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Searching for top-notch Pharmacy Technician Programs in Chattanooga TN?
Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your credentials, this guide unveils the best options available.
From hands-on training to certification, we’ll cover essential programs that align with your career goals.
Explore accredited courses designed to provide real-world experience and prepare you for a successful career in pharmacy technology.
Chattanooga State Community College – Entry Level Pharmacy Technology Program
Explore the Entry Level Pharmacy Technology Program at Chattanooga State Community College, designed to meet the growing demand for certified pharmacy technicians in Chattanooga and beyond. Their curriculum equips students with the skills to assist pharmacists efficiently.
This 1-semester course covers various pharmacy practices and includes:
- Didactic coursework: Class lectures to build foundational knowledge.
- Simulation: Hands-on lab experiences to practice essential skills.
- Experiential coursework: 130 clinical rotation hours providing practical experience.
Graduates easily transition into the Advanced Pharmacy Technology Technical Certificate Program for more specialized training. This advanced program lasts two semesters and includes an additional 70 clinical rotation hours.
The program’s accreditation by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission ensures you receive quality education. The success rates are compelling, with the Class of 2022 achieving a 100% completion rate, PTCB Certification pass rate, and job placement rate. Graduates find employment across various settings, such as:
- Hospital pharmacies
- Community pharmacies
- Sterile compounding pharmacies
- Home health care
Program costs cover tuition, background checks, uniforms, textbooks, and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Estimated salary range for certified pharmacy technicians is between $23,960 and $49,750 annually. Check Chattanooga State’s financial webpage for the most current costs.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – UTC Pharmacy Technician Academy
The UTC Pharmacy Technician Academy offers a 10-week program aimed at preparing you to become a certified pharmacy technician. This course provides a mix of in-depth lectures and hands-on training.
The program prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), leading to the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Topics covered include:
- Dosage calculations: Essential for accurate medication dispensing.
- Drug classifications: Understanding different types of drugs and their uses.
- Compounding: Learning to mix medications accurately.
- Medical terminology: Mastering the language used in healthcare settings.
- Prescription interpretation: Ensuring you can accurately read and interpret prescriptions.
- Inventory control: Skills critical for managing pharmaceutical inventories.
You can also participate in an externship at a local medical facility for hands-on experience.
Tuition costs $1,750 and covers textbooks, the certification exam fee, and scrubs. Eligibility requirements include being 18 years or older, undergoing a background check and drug screening, and providing immunization records. Certification requires renewal every two years, ensuring you stay updated in your field.
Miller-Motte – Pharmacy Technician Program
Miller-Motte’s Pharmacy Technician program in Chattanooga offers an Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy Technology. This program caters to different learning preferences with options for in-person or online classes and flexible start times every 5-10 weeks.
Complete the program in as little as 18 months, benefiting from hands-on clinical rotations. Key highlights include:
- Institutional pharmacy principles: Training for settings such as hospitals.
- Community pharmacy principles: Emphasizing safe prescription preparation in clinics or retail settings.
The program is designed to enhance your skills in medication order preparations and dosage measurement. While Miller-Motte provides ample training, it’s essential to evaluate various factors like accreditation, curriculum depth, and support services when comparing with other programs.
Advantages include:
- Flexible schedules and online studying options
- Real-world experience through clinical rotations
Prospective students should research tuition costs and financial aid availability to ensure alignment with their budgets and career goals.
By considering these programs, you can make an informed choice tailored to your needs. All three options offer robust training to prepare you for a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Choose the one that aligns with your professional objectives and personal circumstances.
Chattanooga State – Pharmacy Technician Program
Chattanooga State’s Pharmacy Technician Program is recognized for producing highly skilled pharmacy technicians who excel in their roles. The accredited course provides a well-rounded education, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
Chattanooga State’s curriculum spans vital areas such as:
- Prescription Filling: Learning accurate prescription filling and patient safety.
- Medication Preparation: Training in both sterile and non-sterile medication preparations.
- Inventory Management: Handling and managing pharmacy inventories.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: An understanding of pharmacy regulations and ethical practices.
The program requires the completion of prerequisite courses, including anatomy, physiology, and human biology. After two semesters of classroom instruction, students undertake a hands-on pharmacy practice rotation in the final summer semester, which provides real-world experience.
Admission requirements include:
- Application: Submit an application to Chattanooga State.
- English and Reading Proficiency: Demonstrate college-level skills.
- Minimum Grades: Maintain at least a C grade in college courses.
- References: Provide two letters of reference.
- Orientation: Attend a mandatory orientation session.
The total cost for residents is about $6,160.90, covering tuition, physical exams, CPR certification, background checks, uniforms, textbooks, a PPD skin test, and liability insurance. This financial transparency helps you plan effectively.
Join a program known for its comprehensive curriculum and robust practical training at Chattanooga State.
Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Program in Chattanooga TN
Selecting the right pharmacy technician program is essential for launching a successful career. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by reputable bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission. Accreditation confirms the program meets industry standards.
- Curriculum: Review the curriculum for comprehensiveness in dosage calculations, drug classifications, IV preparations, and inventory control.
- Program Length: Program durations vary. Some can be completed in 10 weeks, while others may extend to a year or more.
- Cost: Tuition fees range from $1,750 to over $6,000. Check if the cost includes uniforms, textbooks, certification exams, and other supplies.
- Hands-on Experience: Internship or externship opportunities are critical. Programs offering clinical rotations in local healthcare settings give you invaluable real-world experience.
- Post-Graduation Support: Look into job placement services and networking opportunities with healthcare providers. Quality programs often have strong alumni networks.
- Flexibility: Flexibility in learning options is crucial. Many institutions offer online classes or part-time study options accommodating other commitments.
By evaluating these factors carefully, you can confidently select the best-suited pharmacy technician program in Chattanooga, TN.
Wrap-Up and Next Steps
Making an informed choice on your pharmacy technician education can significantly impact your career. Programs like those at Chattanooga State Community College, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Miller-Motte offer varied and comprehensive options tailored to your needs. Visit the provided links for more details and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in pharmacy technology.
Start your journey with the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Chattanooga, TN.