Pharmacy Technician Training Program

Pharmacy Technician duties can vary depending on where they work. Usually, Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for receiving and confirming prescriptions—verifying patient insurance coverage. Responsibilities can also include preparing and filling prescriptions along with organizing and managing inventory. In addition, Pharmacy Technicians spend a large amount of time interacting with customers, both over the phone and in person. They also process payments for prescriptions and arrange for individuals to speak with the Pharmacist if they have additional questions about their medicine. In most states, technicians can call physicians with prescription refill authorizations and compound or mix certain medications.

Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a Pharmacist, who must review all prescriptions before a patient receives them. Technicians have the opportunity to work at many locations, including pharmacies and drug stores, medical and surgical hospitals compounding laboratories, pharmacies in grocery stores, and a number of health care related facilities.

While not all states require Pharmacy Technicians to have completed specific education, most states do require training and certification for Pharmacy Technicians. Choosing North-West College’s (NWC) accredited Pharmacy Technician Program can equip you with the skills you need to succeed in the health care field. All of our programs at NWC include hands-on practice in our labs as well as a clinical externship, allowing you to put your newfound knowledge into practice in a real-world setting. This helpful combination means you can hit the ground running when you enter the World of Work!

Not all states require technicians to be certified, but many do. Having this certification will not only make you more marketable when applying for positions, but it also shows employers you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in your role as a Pharmacy Technician. Many individuals find the pay is higher for Certified Pharmacy Technicians as well.

After completing North-West College’s accredited Pharmacy Technician Program, you can apply to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Once you are approved to take the PTCE and pass the examination, you will be considered a nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician.

While Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists work closely together, their job responsibilities and level of training vary widely. Most Pharmacy Technicians attend a short-term training program and earn their certification. Pharmacists, on the other hand, must hold a doctoral degree in pharmacology (a six-year degree), complete a one-year internship under a licensed Pharmacist, and pass the NAPLEX. And, while Pharmacy Technicians may accept prescriptions from patients and even fill them, they cannot dispense any medication without the Pharmacist first reviewing it. In addition, Pharmacy Technicians may not offer medical advice to patients; instead they must refer patients to the Pharmacist with their medication questions.

For those interested in an in-demand job in the health care field, becoming a Pharmacy Technician can be a great option. As the population continues to age, the need for medications will also increase, leading to a demand for trained Pharmacy Technicians. A Pharmacy Technician career can also be good for those who like the idea of working closely with other people (including Pharmacists and customers), but who do not want to deliver direct patient care. Also, those interested in eventually becoming a Pharmacist, may also want to consider first working as a Pharmacy Technician. It offers insight into the field and a solid foundation of skills and knowledge they can later build on as they continue your education. Plus, individuals can complete North-West College’s Pharmacy Technician Program in less than a year, putting them on their way toward a fulfilling career fast.

North-West College has locations throughout Southern California, so there is likely one close to you! The Pharmacy Technician Program is available at the following NWC campuses: San Diego, West Covina, Pomona, Van Nuys, Glendale, Riverside, and Long Beach.