Pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania do not require licensure or registration to work within the state. Current laws hold Registered Pharmacists responsible for the technicians they employ. As such, any misdemeanors, negligence and misconduct on the part of technicians could result in actions taken against the pharmacist and pharmacy. The law does not require professional certification but employers encourage pharmacy-related education and certification in new employees. Pharmacy Technician candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent to pursue professional certification. The best pharmacy technician classes in Pennsylvania are those accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). While not required, formal training programs help students prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) examination to obtain national certification (CPhT).
Delaware County Community College
Adults can enroll in the pharmacy technician program at Delaware County Community College to prepare for the PTCB exam and employment in retail and hospital pharmacies. The curriculum covers 52 hours of theoretical instruction. Areas of study include inventory control, reading and interpreting prescriptions, dosage calculations, dose conversions, billing and reimbursement, IV flow rates, dispensing prescriptions, medical terminology, defining drugs by generic and brand names, and packaging and labeling prescriptions. The program is offered in collaboration with Condensed Curriculum International. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed registration form online
- Be prepared to make payment at the time of registration
Tuition for the program is $2,150. It includes the cost for books and materials. Loans are available through Sallie Mae.
- Website: https://www.dccc.edu/continuing-education/training-certification/allied-health
- Address: 901 S. Media Line Rd, Media, PA 19063
- Phone: 610-359-5050
Community College of Pennsylvania
The Community College of Pennsylvania prepares adults to become a influential member of the pharmacy team. The comprehensive workshop includes 50 hours of theory with an externship opportunity for students who complete the program. Content covered include dosage calculations, dose conversions, IV flow rates, billing and reimbursement, inventory control, reading and interpreting prescriptions, medical terminology, basic mathematics, measuring prescriptions, customer service, and updating patient profiles. The content will support the development of skills that will enable students to function efficiently with members of the pharmacy team in retail and hospital pharmacies. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the National PTCB to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission to the program
- Complete a state and federal criminal background check to participate in the pharmacy externship
- A high school diploma or GED is required for candidates who plan to take the PTCB exam
The cost for tuition and textbook is $1,525.
- Website: https://www.ccp.edu/academic-offerings/professional-development/non-credit-courses/pharmacy-technician-training-externship
- Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Phone: 215-751-8000
Reading Area Community College
Reading Area Community College offers a pharmacy technician training opportunity in collaboration with Reading Hospital and Tower Health Medical Group. The 15-week program prepares students for success on the national certification exam administered by the PTCB. Graduates will have the confidence to assume employment in retail and hospital pharmacies. Areas of study include pharmacy medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, packaging and labeling medications, dose conversions, dose calculations, billing and reimbursement, inventory control, IV flow rates, updating patient profiles, pharmacy operations, dispensing prescriptions, and customer service. The training will include hands on practice in the school’s lab and an externship is a hospital pharmacy. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application to the program
- Attend a program information session
- A high school diploma or GED
The cost of attendance is $2,495 and includes tuition, textbooks, and fees.
- Website: https://www.racc.edu/PharmTech#
- Address: 10 South Second Street, Reading, PA 19602
- Phone: 610-372-4721
Community College of Philadelphia- Center for Business and Industry
The online pharmacy technician program offered by the Center for Business and Industry at the Community College of Philadelphia is a basic program that introduces students to the profession of pharmacy but does not deliver the depth of training required as preparation for national certification. Training will cover various settings and career paths available for pharmacy technicians as well as the skills required to qualify for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician. The program includes 12 course modules – What is a Pharmacy Technician, Learn About Pharmacology, Understanding Pharmacy Rules and Regulations, A Look Inside a Working Pharmacy, What Do All These Medical Words Mean, Anti-Infectives: The Drugs That Kill the Bugs, Your Core: Heart, Lungs, and Stomach, The Central Nervous System: Pain and Brain Drugs, Hormones, Eyes, and Ears, Time to Do a Little Math, Communication, and Future of Pharmacy Technicians. Students will have access to the online material for 6 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- There are no prerequisites for enrollment
- Applicants must have a reliable PC or Mac and internet
The cost of the program is $99.
- Website: https://www.ed2go.com/ccp2go/online-courses/pharmacy-technician-explore-career
- Address: 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 US
- Phone: 855-520-6806