In communities around the country, there is increased demand for experienced pharmacists and skilled pharmacy technicians. Patients of all ages rely heavily on pharmacies to access the prescription medications they need, and they want to be able to work closely with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in order to ask questions and get valuable information about their prescriptions.
As a result, the job market for pharmacy technicians is growing rapidly. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by more than 7% between 2023 and 2033. With more jobs expected to be created in this field, now could be an optimal time to consider enrolling in a pharmacy technician diploma program.
A Closer Look at the Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program
The pharmacy technician diploma program is a skills-based program intended for individuals who know that they want to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician. It requires you to complete 24 credit hours, and if you follow the curricular sequence, you can earn your pharmacy technician diploma in about eight months. This diploma program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue licensure to work as a certified pharmacy technician.
The Role of a Pharmacy Technician in Healthcare
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in today’s evolving healthcare system. Staff shortages over the past several years, combined with increased demand among patients, have burdened retail and hospital pharmacies across the U.S. By assisting pharmacists as they dispense medication, fill prescriptions, and work with patients, pharmacy technicians help bridge the gap that exists in the modern healthcare system.
According to the BLS, the primary job responsibilities of pharmacy technicians include:
- Collecting patient information.
- Measuring and dispensing medication.
- Packaging prescriptions that have been filled by the pharmacist.
- Processing patient payments and assisting patients when needed.
- Answering phone calls and helping pharmacy customers.
- Organizing pharmacy inventory and maintaining supplies within the pharmacy.
In this customer-facing position, pharmacy technicians have the opportunity to provide patients with exceptional customer service and ensure that they have a positive experience at the pharmacy. It can be a profession to pursue, particularly for those who are passionate about healthcare and providing people with the best possible care.
Key Components of the Diploma Program
The Pharmacy Technician Diploma program at Florida Technical College (FTC) is designed specifically for students who want to earn their license to practice as a pharmacy technician. The key components of the program include:
- Theoretical coursework that enables students to develop a strong foundation in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to become proficient in the skills required to prepare, compound, and dispense medication.
Educational Pathways and Admission Requirements
If you are interested in enrolling in the pharmacy technician program, it is important to be aware of the admission requirements in place. Those who are prepared and meet all requirements in advance will be able to streamline the enrollment process and begin working on earning their pharmacy technician diploma as quickly as possible.
Prerequisites for Enrollment
At FTC, these are the core prerequisites to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must have earned a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent.
This skills-based training program is an excellent opportunity for those with a high school diploma who want to develop industry-specific skills and accelerate their path into the workforce.
The Application Process Demystified
You will find that the application process for the pharmacy technician program is quite straightforward. To apply, you will need to complete an online application and provide proof that you have completed the prerequisites for the program. To learn more about this program and to find out if it is the right fit for you, you can request more information to get in touch with our admissions team, who will guide you through the enrollment process.
Curriculum Highlights and Learning Outcomes
The pharmacy technician program includes coursework focused on theoretical knowledge as well as industry-specific skills, allowing you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of a pharmacy technician. The goal of this diploma program is to equip you with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to complete the license requirements for working as a pharmacy technician.
Overview of Core Courses
The core curriculum for this diploma program focuses specifically on pharmaceuticals and building an advanced knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, along with the role of the pharmacy technician in the current healthcare landscape. The required courses for this program include:
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Terminology for the Pharmacy
- History, Law, and Ethics of Pharmacy
- Medical Calculations and Non-Sterile Compounding
- Medical Calculations and Sterile Compounding
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy Operations in the Retail and Hospital Setting
- Pharmacy Technician Capstone
Practical Skills and Lab Work
Throughout your coursework, you can enjoy hands-on learning experiences that enable you to develop the practical and technical skills to work as a pharmacy technician. Through lab work and other skills-based training, you learn how to safely compound, prepare, and dispense medication. You will become proficient in methods for assisting the pharmacist and improving administrative operations within the pharmacy setting.
Certification and Licensure Insights
Keep in mind that pharmacy technicians have to be certified and licensed to practice in many states, including Florida. The pharmacy technician program is not a certification program but rather an educational program that equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills required to prepare for certification. This program does not guarantee that you will become certified to practice as a pharmacy technician in the state of Florida.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential, which may enable you to fulfill some of the requirements for state licensure.
Preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, or PTCE, is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and is designed to evaluate your pharmacy technician skills and knowledge. This computer-based exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, and students have two hours to complete the exam.
In order to ensure that the most qualified candidates pass the exam and go on to pursue positions as pharmacy technicians, this test is designed to be challenging. You should spend a significant amount of time studying and preparing in advance. Some of the best ways to prepare for this exam include:
- Using PTCE practice tools that are available online through the PTCB.
- Reviewing the PTCE content available online through the PTCB, which allows you to better understand the knowledge areas that will be covered in the exam.
- Collaborating with other students who are going to be taking the PTCE exam and forming a study group.
State-Specific Licensure Requirements
The requirements for pharmacy technician licensure vary from one state to the next. In Florida, pharmacy technicians must meet the requirements outlined by the Florida Board of Pharmacy.
Career Opportunities and Advancement
The pharmacy technician program is a skills-based, industry-specific diploma program intended to prepare you for a career as a pharmacy technician. However, there exist opportunities for advancement within this field, and establishing a strong academic foundation early in your career can allow you to continue to grow professionally in the years to come.
Employment Prospects Post-Graduation
Many students who earn their pharmacy technician diploma and become certified to practice as a licensed pharmacy technician are able to achieve positions in retail and hospital pharmacies. In addition, they may find employment at wholesale drug stores and health insurance companies. Some other possible role titles you may consider include pharmacist’s assistant, pharmaceutical sales representative, and pharmaceutical lab assistant.
Advancing Your Career With Further Education
After earning your pharmacy technician diploma and gaining professional experience as a pharmacy tech, you might wish to advance your career through higher education. Earning your pharmacy technician diploma provides you with a strong academic foundation you can build upon, and in the future, you may find that additional certification or degree programs allow you to continue expanding your knowledge and career prospects. You may also need to seek out continuing education credits to maintain your PTCB credential.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the duration of the pharmacy technician diploma program?
Our pharmacy technician program is a 24-credit program that can be completed in as little as eight months, if you follow the curricular sequence.
Can I pursue this program hybrid?
A pharmacy technician diploma is designed to equip you with the practical, technical, and theoretical skills required to work as a pharmacy technician. At Florida Technical College, we offer the Pharmacy Technician Diploma program on three of our campuses, allowing you to select the program that is convenient for you. You may complete this program at our Kissimmee, Pembroke Pines, or Tampa campuses.
Enrollat the Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program at Florida Technical College Today
A pharmacy technician program is an ideal path to preparing for a career in this field. At Florida Technical College, our Pharmacy Technician Diploma program features a skills-based curriculum in which you can learn how to prepare, compound, and dispense medication as well as assist the pharmacist in daily operations. This program is suitable for those who want to work in the pharmaceutical industry and accelerate their pathway into the workforce. Request more information about our pharmacy technician diploma today.
This article presents a general overview of the field of pharmacy technician, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/pharmacy-technician/
https://www.ptcb.org/credentials/certified-pharmacy-technician
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-1
https://floridaspharmacy.gov/licensing/registered-pharmacy-technician/
