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Interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Boston MA?
Discover top-rated programs that can kickstart your career. This guide breaks down the best Pharmacy Technician programs in Boston, highlighting their key features, costs, and benefits.
Find the right fit to gain the skills and certification you need in an in-demand field.
Bunker Hill Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Discover the Pharmacy Technician Program at Bunker Hill Community College, designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge for a successful career as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician. This program is both time-efficient and cost-effective, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Key highlights of the program include:
- Hands-on training: Clinical affiliations and internships provide practical experience in real-world settings.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Courses cover pharmacology, dosage calculations, medication preparation, inventory control, and pharmaceutical care.
- Experienced faculty: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in the field.
- Accreditation: The program holds a PTCB Recognized Education Training Program Seal, ensuring high standards and industry readiness.
Graduates need a score of 75% or higher on the Board of Pharmacy qualification exam to qualify for a Pharmacy Technician license in Massachusetts. This focused curriculum and expert guidance from faculty members make Bunker Hill Community College an excellent choice to start your career.
Take a detailed look at Bunker Hill Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program for more information.
Northern Essex Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Northern Essex Community College (NECC) Pharmacy Technician Program offers a balanced blend of classroom instruction and practical externship experience. Funded for Massachusetts residents, this program aims to provide you with thorough training and a clear pathway to certification.
Program essentials include:
- 60-hour classroom course: Available in live and remote formats for flexible learning.
- 80-hour externship: Gain hands-on experience in retail or hospital pharmacy settings.
- Comprehensive curriculum: Covers pharmacology, medication calculations, pharmacy operations, and law.
The program’s classroom course prepares you for the PTCB and NHA certification exams. To be eligible, a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Advantages of the NECC program:
- Flexible learning options: Choose between live and remote classes.
- Certification preparation: Increases your employability in the pharmacy field.
- Grant funding: Accessible to Massachusetts residents, minimizing financial barriers.
For more details, don’t hesitate to contact Della Khoury at [email protected] or visit the Northern Essex Community College Pharmacy Technician Program page.
Middlesex Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Middlesex Community College offers a well-structured Pharmacy Technician Program that strikes a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Supervised by a registered pharmacist, the program involves a 60-hour instructor-led class followed by an 80-hour externship in a retail pharmacy setting.
Program features:
- Focused curriculum: Covers pharmacy operations, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, medication dosage forms, and national certification exam preparation.
- Hands-on externship: Provides essential practical experience, making you job-ready.
- Flexible scheduling: Classes held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Participation prerequisites:
- Educational requirements: High school diploma or GED.
- Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Licensing: Apply for the Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician in Training License before starting the externship.
The mixture of online and in-person instruction offers flexibility, and the program effectively prepares you for the PTCB certification. For pricing and registration details, contact [email protected].
For a detailed overview, visit the Middlesex Community College Pharmacy Technician Program page.
Quinsigamond Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Quinsigamond Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program offers a thorough two-semester program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. This program is specifically designed to provide you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Key features include:
- Extensive coursework: Covers medical terminology, pharmacy technology, and biology.
- Real-world experience: 135-hour externship allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a clinical setting.
- Flexible formats: Both in-person and online options are available.
- Career preparation: Equips you for roles in various healthcare settings, including community, hospital, and long-term care.
Additional Information:
- Prerequisites and background checks: Admission requires the completion of prerequisites and clearing background checks.
- Financial considerations: Be aware of additional costs like uniforms, materials, and fees.
- Background checks are mandatory: Includes criminal record, sex offender registry, fingerprinting, and drug testing.
Completion of this program prepares you comprehensively for licensure and national certification in the field. To explore further details, please visit the Quinsigamond Community College Pharmacy Technician Program page.
Quincy College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Pharmacy Technician Program at Quincy College is structured to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam, positioning you as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Program highlights:
- In-depth curriculum: 120 in-class hours cover medical and pharmaceutical terminology, drug identification, prescription interpretation, patient communication, safety procedures, record-keeping, and pharmacy business operations.
- Practical experience: 80 externship hours provide hands-on experience in real pharmacy settings.
- Low program cost: Total fee is $1,150, with potential grant funding available for qualified students.
- Certification preparation: Program completion makes you eligible for the PTCB Exam.
Admission requirements:
- Educational prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Background checks and screenings: Requires a background check, drug screening, and immunization records.
This program equips you with both the theoretical background and practical skills needed for a successful career in pharmacy technology. Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate that significantly boosts your job prospects. To learn more, visit the Quincy College Pharmacy Technician Program page.
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program in Boston MA
When choosing the right Pharmacy Technician Program, there are several factors you should consider to make an informed decision. Your choice will directly affect your readiness for the certification exams and future career.
Key considerations include:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited to meet industry standards. This guarantees that the program adheres to the high-quality education required by the field.
- Curriculum focus: Verify that the program covers essential areas like pharmacology, medication calculations, and pharmacy law. A well-rounded curriculum is crucial for comprehensive training.
- Cost and time commitment: Compare the cost and duration of programs. Ensure they align with your budget and schedule. Some programs might offer financial aid or grants.
- Hands-on training: Clinical affiliations and externships provide practical experience, which is invaluable. Programs offering such opportunities ensure you get real-world exposure.
- Certification preparation: Choose a program that prepares you for national certification exams, such as the PTCB or NHA. These certifications enhance your employability.
- Job placement rates: High placement rates can indicate program success and the employability of its graduates.
- Learning format: Consider whether the program offers in-person, online, or hybrid learning options that suit your lifestyle and learning preferences.
- Location: Proximity can reduce travel time and associated costs. In-city options might offer more hands-on opportunities.
Each factor plays a significant role in shaping your education and career. By carefully evaluating these elements, you can choose a program that aligns with your goals and aspirations in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
Selecting the right Pharmacy Technician Program is essential for a successful career within the healthcare industry. With multiple reputable programs available in Boston, MA, you’re equipped to find one that best fits your educational needs, budget, and lifestyle preferences. Take the initiative to explore each program in detail and embark on your path to becoming a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician.
If you’re ready to make a decision or seek further information, don’t hesitate to visit the program links provided above. This will give you a comprehensive view of what each institution offers and help you make the best choice for your future.
Start your healthcare journey today by enrolling in one of the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Boston, MA!