
A pharmacy technician career can be very rewarding. Pharmacy technicians work in a fast-paced environment, assisting the pharmacist with the distribution of prescription drugs to patients. It is one the healthcare professions that requires short-term training – most of which can be conveniently completed online. Online pharmacy technician programs include all the aspects of traditional programs including interactivity, comprehensiveness of the curriculum, and hands-on training. Some online programs host an in-person component that requires the student’s presence on campus and at the pharmacy externship. Others provide for virtual simulations and may provide all the tools required for practice at home. As a student, you will acquire knowledge and skills to interpret prescription orders, prepare orders, receive payments, stock inventory, attend to customer needs, and perform any other tasks that the pharmacist deems fit. The program will also include preparation to take a national certification exam such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. National certification has become a requirement for practice in Kentucky and most states. More than 85 percent of pharmacy technician employers prefer technicians who are certified.
The University of Louisville
The online pharmacy technician program at The University of Louisville prepares students for success on the PTCB exam and entry-level employment in a community pharmacy. Students will master the skills that will prepare them for entry level positions as a pharmacy technician or clerk. They will also learn important laws and regulations that govern pharmacies, hone their communication skills, and learn how to handle customers courteously and efficiently. Course modules include what is a pharmacy technician, pharmacology, pharmacy rules and regulations, a look inside a working pharmacy, medical terminology, anti-infectives, body systems, pharmacy calculations, hormones, eyes and ears, and the future of pharmacy technicians. Hands on practice will be made available through virtual simulations. The curriculum covers a total of 24 course hours. Students will have access to the course for up to 6 weeks after registration. New enrolment dates are available every month.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the registration and pay the course fee
- Must have a computer and reliable internet connection
Tuition for the program is $2135. It includes all instructional materials which will available online.
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/uoflsom/
- Address: 501 E. Broadway, Suite 370, Louisville, KY 40202 US
- Phone: 502-852-5555
Jefferson Community & Technical College
The Advanced Pharmacy Technician Diploma program and the Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician program at Jefferson Community and Technical College may be completed online. Students will need to complete the lab and externship hours in person. The Advanced program leads to a diploma and covers a total of 38 to 46 credit hours. Course topics include basic public speaking, human anatomy and physiology I with lab, introduction to computers, pharmacy procedures and skills, pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, IV preparations, admixture preparations, pharmacy experience, admixtures for IV therapy, admixture preparations, pharmacy technician career planning, CPR for Healthcare professionals, and medical terminology. The certificate program covers at total of 21 to 24 hours. The prospective student must first apply to the college and meet the admission requirements prior to enrolling in the program. The duration of the program is three semesters.
Admission criteria:
- Must apply and obtain admission to JCTC
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Ensure that official transcripts are submitted to the registrar’s office
- Place in or above MAT 61 for the pharmacy tech program
- Complete non-core classes with a grade C or higher – First Year Experience, Medica Terminology, Introduction to Computing, Communication, Anatomy and Physiology
- Must meet the program’s technical functions including emotional functions, communication skills, visual acuity, and fine and gross motor skills
- Meet with the Pharmacy Tech faculty
- Submit to a background check and drug screening
Tuition for the program is $8,112 for in-state students. Additional costs for uniforms, liability insurance, criminal background check, drug testing, CPR certification, books, and PTCB exam must be covered by the student.
- Website: https://jefferson.kctcs.edu/index.aspx
- Address: 109 East Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202
- Phone: (502) 213-5333
- Toll-Free: (855) 2GO-JCTC
Sullivan University
Sullivan University online pharmacy technician program is an accelerated program that provides students with the education they need to go out into the workforce. The program is delivered fully online but includes complete support for all students through the online management system. Students will interact with each other and with faculty through the system. They will receive a simulation kit to be used at home. It will include all the tools needed to practice and develop the skilled needed for success in a community pharmacy. Course topics include pharmaceutical calculations, sterile compounding, medication safety, pharmacotherapeutics, health and safety techniques, medical terminology, introduction to pharmacy technician, pharmacy law and ethics, college mathematics, community pharmacy operations, institutional pharmacy operations, medical terminology, and pharmacy externship. Students will complete a 200 hour externship in the last quarter of the program. They will complete the externship in their own communities – made available through the vast network of pharmacy affiliations that are coordinated through the school’s Office of Experiential Education. Graduates will be prepared for success on the PTCB exam. The duration of the program is 9 months. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Sullivan University
- Request and submit transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions
- Complete an entrance evaluation – a waiver is available for applicants with acceptable ACT or SAT scores
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen
- Attend an interview with a member of the faculty
- Must be at least 18 years of age
Tuition costs $395 per credit hour. The program requires completion of 56 credit hours. Expenses for books and supplies are additional.
- Website: https://www.sullivan.edu/
- Address: 3101 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40205
- Phone: (502) 456.6505
- Toll-Free: (800) 844.1354
Eastern Kentucky University
The online pharmacy technician program at Eastern Kentucky University prepares students for success on the PTCB exam and entry-level employment in a community pharmacy. Students will learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice. Course modules include orientation to pharmacy, pharmacy laws and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, communication skills, insurance and inventory procedures, lab modules, and clinical rotations. Hands-on practice will be made available through virtual simulations. The curriculum covers a total of 400 course hours. Students may qualify for a pharmacy externship at a local CVS or Walgreens pharmacy. The self-paced program may be completed in 12 months. Enrollment is open so students can start anytime.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the registration and pay the course fee
- Must have a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Must have a computer and a reliable internet connection
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screen to participate in the pharmacy externship
Tuition for the program is $2,995. It includes all instructional materials which will be mailed to the student within 7 to 10 business days after registration. A voucher for the PTCB exam is also included in the cost.
- Website: https://communityeducation.eku.edu/
- Address: 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475
- Phone: (859) 622-1000
- Fax: (859) 622-6205