Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Cary, Charlotte, Concord, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, High Point, Raleigh, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem.
Looking to jumpstart a career as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina? You’ve come to the right place.
This blog post breaks down the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in North Carolina, covering everything from curriculum and accreditation to cost and job placement rates.
Whether you’re aiming for an online course or prefer hands-on training, find the program that aligns perfectly with your goals and schedule.
North Carolina Central University – Pharmacy Technician Program
Discover the North Carolina Central University Pharmacy Technician Program, a fully online course designed to prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. This program equips you with the essential skills needed to excel in pharmacy settings and participate in externships with leading pharmacy chains.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers federal and state pharmacy laws, ethical practices, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacology.
- Flexible Duration: Complete the program in one year or less, excluding externship and state licensure preparation time.
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from experts like Melissa Dunworth, a certified pharmacy technician since 1997, and Betty Stahl, a doctorate in pharmacy.
- Externship Opportunities: Graduates can apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.
- Affordability and Online Accessibility: Offers an affordable and convenient pathway to becoming a pharmacy technician.
Coastal Carolina Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Coastal Carolina Community College Pharmacy Technician Program is a 200-hour comprehensive course that prepares you for national certification exams and various pharmacy settings.
- In-Depth Curriculum: Includes medications, federal requirements, patient safety, order entry processing, technician duties, and drug calculations.
- PTCB Recognized: Ensures high-quality education approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- Experienced Staff: Learn from seasoned pharmacists and certified technicians.
- Flexible Scheduling: Offers various scheduling options to fit your lifestyle.
- Financial Assistance: Available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for eligible students.
Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Piedmont Community College Pharmacy Technician Program offers a 192-hour, 15-week asynchronous online course. This program allows you to access materials 24/7 and prepares you for the PTCB National Board exam.
- Robust Curriculum: Covers pharmacy practice, regulatory laws, drug orders, patient profiles, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacology.
- Eligibility for Certification: Students are eligible for the PTCB National Board exam after course completion.
- Flexible Online Format: Study at your own pace with 24/7 access to materials.
- Self-Motivation Required: Requires dedication of 12-15 hours per week, strong self-discipline, and effective online communication skills.
Central Piedmont Community College – Pharmacy Technology Program
Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science degree and diploma in pharmacy technology, accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This program prepares you to assist pharmacists within legal limits.
- Comprehensive Coursework: Includes healthcare principles, safe and individualized care, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.
- Certification Preparation: Graduates can take the PTCB certification exam and work as Validating Technicians in North Carolina.
- Flexible Learning Options: Offers in-person labs, clinicals, and online courses.
- Financial Support: Scholarships are available for eligible students.
Wake Technical Community College – Pharmacy Technology Program
The Wake Technical Community College Pharmacy Technology Program offers an associate degree comprising general education and pharmacy technician courses.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes pharmacology, medication therapies, drug interactions, compounding, pharmacy purchasing, and clinical services.
- Hands-On Experience: Provides supervised, practical experience in various pharmacy settings.
- Accredited Program: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
- Certification Recognition: Recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- State Requirements: Students must be registered as pharmacy technicians and hold a high school diploma.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program prepares you well for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and roles in retail or hospital settings.
- Practical & Technical Training: Covers multiple aspects of a pharmacy technician’s role.
- Certification Preparation: Focused on preparing you for the certification exam to enhance qualifications and job prospects.
- Recommended Skills: A Gold Level Career Readiness Certificate is recommended but not mandatory for enrollment.
- Enrollment Details: Contact the college for specific hours and pricing details.
Fayetteville Technical Community College – Pharmacy Technology Program
Fayetteville Technical Community College offers a four-semester accredited Pharmacy Technology Program designed for entry-level positions in diverse pharmacy settings.
- Inclusive Curriculum: Includes skills for monitoring drug therapy, maintaining inventories, and preparing medications.
- Accredited Education: Accredited by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission, ensuring quality education standards.
- Career Pathways: Graduates can explore job opportunities in retail, hospitals, nursing homes, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- National Certification: Encourages graduates to obtain national certification as Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).
- State Registration: Registration with the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy is required for employed graduates.
Next, we’ll continue exploring other notable programs across North Carolina to ensure you find the right fit for starting your career as a pharmacy technician. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Catawba Valley Community College – Pharmacy Technician Training
Catawba Valley Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Training program prepares you for the national PTCB exam. This program is under the guidance of a registered pharmacist and focuses on practical knowledge and skills.
- Focused Curriculum: Learn medication effects, drug preparation, pharmacy law, pharmacy vocabulary, and essential calculations.
- Certification Boost: Being a certified pharmacy technician enhances your job prospects and earning potential.
- Convenient Registration: Offers instant online registration for ease of access.
- Key Contacts: For details on hours, pricing, and additional questions, contact Angie Rice or Laura Richard.
This program is ideal for those seeking a thorough understanding of both technical and practical aspects of pharmacy technology.
Durham Technical Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Durham Technical Community College’s Pharmacy Technician program prepares you for safe medication preparation and dispensing in various settings.
- PTCB Recognition: Program covers drug studies, quality assurance, pharmacy law, and sterile product preparation.
- Flexible Formats: Offers both hybrid and online formats for added flexibility.
- Hands-On Training: Gain real-world experience in actual pharmacy settings.
- Certification Eligibility: Graduates can take the PTCB certification exam, earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
While this is a continuing education course with no college credits, it offers comprehensive preparation to start your career as a pharmacy technician.
Wilson Community College – Pharmacy Technician Training
Wilson Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Training is a 96-hour course combining classroom instruction with hands-on training.
- Structured Curriculum: Learn essential pharmacy operations under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
- Uniform and Textbook Costs: Requires additional expenses for uniforms and textbooks.
- Background Check and Screening: Includes a criminal background check and drug screening, costing $90.
- Insurance and Testing Fees: Additional costs include malpractice insurance ($16), Student Accident Insurance ($2), and state testing ($140).
- Legal Compliance: Includes 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEU) of Law.
This program equips you with the knowledge and skills to promote efficiency and safety in various pharmacy settings.
Beaufort County Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Beaufort County Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program provides foundational training in pharmacy and pharmacology, combined with practical experience.
- Hands-On Shadowing: Gain real-world experience through shadowing opportunities at local pharmacies.
- Certification Readiness: Prepares you to apply for the PTCB certification exam.
- Balanced Approach: Emphasizes both theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Financial Aid: Offers financial aid options to support your education.
- Easy Application Process: The Continuing Education department provides resources for information, registration, and records management.
Contact the Continuing Education Registration & Records Clerk for more details about this valuable program.
Isothermal Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Isothermal Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program offers a 208-hour hybrid course designed for a career in hospital and retail pharmacy settings.
- Hands-On Learning: Practical experience is a key focus, preparing you for dispensing techniques.
- Certification Preparedness: Graduates are eligible for the PTCB certification exam.
- Flexible Format: Combines in-person and online classes for added flexibility.
For more details, contact 828-395-1405. This program provides a solid foundation for your pharmacy technician career.
Stepful – North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Program
Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician Program in North Carolina is a 4-month online course recognized by the PTCB.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes pharmacology, prescriptions, pharmacy calculations, and more.
- Instructor-Led Classes: Features online instructor-led Zoom classes and clinical sessions.
- Certification Exam Prep: Prepares you for the PTCB and NHA exams.
- 1:1 Coaching and Job Support: Offers personalized coaching and job support services.
- Guaranteed Employment: Full tuition refund if you aren’t offered a job within six months post-certification.
- Flexible Online Learning: Fully online program provides convenient access to all course components.
This flexible program is designed to prepare you thoroughly for your career as a pharmacy technician.
What to Know When Choosing a Pharmacy Technician Program
When selecting a pharmacy technician program in North Carolina, consider several crucial factors to ensure it aligns with your career goals and lifestyle:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists or the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission.
- Program Duration: Verify that the program’s length fits your schedule. Programs can range from a few months to two years.
- Cost: Compare tuition fees and additional expenses, including textbooks, uniforms, exams, and insurance.
- Curriculum Content: Review the course content to ensure it covers essential topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, calculations, and practical skills.
- Hands-On Experience: Look for programs that offer externships or clinical placements for real-world experience.
- Job Placement Rates: Investigate the program’s job placement rates to gauge your employment prospects post-graduation.
- Student Support Services: Consider programs offering robust student support, including career counseling, financial aid, tutoring, or 1:1 coaching.
Evaluating these factors can help you make an informed decision and choose a program that sets you on the path to a successful career as a certified pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Final Thoughts on Pharmacy Technician Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina offers numerous high-quality pharmacy technician programs, each with unique strengths. Whether you seek online learning or hands-on training, there’s a program tailored to your needs. Careful consideration of factors like accreditation, cost, and curriculum can help you choose the most suitable program. Explore these programs to embark on a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.