Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro, Portland, and Salem.
Looking to boost your career in healthcare? Pharmacy technician programs in Oregon offer a fast track to in-demand jobs.
This article highlights the top accredited programs, detailing their unique offerings and benefits, from online flexibility to hands-on training.
Discover which program aligns with your goals and sets you up for success in the pharmacy field.
Lane Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Lane Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program is crafted to prepare you for a rewarding career in healthcare. This two-term training program is delivered online, offering you flexibility in your schedule. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pharmacy Laws and Ethics: Understand the legalities and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice.
- Information Terminology: Familiarize yourself with the specific language used in this field.
- Prescription Handling: Learn how to process and fill prescriptions accurately.
- Routes and Formulations, Drug Classifications: Gain knowledge about different medication types and their classifications.
- Financial Management: Learn to manage the financial aspects of a pharmacy.
- Nonsterile and Sterile Compounding Techniques: Acquire essential skills in medication preparation.
The Lane Community College program is approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), promoting a 91% certification exam pass rate. Tuition is affordable at $429 per term, with an optional third term available for additional training. Hands-on training ensures you will have practical experience before entering the workforce.
OHSU – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The OHSU Pharmacy Technician Training Program integrates online and in-person learning to meet Oregon’s specific requirements. The comprehensive curriculum covers:
- Medication Safety and Error Prevention: Rigorous focus on maintaining high safety standards.
- Pharmacology and Calculations: Solid foundation in medication studies and math calculations.
- Community and Hospital Pharmacy Practices: Practical knowledge applicable across various pharmacy settings.
- Legal Regulations: Understanding the rules governing pharmacy work in Oregon.
Eligibility criteria include being 18 years or older, having a high school diploma or GED, and passing English and math assessments, background checks, and drug screenings. Tuition covers books, simulation supplies, and a PTCB exam voucher. Scholarships for OHSU employees and installment payment plans make this program accessible, and their 92% pass rate for the PTCB exam demonstrates student success.
Central Oregon Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Central Oregon Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program features a blend of in-person labs, field learning, and online coursework. Notable aspects include:
- PioneerRx Pharmacy Software: Industry-leading software enhancing educational experience.
- Cohort Learning Style: Build strong connections and networks through a supportive learning environment.
- Top 200 Drugs Training: Focus on the most important medications encountered in retail and hospital settings.
- Practicum Experiences: Hands-on practical skills development in real pharmacy settings.
Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), COCC’s program is aligned with legal standards required for professional licensure in Oregon. Financial aid and scholarships are provided through the COCC Foundation, supporting students financially.
Southwestern Oregon Community College – Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician
Earning a Certificate of Completion in Pharmacy Technician from Southwestern Oregon Community College prepares you for roles in both retail and hospital pharmacies. Key features include:
- Pharmacy Procedures and Calculations: Develop essential skills for accurately managing medication-related tasks.
- Pharmacology and Records Management: Gain expertise in medication studies and organizing critical pharmacy records.
- Professionalism and Adherence to Oregon Administrative Rules: Emphasize the importance of legal and ethical compliance in pharmacy settings.
This program can be completed in a year of full-time study and is offered only in even years. It includes placement tests in math and writing and practical learning through practicums, preparing you for certification exams. The program meets Oregon’s legal standards, ensuring you are well-prepared for your pharmacy technician career.
Carrington College – Pharmacy Technician Programs
Carrington College in Portland, Oregon, offers two distinct paths to embark on your pharmacy technician career. You can choose between a nine-month certificate program or a more comprehensive associate degree program. Both pathways emphasize practical, hands-on training.
- Certificate Program: This program is ideal if you want to enter the workforce quickly. Over nine months, you’ll cover essential topics like pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety. The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
- Associate Degree Program: This option provides a more in-depth academic experience, blending general education courses with pharmacy technician-specific coursework. It takes about two years to complete and offers a broader scope of study, including more advanced topics in healthcare.
Both options ensure you are prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, which is required for certification in Oregon. The programs are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring high educational standards.
Portland Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Portland Community College (PCC) offers a robust Pharmacy Technician Program, although applications are currently paused. When active, this program provides 160 hours of training divided between online lectures and practical experience in local pharmacies.
- Term I: Here, you learn about pharmacy practices, laws, regulations, and basic pharmacology. You’ll also cover crucial calculations needed for the job.
- Term II: This term focuses on advanced topics, including medication processing, sterile and non-sterile compounding, inventory management, and patient safety.
Led by experienced professionals like Certified Pharmacy Technician Joanna McNicholas, the program ensures comprehensive preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). Although federal financial aid is not available, a tuition payment plan is offered to help with costs.
Stepful – Pharmacy Technician Program
Stepful provides a flexible and entirely online Pharmacy Technician Program that lasts four months. This program is ideal if you need a flexible schedule and comprehensive training.
- Targeted Curriculum: You’ll study pharmacology, prescriptions, and pharmacy calculations.
- Personalized Coaching: Career coaches assist with securing externships in Oregon, provide job support services, and aid in interview preparation and resume building.
- Certification Preparation: The program ensures you are ready for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
Stepful’s program guarantees practical experience through arranged externships and offers a money-back guarantee if you don’t secure employment within six months of your certification. This shows their dedication to your success.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pharmacy Technician Program
When searching for the best pharmacy technician programs in Oregon, consider several key factors to ensure the program meets your individual needs and career goals.
- Accreditation: Confirm that the program is accredited by reputable organizations such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accreditation guarantees that the program meets high educational standards.
- Program Length and Flexibility: Check if the program duration and schedule align with your availability. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others may take up to two years. Opt for online, hybrid, or in-person formats based on your preference and lifestyle.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Evaluate the total cost, including tuition, books, and exam fees. Explore options for financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans to help manage expenses.
- Job Placement and Support Services: Look for programs that offer robust support services like externships, job placement assistance, and career counseling. High job placement rates are a good indicator of program success.
- Curriculum and Certification Preparation: Ensure the program covers essential technical skills such as pharmacology, medication safety, calculations, and compounding. It should also prepare you thoroughly for certification exams and meet state licensure requirements.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the ideal pharmacy technician program to launch your career.
Pharmacy Technician Programs By State
Conclusion
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician opens the door to numerous opportunities in the healthcare sector. Oregon offers a variety of reputable programs tailored to fit different educational needs and schedules. Whether you prefer the flexibility of an online program or the hands-on experience of an in-person course, one of these top pharmacy technician programs is sure to help you achieve your career goals. Explore your options and take the first step towards a rewarding career today!