Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Charleston, Columbia, and North Charleston.
Curious about becoming a pharmacy technician in South Carolina?
This guide explores the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in South Carolina, detailing the best options to advance your career in healthcare and ensuring you meet state certification requirements.
Find the perfect program tailored to your needs and start your journey with confidence.
University of South Carolina Sumter – Pharmacy Technician Course
The University of South Carolina Sumter offers a completely online Pharmacy Technician Course that prepares you to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. This course provides a valuable externship with a leading pharmacy chain, ensuring that you gain practical, hands-on experience.
Key Features:
- Federal and State Pharmacy Laws: Understand the legal framework governing pharmacy activities.
- Ethics: Learn the ethical standards expected in the pharmacy profession.
- Pharmaceutical Calculations: Master the mathematical skills required for precise medication dispensing.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from certified professionals who bring real-world experience into the virtual classroom.
The program can be completed in less than a year, excluding externship and state licensure preparation time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technician jobs are expected to grow by 12% through 2028, offering an average annual salary of around $32,700. While this course is designed to meet most state certification requirements, the externship requires meeting specific criteria.
Midlands Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate (Community)
Midlands Technical College provides a Pharmacy Technician Certificate (Community) program that combines classroom instruction, online learning, and experiential training. Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, this program ensures comprehensive training.
Key Features:
- Drug Preparation and Prescription Filling: Gain proficiency in essential pharmacy tasks.
- Pharmacy Calculations: Develop the mathematical skills needed for accurate dosage and medication preparation.
- Simulated Non-dispensing Pharmacy: Utilize a simulated environment on the Airport Campus for hands-on training.
- Practicum Opportunities: Complete a practicum to gain real-world experience.
This program prepares graduates to work in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, with competitive starting salaries. Admissions require a pre-admissions interview and letters of recommendation. Tuition is approximately $4,136, excluding additional fees and equipment costs.
Piedmont Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program
Piedmont Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Diploma program designed to equip you with the necessary skills to assist pharmacists. You’ll learn medication administration, unit-dose assembly, and patient medication cart preparation.
Key Features:
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Essential knowledge to operate within legal and ethical boundaries.
- Pharmacy Practice: Practical applications of pharmacy principles.
- Pharmacy Technician Math: Strengthening your foundation in pharmacy-relevant mathematics.
- Practical Experience: Engage in practicum sessions for real-life training.
Graduates must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and work 1,000 hours as a registered pharmacy technician for South Carolina state certification. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Aiken Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Aiken Technical College offers a 3-semester certificate curriculum that combines liberal arts and pharmacy-specific courses. Accredited by the American Society for Health-System Pharmacists, this program provides a thorough education and real-world experience working with patients.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: Meets high standards set by professional bodies.
- Hands-On Education: Gaining practical experience is a key part of the curriculum.
- PioneerRx Software: Real-world application with industry-standard software.
- Professional Practice Courses: Courses tailored to prepare you for real job roles.
You are also prepared for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination and must complete 1,000 hours of work experience for state certification. The program uses background and drug screenings for enrollment.
Greenville Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Greenville Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. This program is known for its high success rates in preparing students for certification exams.
Key Features:
- Medication Preparation and Dosage Calculations: Essential pharmaceutical tasks are covered.
- Patient Information Maintenance: Learn effective record-keeping practices.
- Inventory Management and Quality Control: Develop skills in overseeing medication stocks.
- Clinical Rotation Hours: Complete 270 clinical hours in a pharmacy setting.
Admission is open to both non-experienced and experienced applicants, with requirement basics like a high school diploma or GED. The program emphasizes medication safety and current training in pharmacy law and ethics.
Central Carolina Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Central Carolina Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This program equips you with the necessary skills to work under the supervision of a pharmacist in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and infusion centers.
Key Features:
- Drug Compounding and Dispensing: Gain expertise in preparing and distributing medication accurately.
- Pharmaceutical Care: Understand the principles of effective patient care and medication management.
- Safe Work Environment: Learn to operate in clean, well-ventilated environments to ensure safety and compliance.
Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), complete 1,000 hours of practice, and secure state certification in South Carolina. Flexible schedules align with rigorous academic and practical training, ensuring you are job-ready.
Coastal Carolina Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Coastal Carolina Community College provides a 200-hour Pharmacy Technician program designed to prepare you for national certification exams and roles in both retail and institutional pharmacy settings.
Key Features:
- Medications and Patient Safety: Comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical principles and prioritizing patient safety.
- Order Entry and Pharmacy Operations: Learn the critical tasks involved in managing pharmacy operations efficiently.
Taught by experienced pharmacists and technicians, this program offers practical skills aligned with industry standards. Upon completion, you will be ready to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam. Positive student feedback attests to the program’s strong reputation in the community.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Technical College of the Lowcountry offers a Pharmacy Technician program that prepares you to effectively assist registered pharmacists in medication dispensing and pharmacy operations.
Key Features:
- Accurate Prescription Filling: Learn to fill prescriptions with precision.
- Inventory Control and Billing: Develop skills in managing inventory and handling billing processes.
- Hands-on Training: Gain practical experience crucial for building confidence and skills.
This program is led by experienced instructors and aims to prepare you for the PTCE certification. The admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, and the program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your needs.
Stepful – South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Program
Stepful offers a 4-month, 100% online Pharmacy Technician program in South Carolina. It includes live Zoom classes, clinical sessions, PTCB & NHA exam preparation, personalized coaching, and job support services.
Key Features:
- Guaranteed Job Placement: Job placement is guaranteed, or your tuition is refunded.
- Externship Opportunities: Gain practical experience with partner pharmacies.
- Median Salary: The median salary for pharmacy technicians in South Carolina is $36,440.
- Comprehensive Online Program: Complete the program from the comfort of your home while fulfilling all state requirements.
This program provides a flexible and comprehensive training option for individuals looking to enter the field of pharmacy technology.
Choosing the Best Pharmacy Technician Program in South Carolina
Selecting the right pharmacy technician program in South Carolina involves multiple considerations. Here are some factors to guide you in making an informed decision:
- Accreditation
- Curriculum Comprehensiveness
- Hands-On Training Opportunities
- Financial Aid Availability
- Flexibility
- Instructor Qualifications
- Certification Exam Pass Rates
- Post-Graduation Job Placement Support
Reviewing these factors will help narrow down your choices and select a program that best aligns with your career goals.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician in South Carolina is a promising venture, backed by quality educational programs that cater to various learning preferences and career aspirations. By choosing from any of the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in South Carolina mentioned above, you are well-equipped to make informed decisions that will set you on a successful path in the healthcare sector. Explore the programs, understand their offerings, and take the next step toward your rewarding career.