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Looking to start a career as a pharmacy technician?
Explore the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Clarksville TN.
This article highlights the best local programs, their unique features, and the skills you’ll gain, helping you make an informed choice for your future in healthcare.
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson Pharmacy Technology Program
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson provides a well-rounded Pharmacy Technology program designed to prepare you for a career as a pharmacy technician in various healthcare settings. This one-year program covers essential areas, guaranteeing you’ll gain the vital skills needed in the field.
- Pharmacy Math: You learn to accurately measure, mix, and record medication dosages.
- Pharmacology: Understand drug interactions, side effects, and therapeutic uses.
- Third-party Reimbursement: Gain insights into billing processes and insurance claims.
- Certification Preparation: Be ready for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Clinical Training: Engage in hands-on experience under professional supervision.
The curriculum also includes training in pharmacy law and ethics, ensuring you meet the regulatory requirements and work efficiently within legal boundaries. The program is structured to provide immersive experiences that enhance your ability to perform in real-world scenarios.
Classes run from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, completing in 12 months with a total of 1,296 clock hours. Tuition and fees total $4,139.00, with an additional estimate of $1,213.96 for textbooks and supplies. You’ll benefit from:
- Comprehensive Instruction: In-depth knowledge in all necessary areas.
- Practical Clinical Exposure: Real-world training to refine your skills.
- State Registration Eligibility: Direct entry into the workforce.
- Certification Readiness: Complete PTCE preparation.
Accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, this Pharmacy Technology program promises high-standard education, ensuring you are well-prepared for your career.
Stepful – Pharmacy Technician Program
Stepful Pharmacy Technician Program offers a 4-month online training course tailored to quickly set you on the path to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). This program is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), ensuring your readiness for the certification exam.
- Instructor-Led Zoom Classes: Interactive online sessions with experienced instructors.
- Clinical Sessions: Hands-on training to cement your learning.
- Certification Exam Preparation: Effective preparation for both PTCB and NHA exams.
- One-on-One Coaching: Personalized guidance to support your learning process.
- National Certification: Attain a PTCB-CPhT certificate upon completion.
A unique aspect of this program is the 160-hour in-person unpaid clinical externship, offering you crucial hands-on pharmacy experience. Additionally, Stepful provides job placement assistance including interview preparation and resume building, which can significantly ease your transition into the workforce.
Payment options are flexible, with bi-weekly payments of $249 over eight installments, interest-free. If you don’t receive a job offer within six months post-certification, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund. With the median salary for pharmacy technicians in Clarksville, TN, at $36,150 annually or $17.38 per hour, this program presents a significant return on investment.
Stepful offers a robust online training program complemented by clinical practice and job support services, making it a solid choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Clarksville, TN.
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System – Pharmacy Technology Program
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System Pharmacy Technology program offers extensive training in collaboration with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). This program is tailored for high school students ready to venture into the healthcare field as pharmacy technicians.
Key components of the program include:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Provides a foundational understanding of the human body.
- Medical Terminology: Enhances communication in a healthcare setting.
- Pharmacy Math: Equips you with the skills necessary for accurate medication preparation.
- Clinical Training: Offers hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Students partake in supervised clinical training, ensuring competence in tasks like measuring, mixing, counting, labeling, and recording medication dosages. This practical approach prepares students to seamlessly transition into workplace environments.
Admission requires a satisfactory attendance and behavior record, a minimum GPA of 2.0, and the student must be on track to graduate. Classes are held at the Clarksville campus of TCAT, running from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Part of the Early Technical College (ETC) initiative, this program allows students to earn industry certifications while completing high school coursework. Available pathways offer the opportunity to gain up to two certifications.
This program promises a thorough education with practical experience, paving the way for a successful career in healthcare.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Pharmacy Technician Program in Clarksville TN
Selecting the right pharmacy technician program is crucial for your career success. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice.
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies like the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Curriculum: Look for a program that covers essential topics like pharmacology, pharmacy law, human anatomy, medical terminology, and pharmacy math.
- Hands-on Training: Programs offering clinical rotations or externships provide practical experience that enhances your skills and employability.
- Cost: Evaluate the total cost, including tuition, fees, textbooks, and supplies. Check for available financial aid options, scholarships, and payment plans.
- Career Support: Programs with job placement assistance, resume-building workshops, and interview preparation can significantly aid your job search after graduation.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Ensure the program fits your schedule and commitments. Online programs may offer more flexibility, while in-person programs may provide better hands-on training.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Read opinions from past students to get insights on the program’s effectiveness and quality of instruction.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better positioned to choose a pharmacy technician program in Clarksville TN that meets your career goals and personal circumstances.
Conclusion: Start Your Pharmacy Technician Career Today
Taking the next step towards a rewarding career in healthcare starts with choosing the right Pharmacy Technician Program in Clarksville TN. Whether you opt for the detailed training at The Tennessee College of Applied Technology, the online flexibility at Stepful, or the hands-on experience within the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, you are setting a strong foundation for your future. Each program offers unique benefits tailored to different learning styles and professional ambitions. Make your choice and begin your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician.
Jumpstart your healthcare career by enrolling in one of these comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Programs in Clarksville TN. Explore your options, choose the best fit for you, and take that crucial first step towards a fulfilling profession.