Workforce Development

Pharmacy Technician

October 16 – December 6, 2023 – Live On-Line
Mondays/Wednesdays 5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Optional Review: December 11th & 13th (No cost – only open to class participants)

A Pharmacy Technician is the assistant to the Pharmacist in a variety of settings including Retail Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, and Nursing Homes. Pharmacy Technicians may also find employment in the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Drug Wholesaler Industry. Offshoots include working with Electronic Medical Records and IT opportunities within large hospital organizations. It is the job of the Pharmacy Technician to assist the Pharmacist to ensure the pharmacy operates efficiently and safely.

The Rising Need for Pharmacy Technicians

The ideal candidate will be dependable, detail-oriented, and trustworthy. Licensed Pharmacy Technicians will be expected to be mature, empathetic, have good communication skills, and customer service skills along with the ability to cooperate within a pharmacy team. Some aptitude in math will be required as well as the ability to prioritize tasks. Some computer skills will be required and the ability to type is a plus.

Pharmacy Technicians must have a broad knowledge of the pharmacy practice. On-the-job tasks may include: ordering, stocking, packaging, contacting insurance companies, and / or preparing medications. This course will instruct on medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to the pharmacology or medications, top prescribed medications (names, classes, and uses), and pharmaceutical calculations.

With this growing opportunity comes increased responsibility which has made certification an important requirement for many industry employers. Licensed Certified Pharmacy Technicians may perform some of the same skills as a licensed Pharmacist with all work being checked before medication can be dispensed to the customer. This program will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCB); see links below.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): Important Links, Cost, and Information:
PTCB Website: https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician
Exam fees: $129

As of March 2022, PTCB Certification was accepted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. See PTCB’s link for additional information and a map for state requirements: https://www.ptcb.org/resources/state-regulations-and-map

Tuition Costs:
$975.00 plus the cost of textbooks and exam fees
(We do not accept payment plans, payment needs to be in full for registration.)

Textbooks:
The textbook bundle and exam questions can be purchased through the Barnes and Noble bookstore located on campus and online at www.niagaracc.bncollege.com

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN MORTY PACK 7^th edition by New Persp
Estimated Cost: $144

PHARMACY TECH CERT EXAM QUESTIONS
by Bonsell
Estimated Cost: $30

*Please register early, seating is limited.
** NCCC reserves the right to cancel or postpone courses due to insufficient enrollment.
***High School Diploma or equivalency is required.