Pharmacies dispense and prepare medications and provide drug-related counsel to the public. A pharmacy technician’s role in pharmacies has expanded in recent years as they assist the pharmacist with the management of the day-to-day pharmacy operations. Using their technical skills, pharmacy technicians label and fill prescriptions, mix and compound medications, monitor drug inventory, prepare bulk medications, work with patients and insurance providers, secure refill authority, and manage inventory. Pharmacy technician programs in New York include classroom theory and practical experiences to prepare students for the role of a technician in a retail, hospital, or mail-order pharmacy and success on the national certification exam.
Queens College – CUNY
The Pharmacy Technician Exam Preparation program at Queens College is a comprehensive course of study that prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. The curriculum comprises of four separate courses focusing on specific topics that are essential components of the job functions of a pharmacy technician. Required courses are Pharmacology Theory and Calculations, Pharmacy Technician Fundamentals and Test Preparation Techniques, Insurance Verification, Billing and Law, and Liability for the Pharmacy Technician, and Computerized Testing Practice. Recommended courses include Medical Terminology: An Anatomical Approach, Anatomy and Physiology with Pathology, and Hospitality Services for the Health Care Provider. The program covers a total of 87 hours.
Admission criteria:
- A high school diploma or GED or TASC documentation
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Tuition for the program is $1,320. Registration and certification cost is $95 if completed in three semesters.
- Website: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/
- Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Queens, NY 11367-1597
- Phone: (718) 997-5000
Access Institute
Access Institute’s pharmacy technician program teaches students how to function as an assistant to a registered pharmacist in a hospital or retail setting. Students develop the skills and knowledge that will help them qualify for entry-level employment and to succeed on the national certification exam. Qualified instructors cover orientation to pharmacy, communication skills, insurance and inventory procedures, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, and medical and pharmaceutical terminology. A clinical experience will follow the classroom lectures and will serve to reinforce the theoretical concepts. These modules help students demonstrate ethical conduct, interpret physician orders and prescriptions, perform pharmaceutical calculations, manage inventory, recognize the importance of patient confidentiality, and process insurance claims.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must clear a criminal background screen
- Must be proficient in mathematics and English
- Must submit a completed application for admission
Tuition is free for eligible unemployed New York residents.
- Website: https://accessqueens.com/
- Address: 80-02 Kew Gardens Road Queens, NY 11415
- Phone: (718) 263-0750
- Fax: (718) 263-0749
New York Institute of Medical Careers
The pharmacy technician program at New York Institute of Medical Careers is a 130-hour program that awards students a certificate of completion. Graduates are encouraged to take the National Certification Examination to obtain professional certification in the field. Course topics include the history and profession of pharmacy, pharmacy law and ethics, drug interaction, basic math and measurement system, dosage forms and administration, hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and advanced pharmacy, and safety in the workplace. Other topics include calculations of dosages, prescription compounding, and financial and health insurance. Students have an option to participate in the optional internship at Walgreens Pharmacy. Classes meet Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9:00 am to 5:38 pm for 8 weeks. Job placement assistances is available.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a picture ID and social security card
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
The program cost of $899 includes tuition, books, and registration fee. Easy payment plans are available for all students.
- Website: https://www.nyimc.com/
- Address: 67-09 Woodside Avenue 1st Floor 1st Floor, Woodside, NY
- Phone: 7185659500
- Fax: 7185659501
- Email: education@nyimc.com
New York Medical Career Training Center
The pharmacy technician program at NY Medical Career Training Center includes theory, skills, and a pharmacy internship. The theory covers basic anatomy and physiology, basic sciences for pharmacy, complementary alternative medicine, classification of drugs, hospital pharmacy, and psychopharmacology. The skills component covers OTC medication, drug calculations, aseptic techniques, repackaging and compounding, pharmacy stock, skin care products, and billing and computers. The 120-hour internship provides opportunities to practice drug distribution, billing cash register, pre-packaging and compounding, dispensing refills, and answering phone calls. The program will also give students the preparation needed to pass the National Certification Exam. The total program hours of 250. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend schedules are available. The duration of the program is 5 to 6 weeks based on the schedule.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must clear a criminal background screen
- Must be proficient in mathematics and English
- Must submit a completed application for admission
The program cost of $1,159 includes tuition, books, and registration fee.
- Website: http://www.nymedtraining.com/
- Address: 36-09 Main Street 5th Floor, Flushing NY 11354
- Phone:(718)-460-1717
- Fax: (718)-539-9655
- Email: info@nymedtraining.com
LaGuardia Community College
The pharmacy technician program at the Continuing Education Department at LaGuardia Community College prepares students for success on the PTCB exam. Students will develop the skills needed to work under a registered pharmacist in a wide variety of settings. The program covers 70 hours of theory and practical instruction. Topics include history of pharmacy practice, law and ethics, basic math skills, medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names. You will also study dosage calculations and conversions, IV flow rates, drug compounding, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing, and reimbursement. Students will also learn effective communication, team building, time management, and critical thinking skills. The course
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be able to work legally in the United States
- Must have no prior drug convictions
- Must pass an online screening test
- Must submit a completed application for admission
Tuition for the program is $1,400. The NYC Accelerated Workforce Recovery HUB offers scholarships to qualifying students in the Division of Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) who may be facing financial hardship that disrupts studies and training.
- Website: https://www.laguardia.edu/
- Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave, Room M-143, Long Island City, NY 11101
- Phone (718) 482-7244
- Fax (718) 609-2006