Login/Create account
checkout
view cart (
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Reimagine Workforce Training Grant
Phone: (845) 341-4890
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Get the training needed to assist registered pharmacists in critical tasks in the pharmacy. Included are College and Career Readiness classes, as well as an Externship to gain valuable work experience with a local employer. This comprehensive 162-hour course will prepare you to enter the pharmacy field and take Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's (PTCB) Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) examination.
“Am I eligible? How can I apply for scholarships?"
To determine if your are eligible for this program, please fill out this short form.
Job Outlook
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent in New York State from 2020 to 2030. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $35,770 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,910, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,420.
About 1,750 openings for pharmacy technicians in NYS are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
About 1,750 openings for pharmacy technicians in NYS are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Get started on your healthcare career!
Certified Pharmacy Technician FAQs
What does a Certified Pharmacy Technician do?
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. They mainly work in retail pharmacies and hospitals. Some pharmacy technicians measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
Why are Certified Pharmacy Technicians in demand?
Pharmacy technicians will be needed to take on a greater role in pharmacy operations because pharmacists are increasingly performing more patient care activities. Technicians will need to perform tasks—such as collecting patient information, preparing more types of medications, and verifying the work of other technicians—that were previously done by pharmacists.
What employers hire Certified Pharmacy Technicians?
About 50% of pharmacy technicians are employed by Pharmacies and drug stores. Hospitals; state, local, and private and food and beverage stores are the other largest employers who hire pharmacy technicians.
What type of education do I need to get a job a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians usually need a high school diploma or equivalent. Many pharmacy technicians enter the occupation after completing postsecondary education programs in pharmacy technology. These programs are usually offered by community colleges like SUNY Orange, and most programs award a certificate.
What are some of the important qualities of a Pharmacy Technician?
Customer-service skills, detail oriented, listening skills, math skills, and organizational skills.
Who is able to take this Certified Pharmacy Technician training program?
To determine if your are eligible for this program, please fill out this form (coming soon) and one of our staff members will email you to schedule a follow up discussion.
How much does the Certified Pharmacy Technician training program cost?
The cost of the program is $30 (subject to approval) thanks to the SUNY Stay Near, Go Far Reimagine Workforce Preparation Training grant funding. All books are included.
What is the training schedule and how long will it take to complete the program?
The program will take about 4 months to complete. Class instruction will meet for approximately 3 months, plus students will have one month to complete the Externship work experience with a local pharmacy. The instruction will be offered as a hybrid program where students will meet virtually some days and in-person on our campus other days.
What if I'm absent?
Perfect attendance is expected and is a requirement to remain in the program. Your full participation in all learning activities is necessary for developing the knowledge base and skills necessary to function on a professional level. In addition, since exams and quizzes are based on class and text material, class participation, attendance and punctuality are essential for a student’s success. Students are expected to attend all classes and be on time. The College requires the regular recording and reporting of attendance. Students will not be penalized for absenses for religious observance, military obligations, or jury duty.
- Understand and perform the basic functions of a Pharmacy Technician.
- Interpret and process prescriptions within their scope of practice under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
- Apply knowledge of drug names and pharmaceutical calculations to their practice as a pharmacy technician.
- Prepare to register and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) given by the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
College and Career Readiness Course Objectives
- Utilize study, test-taking and time management skills to successfully complete a healthcare occupational program.
- Understand path to transition from non-credit to credit learning including degrees offered, admissions, financial aid, advisement, registration, code of conduct, and student clubs.
- Use tools and resources to assist in career decision-making process; develop an effective resume; and prepare for an employment interview.
- Identify career opportunities and roles available in the healthcare sector.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of professional healthcare service
- Understand your role in meeting customer expectations.
- Identify the components and demonstrate an understanding of workplace safety.
- Demonstrate key computer application and network skills, and proficiency in the internet, web applications, and desktop publishing including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace.
- Utilize effective English language communication in oral and written frameworks with employers, co-workers, and customers.
- Make use of foundational level Math to perform general workplace tasks.
Work-Based Learning Program Objectives
- Create measurable learning objectives with employer related to being productive in the workplace while connecting classroom concepts to job activities.
- Understand how the assigned work-based learning experience connects to personal career journey.
- Provide services to the local business community, such as recruitment and temporary employment.
- Create closer ties between the business community and the education community.
Eligibility & Prerequisites
To determine if your are eligible for this program, please fill out this short form.
Curriculum
Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy & Healthcare
- The Professional Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Laws, Regulations & Ethics
- Information
- Terminology
- Prescriptions
- Calculations
- Routes & Formulations
- Nonsterile Compounding
- Sterile Compounding
- Basic Biopharmaceutics
- Factors Affecting Drug Activity
- Common Drugs & Their Uses
- Inventory Management
- Financial Issues
- Community Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Other Environments
College and Career Readiness
- Study Skills
- Reading Strategies
- Test Taking Tools
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Multimedia Presentations
- Internet Tools
- Today's Workplace
- Healthcare Career Pathways
- Resume and Interviewing Skills
- Service Excellence
- Professionalism in Healthcare Occupations
- Workplace Skills: Business Writing
- Workplace Skills: Math
- Navigating the College: Education Pathways
- Effective Leadership Skills
Work-Based Learning
- Externship Readiness
- Daily Activity Reflection
- Questions to Ask the Business Partner
- Linking Externship to Training Program and Workplace Skills
Get industry certified as a Pharmacy Technician
|
Instructors
Lisa Baumandner, MS, RPH
Lisa is an experienced pharmacist and pharmacy educator and has been teaching for SUNY Orange since 2015. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and obtained a Master of Science in Pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management from the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. Her energetic and engaging teaching style is well-liked by all of her students.
Application and Registration
Am I eligible to receive a scholarship? To find out if you're eligible for the program, please fill out this short form.
Pleaes note: under the SUNY Reimagine Workforce Preparation Training Program, the Certified Pharmacy Technician training program is fully funded by the United States Department of Education as part of an award totaling $18,067,845.02.
Pleaes note: under the SUNY Reimagine Workforce Preparation Training Program, the Certified Pharmacy Technician training program is fully funded by the United States Department of Education as part of an award totaling $18,067,845.02.
date_range
162 PROGRAM HOURS;
4 MONTH DURATION
4 MONTH DURATION
dvr
TEXTBOOKS
INCLUDED
INCLUDED
supervisor_account
RECEIVE SUPPORT, COACHING & GUIDANCE
