Pharmacy Technician Program

About

Pharmacy technicians work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians conduct the more basic, repetitive activities of preparing prescription medicines for patients, such as counting pills, putting medicines in containers, labeling, and packing, after a pharmacist checks a doctor's prescription for errors or potential problems.

Computers are used by pharmacy technicians to search for medical insurance information and generate prescription labels. They are also responsible for keeping track of inventory, ordering when supplies are low, and stocking shelves. They may answer phones and check with doctors for prescription refill information. They verify insurance coverage, collect money, and answer regular questions from the public in community pharmacies.

Pharmacy technicians create individual patient doses (also known as 'unit doses') of each drug a patient will receive that day in hospitals. Pills or capsules, intravenous medications, and injections are all examples of this. Pharmacy techs mix intravenous pharmaceuticals into solution bags and transfer liquid medicines into syringes. A pharmacist oversees and checks each significant task.

Length of Study

3-4 months of training; including required 80 hours clinical externship (non-paid); time will vary per student.

Prerequisites

Jump Start coursework

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in areas of science relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role, including anatomy/ physiology and pharmacology
• Compare and contrast the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in ensuring pharmacy department compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements
• Describe the steps, skills, and knowledge needed to prepare medications requiring compounding of sterile products, chemotherapy/hazardous products, and nonsterile products
• Explain patient- and medication-safety practices in all aspects of the pharmacy technician’s roles
• Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance practices for pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies
• Describe the use of current technology in the healthcare environment to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing
• Apply standard procedures used when compounding nonsterile products
• Demonstrate knowledge of accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies
• Apply the steps in the medication order entry and fill process and interpret medication orders
• Describe the steps needed to initiate, verify, and assist in the adjudication of billing for pharmacy services and goods, and collecting payment for these services
• Explain the skills and strategies needed for professional and appropriate personal behavior and interpersonal communication

Online Type

Hybrid, Asynchronous

Credential Awarded

Certificate of completion

Occupation

Pharmacy Technician

Career Level

Pharmacy Technician

Student Support

• Our partner education institutions will provide student support services, as outlined in their student handbook.
• Your assigned Futuro Health Navigator will provide additional coaching and support along your student journey.

Student Cost

• In support of our aim to grow the largest network of healthcare workers, Futuro Health provides generous financial support.
• Students who enroll in this program during 2023 will have 100% of their tuition covered by the Futuro Health Scholarship Fund
• Students can expect to pay some minimal out-of-pocket costs associated with the application and enrollment process. A summary of student costs are as follows:
  
  • $50 non-refundable registration fee for Jump Start coursework, a mandatory pre-requisite to the Pharmacy Technician Program.
  • $100 non-refundable registration fee for the Pharmacy Technician Program; to ensure participant commitment and completion.
  • $77–$119 Background Check and Drug Screen cost. A one-time background check and drug screen is required for those enrolling in clinical programs.
  • Up-to-date Immunization costs. Current immunizations are required for those enrolling in clinical programs. Some healthcare providers require payment for immunizations while others may cover the cost with insurance.
• $20 per month for optional SEIU-UHW Membership. Students have the option to join SEIU-UHW's Healthcare Justice Division to receive added benefits. This $20 monthly fee is waived for current SEIU-UHW members.

Fast Facts

Enrollment

Minimum Qualifications

• Upon acceptance to a program with Futuro Health, will you seek a job in this field for which you are being trained?
• Are you at least 18 years old?
• Are you able to provide proof of high school diploma/GED or equivalency?
• Are you legally allowed to work in the United States?
• Are you able to pass a background check with no felony conviction?
• Are you willing to commit 3-5 hours per day (estimated at 20+ hours per week) of study time for your coursework?
• Do you have regular access to high-speed Internet?
• Do you have regular access to a computer or laptop that is less than seven years old? NOTE: iPads and
• Chromebooks will not work.
• Do you have proficiency in English fluency reading and comprehension?
• Are you comfortable working with bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and mucus?

• Are you willing to complete and provide proof of all immunizations and vaccinations listed below? Please note that completing immunizations could take up to 6 months for unvaccinated individuals.

  • All Pharmacy Technician education providers require the following immunizations:

    • 2 x MMR (measles, mumps & rubella) or titer immunity in the last 3 months

    • 2 x Varicella (chickenpox) or titer immunity in the last 3 months

    • 3 x Hepatitis B or titer immunity in the last 3 months

    • A PPD Mantoux test (TB), blood titer, or chest X-ray showing non-infection is required. Most often, this is not required until nearing your externship start date (typically within 6 months). This is either a one or two-step PPD Mantoux test.

    • Some externship sites may require 2 x COVID-19 and booster prior to the start of their externship. When proof of injections is required, there is a 3-week gap needed between the 1st and 2nd immunization.

• Are you willing to take a drug test if needed?

• Are you able to commit to the externship requirements listed below?

  • All patient care programs require full-time clinical externships in order to graduate, which may require you to:

    • Coordinate your work and family obligations, if applicable.

    • Have Monday-Friday availability up to 40 hours per week until your externship hours are fulfilled.

    • Maintain flexibility to attend externships based on available locations and external site offerings provided to you by your educational provider. Providers are not able to secure externship locations based on personal preference.

Preferred Qualifications

• Family or friend referred by a member of SEIU-UHW who is in good standing.
• How would others describe your level of attention to detail on written documents?
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as dependable/self-disciplined.
• How much do you agree or disagree with this statement? I see myself as disorganized/careless.

Additional Requirements

• You must reside in California to enroll and complete the program
• Reliable transportation: You will be expected to have reliable transportation to attend any in-person requirements.
• Prepare graduates to sit for industry certification exams such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification
• Board (PTCB) and the exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
  
  • Students will receive a voucher upon completion for the exam fee.