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10 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World

Currently, the need for pharmacy technicians is increasing. For this reason, the need to study pharmacy technician is advised. So if you desire to know the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World. We got you covered!

To have a great start at pharmacy schools, most prospective applicants first receive formal training at a pharmacy technician school. Most opt for a one-year certification or diploma program, but associate degree programs are also available.

This article aims to provide a complete guide to becoming a pharmacy technician and the best pharmacy technician schools in the world. But before we go into that thoroughly, you must understand other vital factors, such as information on education and certification, specific pharmacy tech requirements, pharmacy technician salaries, and job prospects.

Table of contents

Why Study Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions, organize inventory, and handle insurance claims/payments. And also by working with clients to ensure they understand their medications and instructions.

Above all, Pharmacy technicians (also called pharmacy techs) are integral to any pharmacy team. You must have probably seen these associated health professionals working with pharmacists in retail stores. But they are also in hospitals and pharmacies in long-term care facilities.

When changing careers, you’ll always want to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. You must be sure that if you are going to make sacrifices, you are working to achieve something worthwhile.

There are many reasons to become a pharmacy technician, including job security and a good salary. Also, it’s a rewarding and satisfying career.

So, why is being a pharmacy technician so good?

Firstly, some choose a career as a pharmacy technician, as this can be a significant first step in becoming a certified pharmacist. More training is needed to become an accredited pharmacist, but pharmacy technicians analyze tasks more closely and can gain valuable experience.

Secondly, others are attracted to the pharmacy technician profession because it allows them to work in the health industry without performing clinical tasks. There is no blood or fracture to handle. However, pharmacy technicians play an essential role in the health industry.

Thirdly, the healthcare industry is increasing, and careers in this labor sector generally pay more than the national average salary.

A pharmacy technician works in the healthcare industry and benefits from rapid growth, but there is no need to go to school for several years, as is the case with other careers in the health industry.

Another advantage of being a pharmacy technician is that it offers the opportunity to work closely with a variety of people. Pharmacy technicians work closely with licensed pharmacists and with various clients, helping them make prescription orders and submit insurance forms.

Find Out More Here on How You Can I Become a Pharmacy Technician?

How Long Does it Take to be a Pharmacy Technician?

Frankly, a Pharmacy Technician occupies a position that requires great precision and attention to detail. As well as an understanding of basic pharmacology, and experience in the distribution of medications. And a thorough knowledge of legislation and pharmaceutical ethics.

So how long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? Not as much as most people think! In fact, with the pharmacy technician flexible online course, you can complete your training and start applying for a job in just four months.

To be effective and excel, pharmacy technicians must have at least formal training. But how long is a school of pharmacy technicians?

A traditional university with standardized courses may take up to two years to complete. However, you can accelerate and complete your pharmacy training through an accredited online program.

The first step in starting a pharmacy technician career is obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent from GED. With primary education, you can qualify for job training.

Some states require pharmacy technicians to have this formal training or pass a national certification exam.

However, a standard age requirement is to become a certified pharmacy technician. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification has a minimum age requirement of 18 years. It requires applicants to have a high school diploma, complete a formal training program, and have at least one year of work experience before taking the certification exam.

Certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires that pharmacy technicians have a high school diploma and pass a certification exam.

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How to Study for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam?

Pharmacy technicians are licensed state by state, so anyone who pursues this career must become familiar with the licensing requirements in their state.

Prospective applicants should also be informed that state regulations can change, so it is advisable to request confirmation of the requirements of a given state before enrolling in a pharmacy technician training program.

However, some states accept or require certification from a nationally recognized organization as part of their registration or licensing process. The NHA offers the Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification, accredited by the National Commission of Certification Agencies.

The PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) offers its certification exam, which includes a criminal background check followed by an exam. While the PTCB and the NHA require certified pharmacy technicians to maintain their certification with approved continuing education courses throughout their careers.

Meanwhile, some states do not require certification, but most employers prefer pharmacy technicians to be certified. An online technical certification program for pharmacies must provide comprehensive training to prepare a student to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Hence, people interested in the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must have at least one year of work experience, which can be obtained through an internship program offered by the school.

Finally, pharmacy technicians must re-certify every two years to ensure they are up to date with changes and advances in medical care that affect their field of practice. You can do this by completing 20 hours of continuing education to ensure your skills are current.

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What Does a Pharmacy Technician School Cost?

The cost of your pharmacy technician diploma will vary mainly according to the type of program (online or on-campus) and its duration.

Online schools are significantly cheaper because the school’s cost of obtaining such a diploma is low. Firstly, they do not need to pay for the equipment, enter into contracts with pharmacies to place their students there for an internship, etc.

At the same time, they offer a well-designed program and all the benefits of learning at your own pace: you can combine your training with a full-time job. The pharmacy technician degree at that school generally costs $500 to $800 and takes up to 6 months to complete.

On-campus schools are more expensive but have several very significant advantages. First, they combine theory with practical training in real life. Most importantly, they have much better facilities, and training at that school generally works better.

These schools have concluded agreements with pharmacies, hospitals, and other local establishments where their students receive practical training.

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How Much is a Pharmacy Technician’s Salary?

Pharmacy technicians are essential for the daily operations of any pharmacy, nursing home, or hospital. They work in various environments, and their functions vary by the workplace. This means that the expected salary of a pharmacy technician varies considerably according to education, experience, and workplace.

According to the most recent data published in the Occupational Outlook Manual of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $ 31,750.

Your salary may increase depending on where you work, as rates may be higher in outpatient services and hospitals than in supermarkets or pharmacies.

A full-time pharmacy technician will usually be offered a benefits package that includes medical care, paid license and sick leave, and a 401 (k) plan.

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What are the Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World?

Indeed, it is helpful if you are in a college or university that stands out as Pharmacy Technician and can make the whole process more bearable. Many Pharmacy Technician Schools are worldwide, but knowing the best is what matters.

To help you find one, we have compiled a list of the world’s top and best Pharmacy Technician Schools. And we will be starting a full detail of our 2020 ranking criteria.

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List of 13 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World

We have compiled a list of the top and best Pharmacy Technician Colleges in the world. And we will be starting a full detail of our 2020 ranking criteria.

So, here is a list of the Best and Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in the world, with their acceptance rate, graduation rate, and the number of programs they offer.

  • National University College
  • #2. Florida Vocational Institute
  • #3. Manhattan Institute
  • #4. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia
  • #5. Mountainland Technical College
  • #6. Columbus State Community College
  • #7. Cleveland Clinic’s School of Pharmacy Technology
  • #8. Cerritos College
  • #9. Pima Medical Institute-Chula Vista
  • #10. Salt Lake Community College

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#1. National University College

Program: Associate Degree

Address: Calle Manuel Pérez Avilés, Arecibo, 00612, Puerto Rico

The Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technician will train the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a pharmacy technician, always under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

The graduate of this program can work in pharmacies and hospitals as a pharmacy technician by the laws and regulations of the Board of Pharmacy of Puerto Rico.

Finally, the institution is authorized by the Board of Education of Puerto Rico to offer certification programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s through certifications.

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#2. Florida Vocational Institute

Program:

Address: 3520 Enterprise Way, Miramar, Florida

This program prepares students for a position as a pharmacy technician. A diploma will be awarded at the end of this program.

In the Pharmacy Technicians Training Program of the Florida Vocational Institute (FVI), we can provide the skills you need to enter this industry and prosper.

The pharmacy technician program provides instructions on how to help the pharmacist pack and dispense medications. Graduates can find employment in hospitals (private and government), nursing homes, and private and chain pharmacies. As well as drug manufacturers, wholesale pharmacies, and health maintenance organizations.

Students will also study the professional and technical skills necessary for direct employment as a pharmacy technician.

Once you have completed our FVI-approved training program, you can obtain certification by passing a certification exam approved by the State Board of Pharmacy in Florida.

You can only take this exam after completing your FVI training courses. To prepare for certification, the FVI offers you 40 hours to ensure you’re prepared!

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#3. Manhattan Institute

Program: Associate of Science Degree program

Address: 45 West 34th St, New York, NY

For more than 40 years, the Manhattan Institute has been an essential force in the configuration of American political culture. And the development of ideas that promote economic choice and individual responsibility.

Above all, the Pharmacy Technician training at the Manhattan Institute is designed to prepare you for employment in this growing profession.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor of the United States, the employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years due to advances in medicine and the aging population.

With your diploma in the hands of our pharmacy technician schools, you will feel safe working in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or any pharmacy within a medical establishment.

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#4. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Program: Associate of Science Degree program

Address: 8344 W Mineral King Ave, Visalia, CA 93291

The SJVC program prepares you to work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist as part of a team responsible for complying with doctors’ pharmaceutical orders.

Graduates can complete the Certificate of Completion of Pharmaceutical Technology program in just nine months or the Associate Pharmacy Technician Science Degree program in 15 months.

Their pharmaceutical technology students can obtain a certificate of completion in just 9 months. Graduates of the pharmacy technician program can get an associate’s degree in science in just 15 months.

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#5. Mountainland Technical College

Program:

Address: 1410 W 1250 S, Orem Utah

This program consists of two parts. Part 1 is ongoing laboratory training (400 hours). Part 2 is external training for a pharmacy technician (200 hours). Students who complete this training must have a high school diploma or GED to qualify to take the national exam.

Most importantly, students can apply to become licensed pharmacy technicians in Utah after passing the national exam. Equally, students must complete the license application process with the State of Utah within two years (24 months) of the program start date.

The MTECH pharmacy technical program is accredited by the ASHP and recognized by the PTCB.

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#6. Columbus State Community College

Program: Certificate

Address: 550 East Spring St.
Columbus, OH 43215

The Pharmacy Technician Program is an entry-level certification program that prepares students for knowledge. As well as skills necessary for a career as a pharmacy technician.

Specifically, students will learn how to prepare medications for distribution, perform dose calculations, and comply with national and federal regulations. As well as to provide excellent customer service skills, inventory, and order supplies while exposing themselves to real situations facing pharmacies today.

Completion of the program typically requires 26 to 32 weeks of instruction for full-time students, which are taught over two semesters. Above all, the program is divided into didactic, simulated, and experimental components, including an external internship period of 140 hours required for ASHP accreditation.

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#7. Cleveland Clinic’s School of Pharmacy Technology

Program: Certificate Program

Address: 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195

Specifically, the Cleveland Clinic is a leader in expanding pharmacy technicians’ roles. As one of the country’s only accredited schools of hospital technicians, the School of Pharmacy Technology paves the way for new technical leaders.

Also, the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmaceutical Technology was designed to achieve what no other pharmacy technician program has done before. Combine the two educational training pieces with real and practical training from day one.

Equally, students acquire the necessary skills to pass the pharmacy technician certification exam and work in a pharmacy. Above all, Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology graduates are well prepared to meet the needs of expanding pharmaceutical practice.

Finally, the Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology graduate students can be considered to work in the Cleveland Clinic Health System.

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#8. Cerritos College

Program: Certificate

Address: 11110 Alondra Blvd.
Norwalk, California 90650

For residents of Southern California, the pharmacy technician program at Cerritos College is practical. The program offers a certificate and an associate’s degree for incoming students. The Cerritos College program has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) since 1999.

The successful completion of any of the programs allows students to enroll in the California State Pharmacy Board, which is a requirement. Before getting a job as a pharmacy technician in California.

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#9. Pima Medical Institute

Program: Certificate

Address:

With accredited institutions in the western part of the United States, PMI offers a complete program of pharmacy technicians to students from Arizona, California, Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.

At 840 credit hours, plus a clinical internship, students will be ready to write the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

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#10. Salt Lake Community College

Program: Certificate

Address: 4600 South Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, UT 84123

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), located in 10 different locations in Utah, welcomes more than 60,000 students a year, making it the largest university in Utah.

The university is known for its flexible schedules and exceptional teachers. Specifically, the one-year certificate program at SLCC must be completed in 3 consecutive semesters. And also requires 180-hour job training by the laws of the state of Utah.

You will work at a local pharmacy during your last semester and get valuable experience. The courses include medical terminology, pharmacology, calculations, preparation of sterile and non-sterile preparations, and pharmacy laws.

Above all, the university also has a very efficient job placement service that will help you review your CVs and simulate interviews.

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Other Pharmacy Technician Colleges You Can Explore

Are there Pharmacy Technician Online Schools?

Completing online pharmacy technician courses is an excellent way for busy people to continue their education without traveling to campus. Many schools offer a selection of online classes, while others offer entirely online pharmaceutical technology programs.

It is essential to remember that clinical experience, although not a licensing requirement in all states, can be an essential factor in finding employment. For this reason, in most cases, it is better to choose an online program that also offers the placement of external practices.

So here is a list of Pharmacy Technician Online Schools:

  • San Francisco State University
  • Coastal Carolina Community College
  • Ashworth College

San Francisco State University

As part of its expanded learning program, SFSU offers an online pharmacy technician program that students can follow at their own pace.

Upon completing the program, students will obtain a professional development certificate and be eligible for the PTCB certification exam.

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Coastal Carolina Community College

At CCCC, students can choose between a class track, a hybrid program or an online pharmaceutical technology study course.

Although the school offers job placement assistance, there is no external internship component of this program, which may make it less attractive to some students.

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Ashworth College

Ashworth College offers a hybrid program with online components and a 120-hour clinical internship.

This allows students to learn at their own pace while obtaining the experience many employers desire.

Although there is no age requirement to enroll in the program, students must be at least 18 years old to complete the external internship part.

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Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools

Higher education institutions require accreditation to assure their incoming students that their education will meet the high standards of accreditation bodies.

Schools generally have institutional accreditation in addition to specific program accreditations. Institutions may be accredited by regional groups, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The credentials of each school must be available on their website.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) offers a specific accreditation for pharmacy technician programs. To be accredited, schools must complete an application, including a professional registration and a CV for the pharmacy technician training program director and submission application fees. Upon receiving these documents, the ASHP will organize an accreditation survey on the site to determine school eligibility.

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) also offers accreditation for pharmacy schools, but not specifically for pharmaceutical technology programs. Programs must meet 30 ACPE standards. More information about their accreditation process is available on their website.

Hence, students should look for more schools that have obtained accreditation from the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission, a joint effort between ASHP and ACPE.

The program only started at the end of 2014. Still, it should help define a higher and standard set of practices for pharmacy technician schools, guaranteeing quality education for pharmacy students.

Looking for a list of accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools, then the ones above are all you need.

Pharmacy Technician Schools FAQs

what requirements do I need to become a pharmacy technician?

Most schools require a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite, and individual schools might have additional requirements. Programs range from as little as 15 weeks to as long as two years, awarding a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Your course will generally prepare you in four main areas: math, science, customer service, and technical skills.

How much does pharmacy technician certification cost?

Most pharmacy technician certification programs cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000. Associate’s degrees that cost $10,000 to $25,000 are also available in the field.

Can I get an online pharmacy technician course?

Yes, you can. Many schools offer a selection of online courses, while others offer entirely online pharmaceutical technology programs.

How much do pharmacy technicians earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average pay for a pharmacy technician in May 2016 was $30,920, or $14.86 per hour. Pay varies according to the work location, type of facility, and size. For example, a pharmacy technician may make $7,000 more annually working for a larger hospital or acute care center.

What is the job outlook for pharmacy technicians?

The employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best schools for pharmacy technicians, you have chosen an excellent area to explore! Whether you have wanted to become a pharmacy technician for a while or are just beginning to study the position.

You will soon discover a handful of benefits that begin before you start your career.

This complete guide of the best-accredited pharmacy technician colleges provides all the details you need. Just Explore!

References

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