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Looking to start a rewarding career in healthcare?
Exploring Pharmacy Technician Programs in Buffalo NY could be your perfect entry point.
This article highlights the best local programs, detailing their unique offerings, accreditation, cost, and job placement rates.
Whether you aim to work in retail or hospital settings, we’ve got you covered with top-notch options to kickstart your career.
Bryant & Stratton College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Bryant & Stratton College in Buffalo, NY, offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program designed to prepare you for a career in both clinical and retail settings.
Program Highlights
- Flexible Learning: Available in both online and on-campus formats to suit different learning styles and schedules.
- Duration: The online program is self-paced and can be completed within 12 months or less, while the on-campus program involves 160 total hours of study.
- Curriculum Topics: Includes pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, and more, ensuring a well-rounded education.
- Externship: A crucial component, requiring a 100-hour externship for online students and an 80-hour clinical externship for on-campus students.
- Certification Exam: After program completion, you’ll receive an exam voucher for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Cost: The comprehensive nature of this program ensures you are well-prepared, but keep in mind that tuition fees do not cover the cost of the PTCE exam fee.
Completing this program equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel as a Pharmacy Technician.
Buffalo Arts & Technology Center – Pharmacy Technician – Entry Level Program
The Buffalo Arts & Technology Center (BCAT) offers an Entry Level Pharmacy Technician Program for adults aged 21 and older.
Program Highlights
- Hands-On Experience: Recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and prepares students for national certification exams.
- Intensive and Accelerated: Spanning 17 weeks of classroom instruction, this program provides fast-paced yet thorough training.
- Scholarships: BCAT provides scholarships to cover tuition and books, making this a cost-free option for selected students.
- Subjects Covered: Includes medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, community pharmacy software, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy practice.
- Professional Development: Emphasis on professional growth alongside technical skills.
After completing classroom instruction, students engage in a 130-hour internship at one of BCAT’s clinical partner sites, gaining valuable, real-world experience.
Trocaire College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Trocaire College offers a Pharmacy Technician Program to prepare students for careers as Pharmacy Technicians in hospitals or pharmacy settings.
Program Highlights
- In-Person Classes: Conducted at Gerard Place in Buffalo, NY, on Mondays and Wednesdays from August 12th to October 30th, 2024.
- Clinical Training: Involves two weeks of 8-hour-per-day practical experience.
- Online Learning: Utilizes the Moodle Online Learning Management System for coursework.
- Tuition: $1,800, with scholarships or grants available for qualified applicants.
- Certification Exam: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the necessary skills to assist in measuring, mixing, counting, labeling, and recording medications based on prescription orders.
Erie Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Erie Community College (SUNY Erie) offers a Pharmacy Technician Program designed for those seeking employment in retail or hospital pharmacy settings.
Program Highlights
- Collaboration with UB School of Pharmacy: Students gain relevant laboratory experience alongside UB Pharmacy doctoral students.
- Extensive Training: Consists of a TABE assessment test, classroom-based learning, externship at UB School of Pharmacy, local internships, and test preparation.
- Curriculum Topics: Taught by licensed pharmacists and includes compounding prescriptions, pharmacy law, and medication errors.
- Internships: 80-hour internships at local retail/community and hospital pharmacies provide hands-on experience.
- Certification Exam Prep: Includes preparation for the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
This program stands out for its affiliation with UB School of Pharmacy and its comprehensive approach that includes classroom learning, hands-on lab experiences, and job readiness skills. You’ll be well-prepared to take the national certification exam and pursue a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician in Buffalo, NY.
Niagara County Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Program at Niagara County Community College is expertly tailored for individuals aiming to become Pharmacy Technicians in diverse settings like retail, hospital, and pharmaceutical industry environments.
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Training Topics: Covers medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to pharmacology, and pharmaceutical calculations. You’ll also learn about top prescribed medications, their classes, and uses.
- Certification Importance: Pharmacy Technicians must be certified to perform many of the duties previously limited to licensed pharmacists, with all work checked before medication is dispensed.
- Certification Preparation: This program prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCB), a credential recognized in all 50 states, DC, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
- Program Duration: The course runs from July 8 to August 28, 2024, with classes held online every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Additional Resources: Optional certification review sessions are available on August 29 and 30 at no additional cost for class participants.
- Exam and Textbook Costs: The PTCB exam fee is $129. Required textbooks cost approximately $170 and $30, and can be purchased at the Barnes and Noble bookstore located on campus or online.
This program equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career as a Pharmacy Technician. Early registration is recommended due to limited seating.
Niagara County Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Another program offered by Niagara County Community College is the Pharmacy Technician Certificate, designed to offer a well-rounded education for those pursuing a career as Pharmacy Technicians.
Program Highlights
- Approved Curriculum: Designed per the New York State Board of Pharmacy guidelines and industry standards covering pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, compounding, and medication safety.
- Classroom and Practical Experience: Includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training, ensuring practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
- Externship: Provides an opportunity to work in a local pharmacy to apply your skills in a professional setting.
- Certification Preparation: Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), enhancing your employment prospects.
- Tuition: Estimated at approximately $30,000 for the entire program.
This program ensures you are fully prepared to excel in the pharmacy field, offering both academic and practical experiences.
Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Program
Choosing the right pharmacy technician program in Buffalo, NY, can significantly impact your career trajectory. Here are essential factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a regulatory body like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This ensures the curriculum meets industry standards.
- Cost: Consider the tuition fee and whether the program offers financial aid, scholarships, or payment plans to alleviate financial burdens.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Look for programs that offer part-time, evening, or online classes if you have other commitments.
- Job Placement Rates: Programs with high job placement rates offer better prospects for securing employment after graduation.
- Internships and Externships: Real-world experience is invaluable. Programs offering internships or externships can provide networking opportunities and practical skills.
- Curriculum Content: Ensure the program covers essential topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, dispensing practices, and pharmacy law.
- Facilities and Technology: Modern laboratories and up-to-date technology can enhance the learning experience.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Former students’ experiences can provide insights into the program’s effectiveness and quality.
By evaluating these factors, you can choose a pharmacy technician program that aligns with your professional aspirations and personal needs.
Conclusion
Buffalo, NY, offers a variety of excellent pharmacy technician programs, each with unique strengths. Whether you’re looking for intensive classroom training, hands-on externships, or flexible online courses, there’s a program to fit your needs. Explore each option in detail and select the best one to launch your successful career as a Pharmacy Technician.
For further information, enroll in one of these top programs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in the pharmacy field.