Certified Pharmacy Technician

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of certified pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026. They can work in retail or mail-order pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities. Most work full-time, but many work part-time. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services. The median annual wage for certified pharmacy technicians in Connecticut is $38,070.

Certified Pharmacy Technician Program Description

This comprehensive 60-hour course will prepare students for an entry-level position in a community, hospital or long-term care setting. It is also an excellent review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) national certification exam. Topics include medical terminology specific to the pharmacy; reading and interpreting prescriptions; and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Students will learn dosage calculation; I.V. flow rate; drug compounding; and dose conversion. Dispensing of prescriptions; inventory control; billing, and insurance reimbursement will also be discussed. A grade of 70 or higher and 85% attendance is required to successfully complete the program. It is not required that a Certified Pharmacy Technician be certified, but it is a good credential to have to secure employment. Students sit for the PTCB after course completion. Instructors provided by the Connecticut Pharmacists Association.

The Essential Job Skills & Career Development course is required to receive a certificate of completion for the Certified Pharmacy Technical program.

Please be advised that if you have been convicted of a felony, you may not be eligible for clinical experiences, internships, externships or certifications associated with certain allied health courses or programs. Those with previous convictions may also find it difficult to secure employment within a health care setting.

Time Commitment

This 10-week course is 60 hours, 2 days per week, with 3-hour lectures on Monday and Wednesday evenings.

Payment Information

Total cost for the Certified Pharmacy Technician program is $1,524 (price subject to change).

• Total cost includes tuition, administrative fee, books, Essential Job Skills & Career Development course and the PTCB examination fee.
• WIOA & CT SNAP approved.  Payment plan available.
• SNAP scholarships available for qualified applicants, call Shaina Hamel for details 860.773.1454.
• Register in the Continuing Education Office in the 700 Building.  Submit a registration form for the program and choose an Essential Job Skills course.
• Take the math assessment
• Must be 18 years old with a HS diploma or GED

Admission Requirements

• Submit the Certified Pharmacy Technician registration and requirements forms, and math assessment
• Must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED

Course Prerequisite: Fluency in basic math and algebra is required to complete necessary pharmaceutical calculations. A score of 70 on the math assessment is recommended. For a math refresher, enroll in the Medical Math “Ed2Go” Online Course (ed2go.com/tunxis).

Additional Requirements for Completion

• Successful completion of the Essential Job Skills & Career Development Course

Transfer Credits

Students who have successfully completed the Certified Pharmacy Technician Program are eligible to receive college credit through the Connecticut Credit Assessment Program administered by Charter Oak State College.

Credits may be used at Charter Oak State College or transferred to another school by setting up a credit registry with Charter Oak (Any transfer credit is at the discretion of the institution).

For more information, visit: Charter Oak’s Credit Registry site