Health Care Support
Pharmacy Technician
Program Summary
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.
Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on state regulations. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients. They also may receive prescriptions sent electronically from the doctor’s office. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then, they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to a patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Employment Trends
- Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with certification or previous work experience.
- Many work evenings, weekends, and holidays which provides technicians with the freedom to pursue additional activities.
- Two-thirds of all jobs are in retail pharmacies.
- The Maryland Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technicians to be registered in Maryland.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
- Skills development and preparation leading to certification exams to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Program Curriculum
Students must take and successfully complete a basic math test (provided free of cost) before registering for this course.
| Crs # |
Course Name |
Hrs |
| HES332 |
Pharmacy Technician Training |
99 |
|
Program total |
99 |