Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Naperville, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.
Do you want to jump-start your career as a pharmacy technician in Illinois? Look no further.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Illinois, detailing top colleges and the diverse opportunities they offer.
Ready to find the program that’s perfect for you?
SSC – Pharmacy Technician Program
For those looking to kickstart their career in healthcare, the SSC Pharmacy Technician Program offers a compelling choice. The program provides a 16-week Basic Certificate, accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). It ensures that you are well-prepared to handle all the responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
Key Highlights:
- Duration: 16 weeks
- Accreditation: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Topics Covered: Aseptic IV preparation, medication order processing, and pharmacy law
- Prerequisites: Meeting with the coordinator, completing developmental courses, passing a drug screening, and acquiring CPR certification
Upon successful completion, you will be ready to sit for the national pharmacy certification exam. Achieving this certification opens doors to various opportunities in pharmacy settings like hospitals and retail pharmacies.
For more details, visit the SSC – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Malcolm X College – Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate Program
Malcolm X College’s Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate Program strides confidently into preparing you for a successful career as a pharmacy technician. Accredited by both ASHP and ACPE, this three-semester program readies students for crucial exams like PTCE, ExCPT, and CSPT.
Program Features:
- Duration: Three semesters
- Accreditation: ASHP and ACPE
- Tuition: Low tuition fees, financial aid available
- Topics Covered: In-depth academic knowledge and hands-on experience
To be admitted, you will need to provide your college transcripts, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00, and go through an interview with the Medical Director. The program also offers comprehensive academic knowledge that is essential for different pharmacy settings, ensuring a robust foundation for your career.
Explore this opportunity further at Malcolm X College – Pharmacy Technology.
Prairie State College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Prairie State College offers a 50-hour program designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. This certification is fundamental for a promising career in pharmacy.
Core Details:
- Duration: 50 hours
- Exam Preparation: PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) national exam
- Curriculum: Medical terminology, prescription interpretation, drug classification
- Funding: WIOA funding available
Given the increasing demand for pharmacy professionals, the program’s curriculum is tailored to equip you with essential skills. Financial assistance is available, ensuring you can focus on your education without unnecessary stress.
To understand more, check out Prairie State College – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Southwestern Illinois College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) presents a one-semester certificate program that takes place on their Belleville and Granite City campuses. This program is designed to prepare you for national credentialing exams and provides a solid introduction to pharmacy technology.
Program Insights:
- Duration: One semester
- Campus: Belleville and Granite City
- Key Areas: Medication distribution, inventory, records maintenance
- Prerequisites: Proof of college-level English and math readiness
SWIC also offers scholarship opportunities, making this program even more accessible. Completion of this course mandates obtaining a national certification and registration with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
For further details, visit SWIC – Pharmacy Technician Program.
College of DuPage – Pharmacy Technician Program
The College of DuPage provides a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program aligning with ASHP and ACPE standards. This hybrid program is a blend of in-person, online, and asynchronous coursework, designed to suit various learning preferences.
Essential Information:
- Mode: Hybrid (in-person, online, asynchronous)
- Accreditation: ASHP and ACPE
- Financial Aid: WIOA funding, Illinois Community College Board funds
- Enrollment: First-come, first-served
This program offers experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that you receive both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel as a pharmacy technician.
Get more information on the program at College of DuPage – Pharmacy Technician Program.
By exploring these excellent Pharmacy Technician Programs in Illinois, you are taking the first step towards a fulfilling career in the healthcare field.
IVCC – Pharmacy Technician Program
Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) presents a comprehensive way to prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician through their online program. This course is designed to prime students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, featuring a nuanced curriculum adaptable to meet your professional needs.
Key Features:
- Format: Entirely online, with a hands-on practicum included
- Duration: Completion in one year or less
- Core Topics: Federal and state pharmacy laws, ethics, practice skills
- Funding: Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding
Besides focusing on the essential skills and knowledge, this program includes a practicum with a leading pharmacy chain, ensuring a blend of theoretical and practical training. The hands-on experience is invaluable in preparing you for real-world scenarios.
To explore more details, visit IVCC – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Southeastern Illinois College – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) offers a well-rounded Pharmacy Technician Certification Program that aims at providing you with the necessary skills to excel in the field. This program, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), is crafted for those serious about their career choice.
Program Insights:
- Duration: One semester
- Accreditation: NCCA
- Core Components: Medication preparation, storage, distribution, and inventory management
- Hands-On Practice: A dedicated pharmacy lab for practical training
This program covers essential topics, combined with real-life practice in a pharmacy lab, ensuring readiness for the working environment. Meeting the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) guidelines, this certification also broadens your employment prospects.
Find more information at Southeastern Illinois College – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Oakton Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Pharmacy Technician program at Oakton Community College stands out for being taught by experienced pharmacists. It integrates both theoretical and practical elements suited for varied pharmacy settings.
Program Details:
- Duration: One semester
- Accreditation: Not explicitly stated, but follows high education standards
- Core Subjects: Drug classes, pharmacy calculations, operations, and laws
- Additional Requirements: Background checks and drug screens for all health career students
A significant advantage of this program is the clinical practicum, where you gain hands-on experience, closely mirroring actual workplace scenarios. This approach ensures you are job-ready upon completion.
For more information and to enroll, visit the Oakton Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Moraine Valley Community College – Pharmacy Technician Review Program
Moraine Valley Community College offers a specialized Pharmacy Technician Review Program designed for those preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Highlights:
- Exam Preparation: Focuses on PTCE readiness
- Duration: Flexible, initiated September 1
- Coursework: Disease states, pharmacy law, ethics, and math
- Concurrent Enrollment: Pharmacy Mathematics recommended
The program addresses all foundational aspects crucial for a pharmacy technician, making it a solid choice if you’re prepping for the PTCE. This includes a rigorous focus on various pertinent subjects, ensuring your readiness for the certification test.
Learn more at Moraine Valley Community College – Pharmacy Technician Review Program.
How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program in Illinois
Choosing the right pharmacy technician program can sometimes be daunting, but considering the following factors can help streamline your decision:
- Accreditation: Look for programs accredited by reputable organizations like the ASHP or ACPE. This ensures quality education and recognition from employers.
- Curriculum: Ensure the curriculum covers all necessary topics such as medication preparation, pharmacy law, and ethics. A well-rounded curriculum will provide you with the skills needed for success.
- Hands-On Training: Programs offering internships or clinical practicums give you real-world experience. This practical training is invaluable for job readiness.
- Cost: Consider the program’s cost and whether it offers financial aid or funding options like WIOA. Balancing quality education with affordability is crucial.
- Location and Format: Depending on your circumstances, you might prefer online, hybrid, or in-person learning formats. Choose what aligns best with your lifestyle and learning preferences.
- Job Placement Rates: Research the program’s job placement rates post-completion. Higher rates often indicate strong industry connections and effective training.
By thoroughly considering these factors, you position yourself to choose a program that not only fits your educational needs but also propels you towards a successful career.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician is a rewarding decision, and selecting the right program is crucial. Illinois offers numerous commendable programs to prepare you adequately for certification and real-world challenges. Take the next step towards your promising career by enrolling in one of these top-rated programs today!