Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Paul.
Wondering where to start your career as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota? You’re in the right place.
This post covers the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Minnesota, highlighting each program’s unique offerings and practical benefits for aspiring technicians.
Discover the best options to fast-track your journey into this rewarding healthcare profession.
Minneapolis College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Minneapolis College offers a Pharmacy Technician program that stands out for its robustness and practical approach. Completing this program prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE) to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
- Extensive Curriculum: The program covers important areas such as therapies, ethics, patient care, medication review, and management of pharmacy departments.
- Hands-On Training: Receive hands-on experience through an 80-hour internship at partner retail or healthcare pharmacies.
- Quick Completion: The program can be completed in as little as one semester, making it ideal for those seeking quick entry into the job market.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed in partnership with community stakeholders, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet industry standards and demands. For more details, visit the Minneapolis College – Pharmacy Technician Program page.
Mayo Clinic – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Mayo Clinic offers a 20-week Pharmacy Technician program. It combines online, classroom, and lab education for a well-rounded experience. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Flexible Structure: The first 12 weeks are delivered online, accommodating working professionals or those with busy schedules.
- Clinical Rotations: Gain valuable practical experience through two months of clinical rotations.
- Cutting-Edge Training: Training in state-of-the-art pharmacy simulation labs ensures high proficiency in various pharmacy practices, including compounding, purchasing, pediatrics, oncology, and research fields.
Completing the Mayo Clinic program not only opens opportunities within Mayo Clinic but also gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Explore more details at Mayo Clinic – Pharmacy Technician Program.
Saint Paul College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Saint Paul College offers both an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diploma option for their Pharmacy Technician program. Both pathways are designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Advanced Technology: Learn using a state-of-the-art simulation lab that includes automated technology, pharmacy software, and simulated medications.
- Flexible Learning: The hybrid instruction model combines online and in-person courses.
- Small Class Sizes: Accepting only 25 students each fall, the program ensures more personalized attention.
This program positions its graduates on the right path, especially considering the projected growth in the field by 2032. For more details, visit the Saint Paul College – Pharmacy Technician Program page.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Pharmacy Technician program requires 30 credits and aims to balance immediate employment preparation with options for further education.
- Comprehensive Courses: Includes Microbiology, Introduction to Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacy Communications, Drug Use and Reactions, and Pharmacy Administration and Medical Billing.
- Career Focused: An inclusive Pharmacy Technician Internship is part of the curriculum.
- Flexible Completion: Complete the program with 60 semester credits and a minimum GPA of 2.0.
This structured yet flexible program is ideal if you are looking to either enter the workforce quickly or continue your academic journey. Visit Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program for more details.
South Central College – Online Pharmacy Technician Course
The South Central College offers a fully online Pharmacy Technician course that prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam.
- Fully Online: The 100% online format provides maximum flexibility.
- Hands-On Externship: Includes a 100+ hour externship at a leading pharmacy chain.
- No Prerequisites: Ideal for anyone, as there are no specific prior requirements.
This program’s design ensures you gain a comprehensive understanding of essential topics like federal and state pharmacy laws and ethics. Most students complete it within a year. Explore further details on the South Central College – Online Pharmacy Technician Course page.
PPL – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The PPL Pharmacy Technician Training Program offers a no-cost solution for aspiring pharmacy technicians. This training initiative is a collaboration between Dakota County Technical College and Minneapolis College.
- Hybrid Learning: This program combines online coursework with in-person instruction, maximizing flexibility for students with varied schedules.
- Professional Development: The curriculum emphasizes professionalism alongside traditional pharmacy practice topics such as managing prescriptions and pharmacy inventory.
- Frequent Start Dates: Offered every 5-6 months, this program accepts applicants with a high school diploma or GED.
- Career Preparation: Graduates are equipped with the essential skills for a successful career in pharmacy technology.
More details about the PPL Pharmacy Technician Training Program can be found by visiting their website.
Minnesota West Community & Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The Minnesota West Community & Technical College provides a fully online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program, delivering essential coursework in a flexible format.
- Comprehensive Courses: The curriculum includes Pharmacy Principles and Practices, Medical Terminology, and externship options in retail or hospital settings.
- Online Flexibility: Ideal for those balancing other commitments, this program is fully online.
- Certification Ready: Graduates are prepared to take the certification exam at age 18, opening up various career opportunities.
Although details on tuition fees and program duration are not provided on the website, prospective students can contact the college directly for further information. Explore more details through the Minnesota West Community & Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program encompasses 10 credits, offering a focused path into the pharmacy technician field.
- Core Curriculum: Courses such as Introduction to Pharmaceuticals, Pharmacy Communications, and Pharmacy Administration and Medical Billing are integral parts of the program.
- Optional Internship: Involvement in a Pharmacy Technician Internship provides practical, real-world experience.
- Flexible Scheduling: Most courses are available in the evenings, making it suitable for part-time students.
Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for various pharmacy settings, ensuring preparedness for professional opportunities. More details are available at the Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.
How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program
Selecting the right program requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure it aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances.
- Accreditation: Choose programs accredited by recognized bodies like the PTCB, ASHP, or ACPE. Accreditation ensures the program adheres to industry standards.
- Program Length: Assess if you prefer a rapid-entry short-term course or an in-depth long-term program to match your career timeline and personal commitments.
- Costs and Financial Aid: Evaluate tuition fees and explore financial aid options. Knowing what you can afford and what support is available is crucial.
- Job Placement Rates: Understanding the program’s job placement rates can offer insights into your employment prospects post-graduation and the program’s industry connections.
- Curriculum and Flexibility: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers essential topics and offers practical training opportunities. Consider if the course format fits your lifestyle, be it online, in-person, or hybrid.
These elements combined will aid in making an informed decision suitable for your personal and professional needs.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Conclusion and Next Steps
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota is an exciting prospect with many quality programs to choose from. Visiting the program websites and contacting admissions offices will further assist in selecting the best fit for your aspirations.
With the information provided, you are well on your way to making an informed choice. Each program reviewed here stands out for different reasons, so take the next step towards a fulfilling and impactful career in pharmacy technology.