Not in Meridian? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Boise City, Nampa, and across Idaho.
Need a reputable Pharmacy Technician Program in Meridian, ID? We’ve got you covered.
This article highlights the top programs available, showcasing their unique offerings and benefits.
Whether you’re looking for hands-on training, flexible online options, or a fast-tracked certification, we detail everything you need to know to advance your career as a pharmacy technician.
Meridian Medical Arts Charter – Pharmacy Technician Program
Meridian Medical Arts Charter in Meridian, ID, offers a well-regarded Pharmacy Technician Program that expertly combines online and in-person learning. The program spans 5 months and is instructor-led, ensuring students gain a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical skills.
Key features:
- Hybrid Learning: The program blends 4 hours of in-class hands-on training once a week with comprehensive online educational materials.
- Hands-On Training: Students practice essential skills such as immunization techniques, pharmacy calculations, drug dilutions, and understanding pharmacy law and ethics.
- Certification Preparation: The curriculum is designed to equip students to confidently pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
- Cost and Inclusions: The total program cost is $2,500, which includes online course materials and BLS CPR training.
Approved by the Idaho Department of Labor, this program is an excellent fit for those dreaming of a career in pharmacy support. For more information, check out the Meridian Medical Arts Charter Pharmacy Technician Program.
Idaho State University – Pharmacy Technician Program
Idaho State University in Meridian offers a curriculum designed to train future pharmacy technicians comprehensively. This program is structured to ensure students excel both in the classroom and through practical, real-world experiences.
Key features:
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: The program starts with an introduction to federal and state laws, focusing on the detailed regulations specific to Idaho.
- Extemporaneous Compounding and IV Certification: Including sterile product preparation and aseptic techniques, these courses come with laboratory components for hands-on experience.
- Applied Pharmacy Technology: This suite of courses covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of pharmacy practice in different environments.
- Exam Preparation: Extensive preparation for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam is embedded in the curriculum.
- Practical Experience: Practicum and seminar courses provide supervised practice in retail or institutional settings.
This program makes sure students are well-prepared for certification and future professional practice. Learn more about the Idaho State University Pharmacy Technician Program and see if it’s the right fit for you.
Idaho State University – Pharmacy Technology Program
For those looking to gain detailed technical expertise, Idaho State University in Meridian, ID, offers a Pharmacy Technology Program with various certification levels. The program provides robust training under the guidance of licensed pharmacists.
Key features:
- Multiple Certification Levels: Choose between a 1-year Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) and a 1.5-year Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC).
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Subjects include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacy law, and pharmaceutical calculations.
- Practical Training: Classroom instruction is paired with laboratory demonstrations and practicum/externship placements.
- Certifications Prepared For: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician National Certification Exam.
- National Accreditation: Accredited through ASHP/ACPE, ensuring high standards for education and training.
This program offers limited class sizes for a focused educational experience. Find out more details on the Idaho State University Pharmacy Technology Program.
Carrington College – Pharmacy Technology
Carrington College in Boise provides a focused Pharmacy Technology program that can be completed in as little as nine months. It offers a blend of rigorous coursework and hands-on training to prepare students for various roles in the pharmacy sector.
Key features:
- Expedited Completion: Complete the program in as few as nine months, allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.
- Comprehensive Coursework: Includes anatomy, physiology, medication preparation, and essential pharmacy-specific tasks.
- Hands-On Training: Benefit from small class sizes and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Supportive Environment: The Boise campus provides additional resources like a dental clinic and multimedia library.
- Prime Location: Conveniently located just off I-184, making it easily accessible for students from Meridian.
The strong focus on practical skills and employable knowledge sets Carrington College apart, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry. Learn more by visiting the Carrington College Pharmacy Technology Program.
These programs cater to a variety of learning preferences and career goals in the pharmacy technician field. Whether you are looking for a hybrid learning structure, a more traditional academic environment, or hands-on experience, there is a program in or near Meridian, ID, that fits your needs.
College of Western Idaho – Pharmacy Technician Program
College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a reputable Pharmacy Technician Program in Meridian, ID. This program, designed in partnership with CareerStep, equips students with essential skills for the healthcare field while offering flexibility through online learning.
Key Features:
- Flexible Online Learning: Complete the program in as little as four months or spread it out over twelve months to fit your schedule.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers critical areas such as medication dispensing, pharmacy law, and patient interactions.
- Hands-On Experience: Includes practical lab work and an externship with community pharmacies like Walgreens.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam.
- Career Services: Access to support services for job placement and career advancement.
With Idaho’s rapid growth in healthcare jobs, completing this program can open numerous employment opportunities. Learn more about the College of Western Idaho Pharmacy Technician Program.
St. Luke’s – Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program
St. Luke’s in Meridian, ID, offers an innovative Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program that blends classroom education with extensive hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Key Features:
- Paid Apprenticeship: Students receive payment during their training sessions, relieving financial burdens.
- Classroom and Practical Training: A 10-week program split into seven weeks of class/lab sessions and three weeks of hospital rotations.
- Job Placement: Opportunity to work at St. Luke’s upon completion, significantly shortening the job application process.
- Real-World Experience: Trainees cover essential roles such as medication dispensing, IV preparation, and patient interviews.
- Future Accreditation: Plans are in place for national accreditation from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
St. Luke’s ensures that students gain the knowledge and experience necessary to excel as pharmacy technicians. Explore the St. Luke’s Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program.
How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program for You
When selecting a Pharmacy Technician program, there are several crucial factors to consider. These elements will help ensure that your chosen program aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.
Steps to Choosing the Right Program:
- Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited. Accreditation ensures the program meets industry standards, which can significantly impact your credibility and job prospects. Programs accredited by ASHP/ACPE are excellent choices.
- Program Length: Consider the length of the program. Shorter programs might allow you to enter the job market more quickly, while longer programs might offer more extensive training.
- Coursework: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers essential topics such as pharmacy law, medication preparation, and patient care. These are foundational areas every pharmacy technician should understand.
- Practical Training: Hands-on training and externships provide real-world experience. Programs that offer these elements, such as those at Meridian Medical Arts Charter and St. Luke’s, are highly valuable.
- Support and Services: Evaluate the program’s job placement rates and career services support. High job placement rates and robust career services can significantly enhance your post-graduation success.
- Cost and Financial Assistance: Consider your budget and look for financial assistance options. Programs like St. Luke’s offer paid apprenticeships, easing the financial burden while you learn.
- Flexibility: If you have other commitments, a flexible program like the online option from College of Western Idaho might suit you best.
Make a list of your priorities and match them against the features of the programs you’re interested in. This thorough evaluation will help guide you to the best program suited to your professional goals.
Finding Your Future in Meridian’s Pharmacy Technician Field
Meridian offers a variety of Pharmacy Technician programs that cater to different learning preferences and career objectives. From the hybrid structure at Meridian Medical Arts Charter to the paid apprenticeship at St. Luke’s, you have several quality options to choose from. Each program has its strengths, such as comprehensive coursework, practical training, and career services, ensuring you are well-prepared for a fulfilling career as a pharmacy technician.
Evaluate these programs to find the one that best aligns with your career goals and learning style. Embark on your journey with confidence, knowing you have a solid foundation to thrive in the pharmacy field.