Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Billings and Missoula
Top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Montana
Ever wondered which Pharmacy Technician programs in Montana offer the best path to your new career? We’ve examined several top options across the state.
Here’s a focused look at what each offers in terms of curriculum, flexibility, and outcomes.
Missoula College – Pharmacy Technology Program
The Missoula College Pharmacy Technology Program provides a comprehensive, two-semester education crafted to prepare you for a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.
This immersive program offers a balanced mix of online and in-person learning experiences:
- Interactive Online Classes: Accessible from anywhere, ensuring you can study without relocating.
- Hands-On Simulation Labs: These labs allow you to practice essential skills in a controlled, realistic environment.
- Experiential Learning Opportunities: You gain real-world experience in actual pharmacy settings.
Admission Requirements:
- Application Packet: Completion of a specific application packet is mandatory.
- Competency Proof: You need to prove college-level competencies in writing, math, and computers.
Upon acceptance, there is a requirement to register with the State of Montana as a Pharmacy Technician in Training. A crucial aspect of the program is that students must achieve a grade of C or better in required courses. Failure to do so results in the need for reapplication and limits retakes of any required course to two times.
Graduates earn a Certificate of Applied Science and are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). However, those with certain criminal convictions may be ineligible for certification.
The program’s accreditation by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE) further ensures a quality education aligned with industry standards. This, combined with the University of Montana’s accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), underscores the program’s credibility.
According to 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, pharmacy technicians in Montana earn between $33,970 and $42,170.
The Missoula College Pharmacy Technology Program offers a robust entry into the field.
The University of Montana – Western’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
The University of Montana – Western’s Pharmacy Technician Certification is a fully online program designed to meet the growing demand in the healthcare sector.
This program covers a substantial curriculum to ensure you are well-prepared:
- Pharmacy Terminology: Master the essential language used in pharmacy settings.
- Prescription Interpretation: Learn how to accurately interpret and process prescriptions.
- Pharmacology: Gain comprehensive knowledge about medications and their effects.
- Medication Calculation: Develop skills to accurately calculate medication dosages.
- Legal and Ethical Aspects: Understand the legal and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice.
- Effective Communication: Enhance your ability to communicate with patients and healthcare professionals while maintaining patient confidentiality.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) exam, which significantly improves employability. An optional volunteer externship offers practical, hands-on experience.
The program’s cost is $1,299, and financing options are available, making it accessible. You need a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
The University of Montana – Western’s Pharmacy Technician Certification equips you with the skills and knowledge essential for a fruitful pharmacy technician career.
Missoula College at the University of Montana – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
For an intense, on-site experience, consider the Missoula College at the University of Montana Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. This two-semester certificate program is tailored to future pharmacy technicians through a blend of classroom instruction, lab work, and real-world job placements.
Program Highlights:
- Real Pharmacy Training: Experience working in actual pharmacy settings, applying what you’ve learned.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The 33-credit program covers medication preparation, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacology.
- Preparation for Certification: Graduates are well-prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
This holistic approach ensures you leave with not just theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. Although accessibility may be a drawback for those not living near Missoula, the in-depth training it provides is unmatched by online programs.
For more information on costs and hours, contact Missoula College directly.
The Missoula College at the University of Montana Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program offers solid training for those committed to a hands-on, immersive learning experience.
Stepful – Montana Pharmacy Technician Course
The Stepful Montana Pharmacy Technician Course offers an online program that prepares you for certification in just four months. This course is ideal for those looking to enter the healthcare sector swiftly and efficiently.
Key Features:
- Instructor-Led Zoom Classes: Engage directly with experienced instructors in real-time.
- Clinical Sessions: Gain practical, hands-on experience through carefully structured activities.
- Exam Preparation: Focused prep for both PTCB & NHA certifications ensures you are ready for the exams.
- One-on-One Coaching: Personalized support to help you navigate the course material and career planning.
- Job Support Services: Assistance with job placement after certification.
Affiliated with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the program ensures comprehensive preparation for the PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. The tuition covers an optional unpaid clinical externship, with partnerships at various pharmacies nationwide to facilitate convenient placement.
Requirements:
- High School or GED Diploma: Basic educational requirement for enrollment.
- Stable Internet Connection: Essential for participating in online classes and accessing course materials.
One standout advantage of Stepful’s program is their commitment to job placement. They offer a full tuition refund if you do not receive a job offer within six months post-certification. The average annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Montana is around $39,070, which translates to approximately $18.78 per hour.
For those seeking a fast and flexible route to becoming a certified pharmacy technician, the Stepful Montana Pharmacy Technician Course is an excellent choice.
The University of Providence – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The University of Providence offers a robust Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that prepares you for certification and employment as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Program Pathways:
- Earn-While-You-Learn: This pathway allows you to work while studying, with the possibility of graduating debt-free.
- Non-Earn Academic Industry Partnership: Focus solely on your studies without the need for simultaneous employment.
This program can be completed in as little as 24 weeks and combines online coursework with in-person skill labs and internships. Accredited by the PTCB, it boasts a 95% pass rate on the National Certification Exam.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Prescription Preparation: Learn how to prepare and dispense medications accurately.
- IV Solution Compounding: Gain skills in creating intravenous solutions safely.
- Inventory Management: Develop strategies for effective inventory control.
- Medication Safety Practices: Understand critical safety protocols to prevent medication errors.
Financial aid is available, including federal assistance and tuition discounts for Providence Caregivers and their dependents. With a curriculum that covers all essential aspects of pharmacy technician duties, graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in various settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, labs, and drug manufacturing facilities.
Given the positive job outlook forecasted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the University of Providence Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a solid investment in your future.
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program
Selecting the ideal pharmacy technician program is a crucial step in your career journey. Here are several factors to consider to make an informed decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable body like the ASHP/ACPE. This guarantees a quality education aligned with industry standards.
- Curriculum Quality: Opt for a curriculum that covers critical topics such as pharmacology, medication preparation, pharmaceutical calculations, and ethical/legal aspects of pharmacy practice.
- Delivery Format: Decide if you need the flexibility of an online program or the practical experience offered by in-person classes. Many programs offer a mix of both.
- Duration and Intensity: Consider how the program’s length and intensity fit with your personal and professional responsibilities. Programs can range from a few months to over a year.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees and explore available financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
- Certification Preparation: Check if the program prepares you for certification exams like the PTCB or NHA. Passing these exams is often essential for employment.
- Job Placement Assistance: Find out if the program includes job placement services. These services can be invaluable in helping you secure employment after graduation.
- Prerequisites: Ensure you meet any prerequisites such as educational background or work experience. Some programs may require a high school diploma or GED.
By considering these factors, you can effectively choose a pharmacy technician program that aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Concluding Insights on Pharmacy Technician Programs in Montana
Pharmacy technician programs in Montana offer a range of pathways to start your career in healthcare. From online and flexible courses like those from Stepful and the University of Montana – Western to immersive, hands-on experiences at Missoula College and the University of Providence, there’s a program to suit your needs.
Researching each option thoroughly will help you select the program that best fits your career ambitions. Ensure that any program you choose is accredited and provides the necessary preparation for certification.
As you embark on this exciting journey, consider the unique features and strengths of each program to find the one that will offer you the best foundation for a successful career in pharmacy.
For more information on these programs, visit their respective pages and take the first step toward a fulfilling career as a pharmacy technician.