Pharmacy Technician Programs in Charlotte NC

Looking to become a pharmacy technician in Charlotte, NC? You’re in the right place. Our guide explores the best pharmacy technician programs in Charlotte, detailing their unique features, benefits, and requirements.

Whether you’re aiming for certification or simply seeking quality education, this article provides all the essential information you need.

Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

Piedmont Community College offers a self-paced, 15-week online Pharmacy Technician Program.

This course is designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. It covers a breadth of topics essential for a pharmacy technician’s role:

• Pharmacy practice: you will learn the ins and outs of both retail and institutional pharmacy settings.
• Regulatory laws: understand the legal aspects imperative for pharmacy operations.
• Drug order processing: gain proficiency in accurately processing prescriptions.
• Pharmacy calculations: master calculations to ensure accurate medication dosing.
• Sterile product compounding: get hands-on experience in preparing sterile medications.

The program is accessible through Blackboard and totals 192 hours. You must have a high school diploma or equivalent, basic algebra knowledge, and strong math and computer skills. This program strictly adheres to North Carolina’s Pharmacy Technician standards. However, if you live out of state, ensure to check with your local Board of Pharmacy.

It’s also worth noting that this program does not qualify for financial aid. For more details, you may contact the program directors directly.

Central Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technology Program

Central Piedmont Community College delivers a robust Pharmacy Technology Program through which you can earn either an Associate in Applied Science degree or a diploma.

Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), this program thoroughly prepares you for the PTCB certification exam. Key areas of study include:

• Prescription preparation: acquire skills to prepare various types of prescriptions.
• Pharmacy calculations: essential math skills for accurate medication dispensing.
• Drug study management: learn about medications, their interactions, effects, and more.
• Pharmacy software: become proficient in the use of pharmacy-related software.

Graduates holding an Associate degree are recognized as Validating Technicians by the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The program offers flexible schedules, including online options to fit your lifestyle.

Although the program incurs additional costs related to lab or clinical components, scholarship opportunities are available. You are encouraged to consult the college catalog for intricate details.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Online Pharmacy Technician Course

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides a rigorous online Pharmacy Technician course that you can complete in less than a year.

This course is tailored to prepare you for the PTCB certification exam and comes with a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain. Core topics include:

• Pharmacy history and ethics: understand the background and ethical considerations in pharmacy.
• Pharmaceutical calculations: develop critical calculation skills for dosage and dispensing.
• Pharmacology: gain in-depth knowledge of drugs and their applications.
• Inventory management: learn to effectively manage pharmacy inventory.

Given the 100% online format, you can balance your studies with other commitments seamlessly. No prior prerequisites are needed, making this course accessible. With the projected 12% growth in demand for pharmacy technicians (Bureau of Labor Statistics), this is an opportune moment to enter the field.

Umanah Healthcare Institute – Pharmacy Technician Program

Umanah Healthcare Institute offers a comprehensive 150-hour Pharmacy Technician Program that integrates both classroom and lab instruction.

This program is designed to prepare you for the National Pharmacy Technician Certifying Board Examination. Here’s what you can expect:

• Medication preparation: learn to count pills and prepare medication accurately.
• Pharmacology fundamentals: cover key topics in drug classifications and uses.
• Hands-on labs: practice your skills in a controlled, educational environment.

Tuition for this program is $1750, which includes textbooks, exam prep materials, handouts, and insurance. Courses are available at two locations in Charlotte and Gastonia, providing flexibility. Experienced instructors guide you through the curriculum, ensuring you acquire the skills needed for certification.

UNC Charlotte – Ready To Hire Pharmacy Technician Program

UNC Charlotte’s Ready To Hire Pharmacy Technician Program aims to get you trained and working quickly through a blend of online courses and hands-on paid training at a Novant Health location.

The program spans 3-6 months and follows a rolling admission process, offering flexibility in start dates. Key features of this program include:

• Paid training: gain practical experience while earning an income.
• Pharmacy Technician Certificate: receive a certificate upon completion, making you eligible for entry-level positions.
• Real-world practice: benefit from high-standard training associated with Novant Health.

This program is ideal if you seek a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in pharmacy settings. For specifics on eligibility criteria and costs, contact UNC Charlotte.

By choosing the right pharmacy technician program in Charlotte, you can take a crucial step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Use this guide to find programs that align with your goals and offer the training you need to excel.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers an excellent Pharmacy Technician Program that brings together lectures, multimedia presentations, discussions, and hands-on clinical experiences.

This program includes:

• Medication dispensing: You will become skilled at correctly dispensing medications to patients.
• Pharmacy calculations: Develop the expertise needed for precise drug dosage measurements.
• Pharmacy software usage: Enhance your efficiency with modern pharmacy software systems.
• Customer service: Learn how to interact effectively with customers and healthcare professionals.

The program prepares you to take the PTCB exam, thereby gaining credentials that are highly valued in retail and hospital pharmacy settings. With experienced faculty and real-world clinical opportunities, you can trust that your education will be top-tier. Although the program requires a time commitment and regular attendance at classes, the solid foundation it offers is unparalleled for those aiming to launch a successful career in pharmacy.

Contact Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for detailed information regarding tuition and additional fees.

Coastal Carolina Community College – Pharmacy Technician Course

Coastal Carolina Community College provides a 200-hour Pharmacy Technician course designed to prepare you for national certification exams and roles in either retail or institutional pharmacy settings.

Key features of this program:

• Medication knowledge: Understand different medications and their uses.
• Federal requirements: Gain familiarity with federal laws and regulations impacting pharmacy practice.
• Patient safety: Learn crucial protocols to ensure patient safety in dispensing medications.
• Order entry processing: Develop the ability to efficiently process various types of pharmacy orders.
• Pharmacy math calculations: Master pharmacy-specific calculations essential for accurate medication preparation.

Classes are conducted by experienced pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians, ensuring you receive quality instruction. As a future pharmacy technician in Charlotte, this course equips you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for your career. The college offers textbooks at The College Store, and for specifics on class hours and fees, visiting the Coastal Carolina Community College website or contacting them directly is recommended.

Central Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technology Diploma Program

Central Piedmont Community College delivers a Pharmacy Technology Diploma Program that equips you for various roles in retail pharmacy settings.

Program highlights include:

• Medication preparation: Gain proficiency in preparing different types of medications.
• Dosage calculations: Develop essential skills for precise medication dosing.
• Inventory management: Learn effective techniques to manage pharmacy inventory.
• Hands-on clinical rotations: Engage in clinical experiences to apply what you have learned.

In addition to the core curriculum, the diploma program includes general education courses, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. Graduates are eligible to take the PTCB certification exam, a crucial step for entering the pharmacy profession. Additional costs include uniforms, physical exams, background checks, and necessary vaccinations.

This program emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics, ensuring you are well-prepared for modern pharmacy settings. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or legally authorized residents, and more details can be found in the CPCC catalog.

Chosen Health Care Institute – Pharmacy Technician Program

The Chosen Health Care Institute offers a Pharmacy Technician Program designed to prepare you to assist pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medications.

The cost for this program is $1,554.75, with flexible payment options available. It also requires a textbook purchase costing $124.85.

Program requirements and advantages:

• Age and education: You must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of high school or college graduation.
• Background checks: A recent criminal background check is required.
• Health testing: A TB test is necessary for enrollment.

The course curriculum covers all essential pharmacy skills and prepares you for certification, making you job-ready. Flexible class schedules and experienced instructors enhance your learning experience. For more detailed information on class schedules and program length, contacting the institute is advised.

Tips for Choosing the Best Pharmacy Technician Program

When choosing the best pharmacy technician program, consider the following factors to ensure you make an informed decision:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited. This guarantees the quality of education and eligibility for certification exams.
2. Curriculum: Evaluate the comprehensiveness of the curriculum. A well-rounded program should cover key topics such as medication preparation, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy software, and patient safety.
3. Hands-on Training: Look for programs that offer hands-on training and clinical experiences. Real-world practice is essential for developing the skills needed for success.
4. Job Placement Support: Job placement assistance can significantly impact your transition into the workforce. Programs that offer job placement support can help you find employment more quickly.
5. Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the program costs and whether financial aid or scholarships are available. An affordable program with financial support options can reduce the financial burden of education.
6. Flexibility: Confirm that the program schedule aligns with your commitments. Choose a program that offers online or part-time options if you require flexibility.

By researching these aspects thoroughly, you can find a program that aligns perfectly with your career goals.

Conclusion

Enrolling in a pharmacy technician program in Charlotte, NC, provides an incredible opportunity to start a fulfilling career in the healthcare sector. The programs listed above offer diverse, high-quality education and training options to help you succeed. Take the next step towards your career advancement by selecting the program that best fits your needs and goals.

We hope you found this guide helpful in identifying the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Charlotte NC. Whether it’s affordability, flexibility, or preparation for certification, these programs are designed to help you achieve your career aspirations.