Pharmacy Technician Certification Program with Clinical Externship
Launch your healthcare career with our comprehensive pharmacy technician training program. Prepare for national certification while gaining hands-on experience in real pharmacy settings.
Learn MoreAbout Our Program
Our Pharmacy Technician Certification Program combines comprehensive classroom instruction with practical hands-on training to prepare you for a rewarding career in pharmacy. As a pharmacy technician, you'll play a crucial role in healthcare by assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing patient care.
The program is designed to be completed in just 24 weeks, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults. Upon successful completion, you'll be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), both nationally recognized certifications.
What sets our program apart is the included clinical externship, where you'll gain valuable real-world experience in a pharmacy setting under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Program Highlights
Comprehensive Curriculum
Our curriculum covers all aspects of pharmacy practice, from pharmaceutical calculations to medication safety, ensuring you're well-prepared for certification exams and workplace responsibilities.
Clinical Externship
Gain 160 hours of hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting, applying your knowledge and developing practical skills under professional supervision.
Expert Instructors
Learn from experienced pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians who bring real-world expertise to the classroom and provide mentorship throughout the program.
Hybrid Learning Format
Benefit from a flexible schedule with both online coursework and in-person lab sessions, allowing you to balance education with other life responsibilities.
Certification Preparation
Prepare for PTCE or ExCPT examinations with focused review sessions, practice exams, and test-taking strategies from instructors with proven success rates.
Career Services
Access job placement assistance, resume building workshops, interview preparation, and connections to our extensive network of pharmacy partners.
Curriculum Overview
Our comprehensive curriculum covers all essential areas of pharmacy practice:
| Module | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Regulation | 12 |
| 2 | Pharmaceutical Calculations and Measurements | 16 |
| 3 | Pharmacology Basic Concepts | 20 |
| 4 | Medication Safety and Quality Assurance | 12 |
| 5 | Community Pharmacy Practice | 16 |
| 6 | Hospital Pharmacy Practice | 16 |
| 7 | Pharmacy Software and Technology | 12 |
| 8 | Medication Preparation and Compounding | 20 |
| 9 | Inventory Management | 10 |
| 10 | Insurance and Billing Procedures | 12 |
| 11 | Certification Exam Preparation | 14 |
| 12 | Clinical Externship | 160 |
Clinical Externship Experience
The clinical externship is a cornerstone of our program, providing you with invaluable real-world experience that employers value highly. During your externship, you'll work alongside pharmacy professionals in an actual pharmacy setting.
Preparation and Orientation
Before beginning your externship, you'll complete orientation sessions that cover pharmacy safety, professional conduct, and specific site expectations.
Observation Phase
Start by observing pharmacy operations, learning workflow patterns, and understanding professional roles within the pharmacy team.
Hands-on Practice
Gradually take on supervised tasks including medication dispensing, compounding, inventory management, and customer interactions.
Advanced Skills Development
Build competency with more complex responsibilities such as preparing IV admixtures, chemotherapy medications, and advanced compounding.
Performance Evaluation
Receive detailed feedback and evaluation from your preceptor, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
Career Preparation
Complete your externship with professional references, documented clinical hours, and often employment opportunities with your externship site.
We maintain partnerships with over 50 pharmacy externship sites including:
- Community Pharmacies
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Specialty Pharmacies
- Long-term Care Pharmacies
- Mail-order Pharmacies
- Pharmacy Benefit Management
96%
Pass rate on national certification exams
89%
Job placement within 6 months of graduation
160+
Hours of clinical experience provided
24
Weeks to complete the program
Career Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand across various healthcare settings. Certification opens doors to numerous career paths:
Retail Pharmacies
Work in community pharmacies, retail chains, or independent pharmacies. Responsibilities include assisting customers, processing prescriptions, inventory management, and administrative duties.
Hospital Pharmacies
Join hospital pharmacy teams where technicians prepare unit-dose medications, IV admixtures, and assist with medication distribution to patient care units.
Specialty Pharmacies
Focus on specialized medications for complex conditions, including oncology, transplant, and rare diseases. These positions often involve additional training and higher compensation.
Long-term Care Facilities
Provide pharmacy services for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Work focused on medication management for elderly and chronically ill patients.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, research support, and sales for certified pharmacy technicians with specialized knowledge.
Insurance and PBM
Pharmacy benefit management companies and health insurers employ technicians for claims processing, prior authorization review, and formulary management.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $35,100 in May 2020. Certified pharmacy technicians with clinical experience typically command higher salaries and have better employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, pass a basic mathematics assessment, complete a background check, and provide proof of immunizations. No prior healthcare experience is required.
What certifications will I be eligible for?
Graduates are eligible to sit for either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
How long is the program?
The program is designed to be completed in 24 weeks for full-time students. Part-time options are available, extending the program to 40 weeks. The clinical externship is typically completed during the final 8 weeks of the program.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! We offer various financial aid options including federal student loans for those who qualify, payment plans, scholarships, and military education benefits. Our financial aid advisors can help you explore all available options.
What is included in the tuition?
Tuition includes all course materials, textbooks, lab supplies, certification exam preparation, one attempt at the certification exam of your choice, placement and supervision of the clinical externship, and career services assistance.
How does the clinical externship placement work?
Our externship coordination team will work with you to identify suitable placement options based on your geographic location and career preferences. We have partnerships with numerous pharmacies and will secure a placement that provides appropriate learning opportunities.
Can I work while completing the program?
Yes! Our flexible scheduling options are designed specifically for students who need to balance education with work and other responsibilities. Most of our students maintain employment while completing the program.
Ready to Start Your Pharmacy Career?
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Our next cohort begins soon, and spaces are limited.
Apply Now Learn MoreGet in Touch
Enrollment Information
Campus Location
Schedule a Visit
Want to see our facilities and meet instructors? Schedule a campus visit or attend one of our regular information sessions.
Book a Tour
Pharmacy Technician Certification Program With Clinical Externship and Reference File Down...
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program With Clinical Externship and Reference File Downlo...
Pharmacy Technician Certification Program and Reference File Download Link
Masters Of Pharmacy In Clinical Pharmacy (M.Pharm Clinical Pharmacy) and Reference File Do...