Pharmacy Technology

Help registered pharmacists prepare medications. There’s a growing demand for pharmacy techs as our population ages and new drugs go on the market every day.

Program Contact Dr. Jenny Jones Assistant Dean Allied Health (859) 246-6653 GET STARTED TODAY 855.246.2477

What is Pharmacy Technology?

The pharmacy technician prepares a student for a successful career as a pharmacy technician by:

  1. Providing simple instruction and laboratory experience. This allows you to enter the job market at a higher level of competency. It's better than what only on-the-job training can provide.
  2. Offering real experience during the externship process.
  3. Preparing students for the Pharmacy Technology Certification Board.
  4. Stressing the significance of comprehension, communication and skill based competency.
What are my Career Choices?

Getting Started

How to Apply

All students must agree to submit and pass background check and drug screening to be considered for enrollment. Students must also meet immunization requirements to prior to internship (PHA 150 and PHA 251). Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students.

Each applicant must submit the following items:

  1. BCTC application;
  2. Official high school transcripts.
    If a transcript is unavailable, the following are acceptable:
  3. Official transcripts of all postsecondary education;
  4. ACT (or SAT) and/or, ASSET or COMPASS test results;
Field Licensure Requirements

Students must pass a national certification exam to become a certified pharmacy technician. Some states may also require state licensure and testing. Visit your state Board of Pharmacy site for individual state requirements.

Other requirements that students must complete before starting the program include:

What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?

Note

The diploma credential (Advanced Level Diploma in Pharmacy Technology) is being phased out and will not be available to incoming students.

The catalog describes the course requirements for completing the credential. Students are required to schedule an appointment with their assigned academic advisor to ensure achievement of their academic goals.

How Do I Pay For This?

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Additional Information

Credential Difference

What is the difference between the 2 credentials that we offer at BCTC?

Entry Level Pharmacy Technology Certificate

Certificate students qualify to work at any retail/outpatient pharmacy settings, such as:

Several factors determine your future salary.

Advanced Level Pharmacy Technology Diploma

Note: The diploma credential is being phased out and will not be available to incoming students.

This diploma requires 37 to 40 credit hours to complete. Students will have all knowledge and training from the certificate. They will also get the advanced pharmacy practice courses.

Several factors determine your future salary:

Training Program versus College of Pharmacy

What is the difference between Pharmacy Tech Training Programs and College of Pharmacy?

The Pharmacy Technology program is for students interested in a Pharmacy Technician career. College of Pharmacy is a professional program for pharmacists.

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work closely together. Both have the job of pouring, mixing, and weighing the medication for accuracy. They both deal with insurance companies, physicians, and customers. But, they each have distinct roles and different education requirements.

Below are the main differences between these two pharmaceutical industry professionals.

Pharmacy Technician versus Pharmacist

Education Differences

Pharmacy Technicians - Education requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state. Very few states don't require any formal training beyond high school. Most states require formal training and a certification upon graduation.

There is no standardized national education requirement. However, pharmacy technicians have to pass the PTCE. It's a standardized test administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This certification is recognized in all fifty states.

Pharmacists - Pharmacists hold a doctorate in pharmacology. The PharmD degree (or doctor of pharmacy) is a six-year degree. A one-year internship under a licensed pharmacist must happen after this education.

Then, pharmacists must pass the NAPLEX. NAPLEX is the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. Finally, the individual registers with their state's Board of Pharmacy.

Differences in Duties

Pharmacy Technicians - Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists. The pharmacy technician may accept a prescription from the patient. But, they are not allowed to dispense a medication without having pharmacist approval. When it gets packed and labeled, the pharmacist must review it for accuracy. Then it can go to the patient.

Pharmacy technicians also assist the pharmacist by performing administrative tasks. Tasks include:

They do not give medical advice to patients.

Pharmacists - The pharmacist has all the responsibilities in the pharmacy. They:

Pharmacists spend a good part of their day giving medical advice to patients. Some states allow pharmacists to write prescriptions. They're limited to common, non-regulated medications. This includes antibiotics or mild pain relievers.

Program Documents Important Websites