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Wondering which Pharmacy Technician Programs in Amherst NY fit your career goals?
In this article, we highlight four top programs in Amherst, detailing their unique features, costs, and real-world training opportunities.
Whether you’re looking for flexible online courses or hands-on internships, our guide will help you find the right program for a promising healthcare career.
Bryant & Stratton College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Founded on a solid educational framework, Bryant & Stratton College’s Pharmacy Technician Program in Amherst, NY, prepares you for success in both clinical and retail pharmacy settings. The program offers two formats: online and on-campus at their Buffalo, NY, and Rochester, NY locations, providing you with flexible learning options.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Understand the legal and ethical considerations essential to pharmacy practice.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Develop proficiency in calculating accurate dosages and quantities.
- Pharmacology: Gain in-depth knowledge of medications and their effects.
The program culminates in a 100-hour externship for online students and a 160-hour externship for on-campus students, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in a local pharmacy.
Additionally, the program prepares you to sit for the national certification exam, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Upon meeting all financial obligations and successful completion of the course, you’ll receive an exam voucher for the PTCE.
This program effectively combines classroom instruction with real-world pharmacy experience, paving the way for a rewarding career in healthcare.
BCAT – Pharmacy Technician-Entry Level Program
If you’re 21 or older and eager to enter the pharmacy field, the BCAT Pharmacy Technician-Entry Level program in Amherst, NY, is an outstanding choice. This PTCB-recognized program spans 17 weeks, balancing classroom learning with practical training.
Key components of the curriculum include:
- Medical Terminology: Master the language used in the medical and pharmacy fields.
- Pharmacy Practice: Learn the daily operations within different pharmacy settings.
- Professional Development: Elevate your skills to meet industry standards.
Following the classroom phase, you’ll engage in a 130-hour internship with prominent clinical partners like Catholic Health, CVS Pharmacy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Wegmans Pharmacy.
BCAT provides scholarships that cover the cost of tuition and textbooks for all selected students. This ensures the program is accessible, and there are no costs for you to worry about. Once you complete the program, you’ll have the opportunity to take a national certification exam through either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association.
BCAT’s use of PioneerRx pharmacy software further enhances your learning experience by simulating a real-world pharmacy environment.
With its no-cost training, hands-on experience, and certification opportunities, this program is ideal for those looking to quickly enter the pharmacy technician field.
Trocaire College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Trocaire College’s Pharmacy Technician Program in Amherst, NY, is designed to prepare you for a dynamic career in hospitals or pharmacies under a pharmacist’s guidance. The program focuses on developing your ability to:
- Record Dosages: Measure, mix, and label medications according to prescription orders.
- Customer Service: Address customer inquiries with professionalism and accuracy.
The program is delivered through the Moodle online learning management system, and the entire course, including textbooks and the CPhT certification exam fee, is priced at $1,800. Scholarships and grants may be available to qualified applicants, making this program financially accessible.
Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to pursue national certification and ready to join a field that is expected to grow by 6 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Before admission, ensure you submit your high school transcripts or GED, complete a reading comprehension test (or provide college transcripts), and submit college health forms, including proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Trocaire College’s program is a robust path to achieving your goal of working competently in various pharmacy settings.
With these targeted opportunities in Amherst, NY, you’re now equipped to review each program in detail and decide which aligns best with your career goals in the pharmacy field.
Niagara County Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Pharmacy Technician Program offers a thorough education for those interested in becoming skilled pharmacy technicians. This program equips you to assist pharmacists efficiently in various healthcare environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and drug wholesalers.
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll gain from this program:
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Terminology: Master the language necessary for proficient pharmacy practice.
- Basic Anatomy: Understand essential anatomical terms and functions relevant to pharmacy practice.
- Top Prescribed Medications: Learn about commonly prescribed medications, including their use and side effects.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Develop the ability to accurately measure and dispense medications.
Aimed to cater to the increasing demand for pharmacy technicians, NCCC’s program ensures you acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Licensed certified pharmacy technicians may perform tasks often assigned to licensed pharmacists, but under supervision, ensuring safety and accuracy in dispensing medications.
The program also preps you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), which is recognized nationwide. Classes are scheduled online and run from July 8 to August 28, 2024, with review sessions offered on August 29 and 30 at no extra cost.
Enrollment in this program requires key textbook purchases like the “Pharmacy Technician Morty Pack 8th Edition” and “Pharmacy Tech Cert Exam Questions.” Be mindful that SUNY Niagara holds the right to cancel or delay courses due to insufficient enrollment.
Enroll in the NCCC Pharmacy Technician Program to embark on a rewarding career in pharmacy with the confidence that comes from a well-rounded education.
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program
Choosing the right pharmacy technician program is crucial to your career success. Here’s a detailed guide to help you narrow down your options:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- Curriculum: The program should offer a balanced mix of theory and practical training.
- Internship and Externship Opportunities: Hands-on training is extremely valuable.
- Job Placement Rates: High job placement rates can be a good indicator of a program’s success.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Consider your budget and explore financial aid options.
- Program Flexibility: Flexibility is important if you need to balance your studies with other responsibilities.
- Support Services: Evaluate what support services are available, such as career counseling and exam preparation.
By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a pharmacy technician program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician offers a path to stability, professional growth, and the satisfaction of contributing to healthcare. We’ve highlighted some of the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Amherst, NY, each offering unique pathways to ensure you receive the training and credentials needed to excel in this field.
Evaluating factors such as program accreditation, curriculum, hands-on training opportunities, and financial aid can help you make an informed decision. Whether you prefer the in-depth coursework at Bryant & Stratton College, the hands-on experience with BCAT, the balanced approach at Trocaire College, or the comprehensive curriculum at Niagara County Community College, each of these programs provides a valuable pathway to becoming a certified pharmacy technician.
Researching and choosing the right program aligns your personal and professional goals with the resources available, setting you up for a successful and rewarding career in healthcare.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician!