Pharmacy Technology Program

Program Description

The Pharmacy Technology program prepares graduates for positions working under the supervision of a licensed and registered pharmacist in retail and institutional pharmacy practice settings. Students completing the program will have a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacy law, and the therapeutic classification and use of the top-200 prescription drugs.

Students will develop skills in pharmaceutical preparation, maintaining patient profiles or records, sterile products preparation, performing stocking procedures, communication and computer operations to enter, store, and recall patient information.

Approximately 12-14 students are admitted to the program each fall semester. Course requirements prior to the technical pharmacy courses are open to all students who meet specific course prerequisites. The Advanced Technical Certificate can be obtained in 1.5 years and the Basic Technical Certificate can be completed in 1 year.

Program Overview 

• Program accepts students in August
• Requires 1 year to complete if prerequisites have been met (Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer term)
• Program requires the successful completion of  28 credits for the BTC and 53 credit hours for the ATC including prerequisites
• Divided into three components: seated and online instruction, laboratory demonstrations and practice, and practicum/externship placements
• Practicum/externship placements may require working evening or weekend hours
• Licensure: Pharmacy Technology students are required to register with the Idaho State board of pharmacy to participate in experiential training and for employment.  Students will acquire a state registration during the first semester of lab classes.  Students will be required to pass a background check and fingerprinting based on requirements from the state.  For more information visit https://dopl.idaho.gov/bop/bop-pharmacy-technicians/ 
• Certifications: Students will have the opportunity to earn two certifications (Sterile and Non sterile Compounding) and be trained to administer immunizations
• Upon successful completion of the program, the student is prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician National Certification Exam
• National exam: The PTCB national certification exam is designed to evaluate knowledge and skills relevant to the pharmacy technician field at the national level. Although certification is not required to work in a pharmacy within the state of Idaho, completing this certification can enhance career prospects and provide a competitive advantage for graduates.  Students will register to take the exam during the last semester of program classes and take a certification review course to help prepare for the exam.  Once the exam is taken and passed, you are required to renew every two years and complete 20 hours of continuing education.  Graduation pass rate on the exam is 78%. For more details please visit.  https://www.ptcb.org/
• The Pharmacy Technology program is nationally accredited through the ASHP/ACPE Regulations of Pharmacy Technicians training programs.  ASHP sets the standards to protect the public, serve a guide for pharmacy technician education and development, provide the criteria for evaluations of new and established training programs along with promoting continuous improvement of established programs.

Degree Options

Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) (1 year)

• Course Sequence Basic Technical Certificate: Pharmacy Technology
• Program Costs

Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) (1.5 years)

• Course Sequence Advanced Technical Certificate: Pharmacy Technology
• Program Costs

This program participates in the CTE Advanced Opportunities program which allows high school students to earn college credit in technical programs, while still in high school.

 Career Advancement

With your Advanced Technical Certificate in Pharmacy Technology, national certification in the field, and some work experience, you may consider additional educational and career growth opportunities such as:

• an AS or AAS degree in a health occupation or business technology field.
• a BSHS degree that would open the way to managerial positions in health professions.
• post-graduate education in a number of health-related disciplines.

Career Opportunities

• Out-Patient Rehabilitation Clinics
• Hospital or other institutional settings

Program Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Students must be qualified for college level coursework in English and Math (See an advisor for details)
• Completion of a criminal background check and drug screening
• Completion of the following courses with a grade of C or better for the Advanced Technical Certificate:
  • HO 0106 Medical Terminology
  • BT 0170 Introduction to Computers

Minimum Test Scores