programs at ASA College in New York
City and ACT in Arlington, Virginia. Stahl has also worked as a pharmacist in independent
and hospital settings.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-888-336-3907, email eiccinfo@eicc.edu or contact the college nearest you and ask to speak to an advisor.
- Clinton Community College, 563-244-7000
- Muscatine Community College, 563-288-6000
- Scott Community College, 563-441-4000
It is the policy of Eastern Iowa Community College District not to discriminate in
its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual
or potential family, parental or marital status, as required by the Iowa Code §§216.6
and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d and
2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational
Amendments, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
§ 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et
seq.). If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy,
please contact Debora J. Sullivan, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer/Equity Coordinator,
Eastern Iowa Community College District, 101 West Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801,
563-336-3487, djsullivan@eicc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights,
U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1475,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-7204, phone number 312-730-1560, fax 312-730-1576, OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.