Pharmacy Technician
Career Information
Students who complete this program could pursue a variety of careers. Here are some potential career paths:
Pharmacy Technician: Assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications to customers or healthcare professionals.
Clinical Pharmacy Technician: Work in a clinical setting, assisting with patient care and medication management.
Compounding Technician: Specialize in preparing customized medications for patients.
Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Manage inventory and supplies in a pharmacy setting.
Pharmacy Technician Instructor: Teach and train future pharmacy technicians.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: Promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers.
Pharmacy Operations Manager: Oversee the daily operations of a pharmacy.
Pharmacologist: Conduct research to develop new medications and understand how drugs interact with biological systems.
Pharmaceutical Marketing Specialist: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers and consumers.
These careers leverage the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, providing a strong foundation for success in various fields.
Program Description
This program is designed to be completed in one year during the 11th or 12th grades.
Year 1
Pharmacy Technician I (1 credit): This certificate program is designed for students to explore and apply the fundamentals of pharmacy practice, pharmacy law, regulations and ethics, prescription interpretation, and pharmacy calculations. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to enroll in Pharmacy Technician II to complete the program sequence and fulfill the requirements of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and prepare students to take the national examinations, the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Examination from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Trained, experienced pharmacy technicians who can demonstrate clinical skills and knowledge have many exciting and respected career options and are well-positioned to pursue postsecondary study in the pharmacy field.
Pharmacy Technician II (2 credits): This certificate program is designed for students to apply advanced pharmacy practice, sterile compounding, non-sterile compounding, and inventory management. Successful completion of Pharmacy Technician I qualifies students to apply to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy for a clinical pharmacy technician trainee license. The coursework will fulfill the requirements of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and prepare students to take national examinations, the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Examination from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Trained, experienced pharmacy technicians who can demonstrate clinical skills and knowledge have many exciting and respected career options and are well-positioned to pursue postsecondary study in the pharmacy field.
Program Structure and Benefits
Career Technical Student Organization - Future Health Professionals: This organization prepares students for careers in the health sciences.
Real-World Experience: Students will gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and practices, preparing them for real-world pharmacy settings.
Certifications: Those who complete the program are eligible to earn their CPR/AED/First Aid Heart-Saver and Workplace Readiness (WRS) certifications. Student who are within 12 months of graduating alos qualify to sit for the National Healthcare Association ExCPT Pharmacy Technician certification exam.
Is This Program Right for You? To succeed in this program, students must recognize the importance of regular attendance and a strong commitment to both academic study and hands-on training. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, disciplined, and passionate about a career in pharmacy. They should possess a strong work ethic, excellent time management skills, and the ability to work well with others as part of a team. The program requires 270 hours of instructional time and 130 hours of clinical training to qualify for certification exams.
Instructor