Pharmacy Technician Programs in Columbia MO

Wondering which pharmacy technician program in Columbia, MO is best for you? This article simplifies your search by highlighting top-rated options. Discover the best choices for quality education that suits your career goals.

You’ll learn:

• Accredited programs
• Flexible online options
• Essential certifications

Columbia Area Career Center – Online Pharmacy Technician Program

Embark on your pharmacy technician career with the Online Pharmacy Technician Program at Columbia Area Career Center. This program, located in Columbia, MO, is crafted to prepare you for a thriving career in both retail and institutional pharmacies.

This program stands out for its flexibility. You can study at your own pace with an online curriculum that includes 600 hours of training across 14 modules. Key topics covered are:

• Working at a Pharmacy: Get an in-depth understanding of the various environments a pharmacy technician might operate in.
• Computer Fundamentals: Learn about the technological tools you’ll use every day.
• Medical Terminology and Pharmacy Calculations: Master the essential language and math skills critical to pharmacy practice.
• Pharmacy Law and Regulations: Be well-versed in the laws and ethical guidelines governing the profession.

Practical modules are also a part of the curriculum:

• Community and Institutional Pharmacy Practice: Gain hands-on skills applicable to both community-based and institutional settings.
• Virtual Inventory Management and Medication Safety: Learn about the accurate management of pharmaceutical inventories and ensuring patient safety.

Following the completion of online modules, students engage in a real-world externship at locations such as Walgreens or CVS. This program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and can be completed in as little as four months for full-time students. The tuition fee is $2,999, and no prerequisites are needed to enroll.

This is an excellent starting point if you seek flexibility and comprehensive online education.

Stepful – Missouri Pharmacy Technician Program

Another significant option is the Stepful Missouri Pharmacy Technician Program. This program is designed to prepare you for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam in just four months.

Here’s what to expect:

• 100% Online Learning: Adapt your study schedule to your personal and professional life.
• Instructor-Led Zoom Classes and Clinical Sessions: Participate in real-time learning experiences with instructors.
• Certification Exam Preparation: Gear up for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) & National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exams with thorough preparation.

The curriculum covers:

• Pharmacology: Understand drugs and their effects.
• Prescriptions and Pharmacy Calculations: Learn the intricacies of prescriptions and essential mathematical skills.

Stepful offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t receive a job offer within six months of certification. Although exam fees are not included in the tuition, the program provides unpaid 160-hour clinical externships at local pharmacies to offer you valuable hands-on experience. Upon completion, you will receive a PTCB-CPhT certificate that is nationally recognized.

Notably, Stepful stands out with its dedicated career coaching and job placement support. This can be very advantageous considering the median salary for pharmacy technicians in Missouri is around $36,230 annually.

Flexible payment plans and extensive support services make this an impressive choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians.

By understanding and comparing your options—like those provided by the Columbia Area Career Center and Stepful—you can make an informed decision about which pharmacy technician program best fits your goals and schedule.

SFCC – Pharmacy Technician Program

The SFCC Pharmacy Technician Program in Columbia, MO, is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to enter the pharmacy field. This program offers various credentials to fit different career paths, including a Skills Certificate, Professional Certificate, and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Key Features:

• Skills Certificate: Prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (CPhT) exam, laying a solid foundation.
• Professional Certificate and AAS Degree: These options offer a deeper understanding, including advanced courses in pharmacy practices.
• Career Readiness: Emphasizes critical skills such as communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving, ensuring you can excel in the field.
• Flexible Learning Options: The program is available both on the Sedalia campus and online, accommodating your schedule and needs.

The detailed curriculum covers essential components, fully preparing you for the rigors of pharmacy work. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your education while working, SFCC provides a robust pathway to meet your goals.

How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program

Choosing the ideal pharmacy technician program involves a careful evaluation of several factors. Here are the most important ones to consider:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by reputable bodies like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Accreditation ensures the quality and relevance of your education.
2. Curriculum: Review the course content to make sure it covers critical areas such as:
3. Flexibility: Assess how well the program fits into your lifestyle. Can you attend classes online, or do you need in-person sessions? Check if the schedules align with your commitments.
4. Cost: Compare tuition fees and see if they fit into your budget. Look for options that offer payment plans or financial aid to ease the financial burden.
5. Job Placement Rates and Support Services: Programs that offer job placement guarantees or effective career support can significantly reduce the stress of transitioning from education to employment.
6. Testimonials and Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from current or former students to get insights into their experiences.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select a program that aligns with your career aspirations and provides the best education and support.

Conclusion

In Columbia, MO, the options for pharmacy technician programs are varied and robust, each offering unique advantages. The Columbia Area Career Center, Stepful, and SFCC all provide strong pathways into the pharmacy field.

Invest time in researching each program and consider your needs in terms of flexibility, cost, and career goals. Look into Columbia Area Career Center for a comprehensive online program, Stepful if you need strong job placement support, or SFCC for flexible, in-depth learning.

Take the next step to start your journey as a certified pharmacy technician in Columbia, MO. Your career in the health sector awaits!