Pharmacy Technician

The University of the Incarnate Word, School of Extended Studies is offering an exciting opportunity for those interested in beginning a new career as a Pharmacy Technician. We realize work, life and family obligations can sometimes prevent you from attending educational opportunities. With that in mind, we have tailored the program to fit the busy schedules required by family life and work.

The course is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the National Pharmacy Technician Board Exam and directly enter the exciting field of pharmacy. Our program includes a well-blended mix of classroom, audio-visual presentation and hands-on experience at local pharmacies. Instruction is provided by experienced, licensed pharmacists and technicians who are current practitioners in the field of pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification program offers our students both theoretical and practical training through hands-on experience. Classes meet two (2) days a week, for three (3) hours each session. Generally, the classes are held on a week night and Saturday mornings. The duration of the course is fourteen (14) weeks and includes preparation for the certification examination administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). In addition to 84 hours in the classroom, and homework study time, our students are eligible to complete an 80-clock-hour externship experience. The externship serves as working experience, as well as a reference for future employment.

This 14-week program will prepare you for a career in the exciting field of pharmacy. Subjects covered in the course include pharmacology, pharmacy law, inventory management, prescription writing, pharmaceutical calculations, sterile compounding and much more.

The cost of the Pharmacy Technician Training Course is $3,900

Pharmacy Technician Curriculum

• Law and Ethics
• Medical/Pharmacological Terminology
• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy Technology
• Systems/Anatomy
• Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Receiving and Interpreting Medication Orders
• Filling and Distributing Medication Orders
• Over the Counter Medications
• Purchasing, Inventory and Reimbursement Packaging
• Compounding
• Study Skills
• Communication Skills
• Aseptic IV preparation
• Technician Issues
• Professionalism and the Workplace
   

The program fee includes all live instruction, labs, externship, and the following;

• Pharmacology for Technicians Textbook and Workbook
• Pharmacy Practice for Technicians Pharmacy Calculations for Technicians
• Flash Cards of the Top 200 Drugs
• Lab coat
• PTCB Exam Review Guide
• Pocket Guide for Technicians Generic-Brand Name Reference
• Externship Manual
• Pharmacy Technician Student Manual Course Handouts

Admission Requirements

Below is a brief explanation of the course and the requirements for enrollment. Prerequisites for the course include:

• A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
• No felony or misdemeanor related to the sale of drugs. Traffic violations and any other issues must be cleared up before the externship. This is the sole responsibility of each student.
• A history of vaccinations is periodically required to work in the externship
• Commitment to the rigorous 14-week course schedule.

Background Check

To apply for registration as a pharmacy technician you will undergo fingerprint and background screening through the Department of Public Safety. If you have ever been convicted of or pled no contest to a violation of any law of a foreign country, the United States or any state laws or local ordinances, including all misdemeanor and felony convictions, regardless of the age of the conviction, your eligibility for registration could be affected. The Board of Pharmacy will determine each application on a case-by-case basis. At a minimum, anything in your background will most likely result in a delay in the processing of your application. Providing them with all paperwork and information related to any convictions up front will minimize the delay in processing. No determination can be made prior to your enrollment in the course. The state handles all requests on a case-by-case basis.

Externship

After completion of the class portion of the program, our Class Coordinator will work with you to place you in a local pharmacy to gain hands-on experience vital for your success. The location of the pharmacy and the times you work will be based on where and when you can work. The externship is built around your busy schedule and will be completed in less than four weeks. Full details will be given out at first class session. Once you complete the externship, you will receive your certificate of completion from the University of Incarnate Word, School of Extended Studies.

Registration

To maintain a low teacher-student ratio seating is LIMITED. We will be accepting 25 applicants at each location into this program.

To register and pay tuition please contact the location nearest you. We accept payment via check or credit card.