how long does it take to do pharmacy tech pennfoster course

by Cortney Lubowitz 9 min read

Prepare to become a certified pharmacy technician in as little as 8-12 months with Penn Foster's ASHP-accredited online training program.

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How long does it take to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician?

Prepare to become a certified pharmacy technician in as little as 8-12 months with Penn Foster’s ASHP-accredited online training program. This online, self-paced program can train you to start working toward a medical billing and coding career. What is the salary for a pharmacy technician role?

What will I learn in the online pharmacy technician training program?

In our online Pharmacy Technician Training Program, you'll learn the skills required to pursue a career in this field. Your courses include: Looking for healthcare training for your workers? Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Where can I work with a pharmacy technician diploma?

Pharmacy technician jobs can be found in a variety of environments such as local, national and private hospitals, drug stores, grocery stores, nursing homes as well as other medical facilities. How much does a pharmacy technician diploma cost?

How hard is it to pass the pharmacy tech test?

Is the PTCB exam hard? A quick look at the numbers says that the PTCB exam has gotten more difficult in recent years. In 2009, the national pass rate for the exam was 72% compared to a 58% pass rate in 2019.

How long does it take to prepare for pharmacy technician exam?

This will take about 2 years. Pharmacy technicians with an associate's degree are paid more and are more likely to be given leadership roles. The key to passing the ExCPT exam is being prepared.

Is learning to be a pharmacy tech hard?

Becoming a pharmacy technician is not particularly difficult. There are several ways to obtain the necessary training and certification, including online programs and apprenticeship programs. The PTCB offers an assessment exam that can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center.

How much do pharmacy techs make?

The national average annual wage of an pharmacy technician is $34,020, according to the BLS, which is over $15,000 less than average annual salary for all occupations, $51,960. The average pharmacy technician salary can vary significantly depending on the state.

What kind of math is on the pharmacy tech test?

Pharmacy Tech Math The four main components in Pharmacy Math are: Weight, Volume, Temperature and Time. To prepare for the PTCB or ExCPT exam, it's recommended to know math enough to work out complex word problems and some algebra. Additionally, conversions are referred to in nearly all pharmacy tech math calculations.

What should I study for pharmacy tech exam?

Topics covered in the PTCB examPharmacology for technicians.Pharmacy law and regulations.Sterile and non-sterile compounding.Medication safety.Pharmacy quality assurance.Medication order entry and fill process.Pharmacy inventory management.Pharmacy billing and reimbursement.More items...•

What are the cons of pharmacy technician?

TOP CONS OF BEING A PHARMACY TECHNICIANYou will have to meet the specific education requirements to be a pharmacy technician. ... You're training to become a pharmacy technician will not be free. ... You may need to earn a license to practice. ... You may need to earn certification. ... You will need to keep recertifying.More items...

What are 10 things that a pharmacy technician can not do in the pharmacy?

10 Common Mistakes Pharmacy Technicians Commit on the Job and How To Avoid1) Error: Dispensing the Wrong Medication. ... 2) Error: Patient not given accurate instructions. ... 4) Error: Drug interactions caused due to other medications the patient is taking. ... 5) Error: Incorrect drugs (look-alike or sound-alike) used.More items...

What challenges do you face as pharmacy technician?

In your role, you face many demands that even the most seasoned technicians consider challenging. We understand patient care is at the top of your list of concerns....Inventory ManagementAccurate and regular inventory management. ... Accurately identifying controlled substances. ... Timely tracking of recalled drugs.

Who pays the most for pharmacy technicians?

Highest Paying States for Pharmacy TechniciansCalifornia: $24.04 per hour, or $49,990 per year.Washington: $22.52 per hour, or $46,830 per year.Alaska: $22.19 per hour, or $46,160 per year.Oregon: $21.75 per hour, or $45,240 per year.District of Columbia: $21.65 per hour, or $45,030 per year.

What is the difference between pharmacy technician 1 and 2?

1. Work requires the level of knowledge normally acquired through completion of a high school education and previous experience. Tier II requires six (6) months previous Pharm Tech experience; Tier III requires six (6) months of IV and Chemo experience. 2.

What state pays pharmacy techs the most?

CaliforniaBest-Paying States for Pharmacy Techs The states and districts that pay Pharmacy Technicians the highest mean salary are California ($47,620), Alaska ($46,430), Washington ($46,400), District of Columbia ($46,240), and Oregon ($43,410).

What is the salary for a Pharmacy Technician role?

With training and experience, some pharmacy technicians can earn as much as $33,950 per year¹ and job growth is projected to increase faster than a...

What can I do with a Pharmacy Technician diploma?

Pharmacy technician jobs can be found in a variety of environments such as local, national, and private hospitals, drug stores, grocery stores, nur...

How much does a Pharmacy Technician diploma cost?

We keep our program costs low and have special offers to keep your goals within reach. For as little as $899, our program also includes a PTCE prac...

Is the Pharmacy Technician Program accredited?

Yes! Penn Foster has been accredited for over 50 years. Penn Foster has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations, c...

What skills will I learn in this program?

Skills covered in the Pharmacy Technician training program include fundamentals of pharmacy and pharmacology, medical laws, ethics, regulations, an...

What classes do I need to take to learn how to become a pharmacy technician?

Over the course of the pharmacy technician program, you will take classes covering a range of topics that have been carefully designed based on ASH...

How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician diploma?

At Penn Foster, there is no set time frame for acquiring a pharmacy technician career diploma. Because our program is self-paced, students are able...

What are the prerequisites needed to enter a pharmacy technician program?

In order to enroll in pharmacy technician school, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED and will need to be at least 17 years of age. You also...

What skills will I learn in a pharmacy technician program?

In our Accredited Pharmacy Technician Program, you will learn the skills used by a practicing pharmacy technician including pharmacology, sterile a...

Is the pharmacy technician externship required?

In order to complete the Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Professional Program, you will need to complete an externship at CVS, Kroger, or Walgreens...

Are textbooks included with the pharmacy technician program?

Students can choose to study via digital textbooks or printed textbooks, and the interactive learning experience includes hands-on learning and vir...

Is Penn Foster's pharmacy technician professional program nationally accredited?

The Pharmacy Technician Professional Career Diploma Program is ASHP/ACPE accredited and is modeled against ASHP standards to ensure students are qu...

Will I receive a professional certification at the end of the program?

Upon completion of the pharmacy technician professional program, you will receive a diploma from Penn Foster and the program will have helped you p...

Do I need an accredited pharmacy technician program?

Requirements vary from state to state, but many states do require you to obtain industry certification, such as the PTCE or ExCPT, and/or some stat...

Where can I work as a pharmacy technician?

The most common place to work as a pharmacy technician is a retail pharmacy such as CVS, Kroger, or Walgreens, but there are several other environm...

Pharmacy Technician School Curriculum

In our online Pharmacy Technician Training Program, you'll learn the skills required to pursue a career in this field. Your courses include:

Pharmacy Technician Training Tuition

Choose from one of our payment options below and get started on your Pharmacy Technician Career Diploma today.

Pharmacy Tech Professional Outcomes

Our online Pharmacy Technician Diploma is designed with job-readiness in mind.

Pharmacy Technician Diploma Reviews

I had started with Penn Foster back in 2017 in the medical office administration program which was throughly enjoyed. I had tried to get a job in a m...

Pharmacy Technician Diploma FAQs

Over the course of the pharmacy technician program, you will take classes covering a range of topics that have been carefully designed based on ASHP standards and align with the PTCE and ExCPT certification exams.

What is the first step to becoming a pharmacy tech?

Graduating from the Penn Foster Pharmacy Tech program is a great first step. To begin working as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) a graduate must pass their certification exam. During their course students are provided with practice tests and tutor guidance to help them pass this exam.

How much does Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Professional cost?

In 2019 the total cost of the Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Professional online program is between $1,100 and $1,400. The cost varies according to how a student pays for the course. If you pay in full upon enrollment the cost will be the lowest possible. If you take their monthly payment plan to spread out the cost you will pay more, up to $300 more, but for some people this additional expense may be the only way they can afford to take the course.

What is Penn Foster?

As a large, national institution offering accredited diploma options and preparation and guidance for taking and passing the PTCE Penn Foster is an option anyone thinking about training as a pharmacy tech to seriously consider.

How many hours of pharmacy school do you need to be a Penn Foster student?

An externship must be completed before a candidate can graduate from the program. The Penn Foster course requires that students complete at least 160 hours of training in a community pharmacy. The school does help place their students in these externships, and have agreements with both CVS and Walgreen's to place their students.

What is pharmacy tech?

Pharmacy tech is one of a number of careers in the medical field that is growing fast, offers a wide range of opportunities to people of all ages, all over the country in addition to a good salary and career advancement prospects.

Where is Penn Foster College?

Penn foster. Penn Foster College is a private, for-profit online college with its headquarters in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

What are the duties of a pharmacy?

Duties related to the daily operation of the pharmacy are often part of the job, such as answering phones, creating prescription labels, maintaining patient profiles and prescription histories, completing cash register transactions, preparing insurance claim forms and inventory tasks.