Pharmacy Technician Career Overview
The pharmacy technician prepares medications under the direction of a pharmacist. This person may measure, mix, count, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders in a retail pharmacy or a hospital pharmacy environment.
Job Duties may include:
- Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate.
- Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications and type and affix labels.
- Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests.
- Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs.
- Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.
- Price and file prescriptions that have been filled.
- Establish or maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients.
- Order, label, and count stock of medications, chemicals, or supplies and enter inventory data into a computer.
- Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages.
- Mix pharmaceutical preparations, according to written prescriptions.
Pharmacy Technician Career Training Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Program is a dynamic and engaging educational experience designed to prepare aspiring pharmacy technicians with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training necessary for success as a pharmacy technician. This program combines rigorous coursework with practical application to prepare students for a rewarding career in pharmacy.
This 185- hour hybrid program will be completed within 12 weeks. The online didactic portion includes graded quizzes, unit exams, a midterm, and a final exam. Students should plan to spend 12 hours a week on the didactic portion. The simulation portion of the program meets 3.5 hours weekly in person and is facilitated and graded by local instructors
You will need to be prepared to spend 15+ hours weekly in this course. The course will conclude with you sitting for a national certification exam. The tuition includes all online components, supplies, and exam. Additional costs include a background check, physical and registration to the Board of Pharmacy.
Certifications and Need to Know Information:
The Pharmacy Technician program is recognized by national certification associations. Students are eligible to sit for a national certification upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician course.
Employment Outlook
View local salary and job market information for Pharmacy Technicians.
What funding options are available?
The Pharmacy Technician Program is a FastForward program and is also eligible for the G3 scholarship. Eligible residents who have been living in Virginia for at least one year may qualify for FastForward funding. Since this is also a G3 program, you may be eligible for last-dollar funding, bringing your total tuition to $0. Please review the G3 information page, which outlines income qualifications and if you think you qualify or if you have any questions, please contact our operations team at 540-868-7021 to get registered.
Review additional Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions funding options including grants, scholarships and Sallie Mae Loans for eligible students.