Pharmacy Technician Programs in Grand Rapids MI

Curious about the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Grand Rapids MI?

This guide highlights programs offering top-tier education and hands-on training, setting you up for a successful career in healthcare.

Discover what each program offers, from curriculum and costs to certification prep, and find the perfect match for your professional goals.

Grand Rapids Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a Pharmacy Technician Program crafted to address the increasing demand for certified professionals in West Michigan.

Explore a 16-week hybrid program that combines online and hands-on instruction. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB) and includes:

• Textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association: Providing essential resources and reference materials.
• Comprehensive topics: Anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, customer service, insurance billing, drug interactions, and legal requirements.

Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic algebra skills.
• Typing proficiency.

Learning Outcomes:

• Preparing and dispensing drugs.
• Transcribing physician orders.
• Preparing intravenous fluids.
• Managing inventory and patient profile records.

Tuition covers all learning materials. Program participants can seek tuition assistance and should contact the Workforce Training department for future class schedules.

Kent ISD – Pharmacy Technician Training Program

The Kent ISD Pharmacy Technician Training Program caters to individuals aiming for a healthcare career. This program emphasizes real-world experience and certification exam success.

Key Features:

• Flexible hours: Suitable for individuals with varying schedules.
• Focus areas: Pharmacy layout, drug classifications, pharmaceutical calculations, and legal regulations.
• Hands-on training: Practical experience ensures readiness for the workplace.

Kent ISD is known for its educational excellence and provides a supportive environment. This is an ideal program for those seeking to become pharmacy technicians in Grand Rapids MI.

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) – Pharmacy Technician Program

WMCAT provides a tuition-free Pharmacy Technician Program focused on underemployed or unemployed adults in Kent County. This initiative is part of WMCAT’s nationally recognized Adult Career Training Program.

Program Highlights:

• Duration: Six to nine months.
• Skills training: Medical coding, billing, and pharmacy technician fundamentals.
• Economic impact: Promotes family economic security and an inclusive economy.

The program is supported by notable foundations and offers high-quality training. Graduates, like Courtney Parker, have successfully transitioned to roles such as pharmacy technicians at Meijer.

Ross Medical Center – Pharmacy Technician Program

Ross Medical Center offers an extensive program that includes 900 clock hours of training, combining classroom instruction and a clinical externship. Graduates earn 66.5 quarter credits and are prepared for national certification.

Program Details:

• Comprehensive coursework: Pharmacy operations, mathematical principles, medical terminology, non-sterile compounding, and more.
• Clinical externship: Real-world experience in a professional setting.

The program requires additional out-of-pocket expenses and costs $14,600, making it a significant investment. Despite this, it offers thorough training and equips students with essential skills for a pharmacy technician career.

Grand Rapids Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a Pharmacy Technician Program to meet the growing demand for skilled pharmacy technicians in West Michigan. This 16-week hybrid program includes both online and hands-on instruction. It’s ideal for individuals interested in the healthcare field or current employees seeking certification.

Key Features:

• Curriculum: The program encompasses topics like anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, customer service, insurance billing, drug interactions, and legal requirements.
• Learning Materials: Students will use textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association, included in the program fee.
• Prerequisites: Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, basic algebra skills, and typing proficiency.

Learning Outcomes:

• Preparing and dispensing medications.
• Transcribing physician orders.
• Managing inventory and patient profile records.
• Preparing intravenous fluids.

This comprehensive program prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB). Potential tuition assistance and future class offerings can be explored by contacting the Workforce Training department. Learn more about the GRCC program here.

Kent ISD – Pharmacy Technician Training Program

The Kent ISD Pharmacy Technician Training Program is designed to prepare students for a career in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and retail pharmacies. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Key Features:

• Curriculum: Topics include pharmacy layout, drug classifications, pharmaceutical calculations, and legal regulations.
• Practical Training: Emphasis on hands-on experience to prepare students for real-world scenarios.
• Flexible Hours: Classes are scheduled to accommodate different timings.
• Competitive Pricing: Making the program accessible to a wider range of students.

Kent ISD is known for providing a supportive learning environment, ensuring that students excel in their chosen careers. For more details on enrollment and program specifics, visit the Kent ISD program page.

West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) – Pharmacy Technician Program

The West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) offers a tuition-free Pharmacy Technician Program tailored for underemployed or unemployed adults residing in Kent County. This initiative is part of WMCAT’s Adult Career Training Program.

Key Features:

• Duration: The program spans six to nine months.
• Skills Training: Focuses on medical coding, billing, and pharmacy technician essentials.
• Economic Security: Aims to enhance family financial stability.
• Funding: Supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, and JPMorgan Chase.

WMCAT’s program has successfully helped individuals, like Courtney Parker, who now works at Meijer as a pharmacy technician. For detailed information on enrollment, please visit the WMCAT program page.

Ross Medical Center – Pharmacy Technician Program

Ross Medical Center offers an extensive training program that spans 900 clock hours. This program combines classroom instruction with a clinical externship, preparing students for national certification.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Coursework: Includes pharmacy operations, mathematical principles, medical terminology, non-sterile compounding, and more.
• Externship: Provides real-world experience in a professional setting.
• Credits: Students earn 66.5 quarter credits upon completion.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: The program costs $14,600, making it a considerable investment.

Despite the higher cost, the Ross Medical Center program offers thorough training and equips students with essential skills for a pharmacy technician career. Learn more about the Ross Medical Center program.

Grand Rapids Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) offers a noteworthy Pharmacy Technician program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This ensures adherence to high educational standards.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers pharmacology, medication management, pharmaceutical calculations, technology, and law and ethics.
• Duration: The program can be completed in about nine months over three semesters.
• Hands-on Training: Includes 600 hours of coursework and clinical experience.
• Certification Prep: Provides practice tests and materials aimed at maximizing certification exam success.

Additional costs include textbooks, uniforms, and exams. GRCC’s program is designed to ensure students are well-prepared for certification exams and includes clinical rotations in both retail and hospital settings. For more information, visit the GRCC program page.

Ross College – Pharmacy Technician Program

The Ross College Grand Rapids Pharmacy Technician program offers an in-depth training experience through skilled instructors and hands-on learning opportunities. This program aims to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Key Features:

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: Includes pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, prescription processing, medication safety, and inventory management.
• Externship: Offers real-world experience and job placement opportunities through Ross’s network of healthcare facilities.
• Flexible Schedules: Tailored to accommodate students with various responsibilities.

Ross College provides a supportive environment for students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required for a successful pharmacy technician career. For program details and admission information, visit the Ross College program page.

How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program

When selecting the best pharmacy technician program, several key factors should be considered to ensure you receive quality education and training.

1. Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accreditation guarantees the program meets the highest educational standards.

2. Program Length

Consider the duration of the program and if it fits with your personal and professional schedule. Programs can range from as short as six months to over a year, so choose one that aligns with your time availability.

3. Cost

Examine the tuition fees and additional costs, including textbooks, uniforms, and certification exam fees. Investigate available financial aid options, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs to help manage expenses.

4. Curriculum

Look for programs with a curriculum that covers essential subjects, including:

• Pharmacology
• Medical Terminology
• Pharmaceutical Calculations
• Legal Regulations

A well-rounded curriculum should also include hands-on training opportunities to provide practical experience.

5. Job Placement Rates

Research the program’s job placement rates to assess the support it provides in helping graduates secure employment.

6. Certification Preparation

Ensure that the program prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Additionally, check if it includes practice materials and test simulations.

7. Flexibility

If you have other commitments, look for programs offering flexible schedules, such as evening or weekend classes, to accommodate your needs.

By considering these factors, you can find a pharmacy technician program that best fits your career goals and personal circumstances.

Conclusion on Finding the Right Pharmacy Technician Program

In summary, Grand Rapids offers excellent options for pharmacy technician programs. Evaluate each program based on accreditation, curriculum, cost, flexibility, and certification preparation. By carefully considering these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best program for your needs and setting yourself up for a successful career in the healthcare field.