Pathways: Pharmacy Technician
Today's dynamic pharmacy environment requires that professionals understand clinical, administrative and reimbursement issues that the pharmacy organization faces on a daily basis.
Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies under the direction of a pharmacist. Their main responsibility is filling prescriptions according to doctors' orders for patients. This comprehensive 120 hour training will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the pharmacy technician Certification Board's PTCB exam. You can visit their website at www.ptcb.org for more information on becoming nationally certified.
Course content includes medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Students will learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and online billing and reimbursement.
Anyone wishing to intern or work in a pharmacy in Oregon must obtain a Pharmacy Techician license through the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. You can download their application at Oregon Board of Pharmacy application. A thorough criminal background check is included in the application process. This initial license is for one year. During that year you must pass a national certification exam. Once you receive your national certification, you can then apply to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Please contact the Oregon Board of Pharmacy if you have specific questions.
The next training will begin in January, 2010. Schedule to be determined.
Learn more: Download a printable flyer
Career Pathways applicants may need to attend one of the following Information Sessions to be considered for the training. Call 503-788-6233 for information.
Winter Information Sessions TBD |
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Learn more:
Classes are generally offered three evenings each week with four hours per class at the Central Portland Workforce Training Center.
Students wanting hands-on experience have the option of developing a second term internship through PCC Occupational Skills Training. This process is much like looking for work. Students take the lead role in finding their own employer to provide a work site for an internship. PCC does not "provide" you with an internship. PCC will guide you in developing an internship, then work with the employer during the internship period. PCC does cover the workmans compensation for the student during the internship.
Career Pathways students will also attend a weekly, 3-hour Career Planning course either on Fridays from 9am - Noon at the SE Center (2305 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland) or on Tuesdays from 1-4pm at the Capital Career Center (1626 NW Walker Rd).
Features
- Students participate in three hours a week of Career Planning. Students wanting only the Pharmacy Technician class should contact Celina Mesa at the Institute for Health Professionals, celina.pccihp@yahoo.com or (503) 731-6673.
- A cohort learning community is developed and an Employment Specialist supports students as they pursue employment in this field.
- This training is offered in partnership with PCC Institute for Health Professionals and PCC Professional Skills Department.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in a Career Planning course in the first term of the training. Career Pathways is committed to working with students seeking employment for up to two months after completion of the training.
Estimated Cost Of Training:
Term 1: $2,732.00
Term 2: $1,230.20 (optional full-time internship)
Total: $3,961.95
Training Cost Sheet
Note: The figures above are based on the 2009/10 PCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice. The cost not include Admission and Parking fee.
Prerequisites
- Clean criminal background or, if not, obtain their Oregon Pharmacy Technician license prior to start of training.
- College placement test scores that place them into: Writing 115 Reading 115 Math 60
- Strong background in customer service work
- Experience in MS Office Windows/Word/Excel and 10-key
- Able to type 30 words per minute
- Able to multi-task and work on feet for long periods of time in a fast-paced environment
- Please download the PCC Pharmacy Technician application and begin to collect necessary documentation. Successful completion of this application does not guarantee placement into the class.
Course of Study
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CEU 941Q | Pharmacy Technician | non-credit |
| WFTT23
(For students wanting the Pharmacy Technician training only, please call 503-731-6673) |
Career Planning: This course is designed to build a learning community among students pursuing career pathways courses. Students will develop their skills as a student, intern and job seeker. A job search portfolio will be used as an organizational framework for the course. | non-credit |
| Total Credits (Term 1) | non-credit | |
| Optional | Internship Students must pass national certification exam prior to start of an OST internship for credit. |
8 - 16 |
| Total Credits (Optional) | 8 - 16 | |
What should I do next to get into the training?
- Apply for Admission to the College.
- Take the college placement exam workshop.
- Take the COMPASS placement exam. You can call one of the PCC testing centers to schedule the exam.
- Attend a Career Pathways Healthcare Training Information Session at one of the times listed above.
- Contact Laurie Chadwick at 503-788-6233.