Pharmacy Technician Program Cost
Pharmacy technicians have a wide range of responsibilities. They work under licensed pharmacists, and their roles include:
- counting tablets,
- labeling medication bottles,
- answering phones with questions patients might have about medicines or illnesses.
Pharmacy technicians can work in retail stores, nursing homes, mail-order pharmacies, and hospitals. It is therefore a job with a very versatile and positive career outlook.
But what does a pharmacy tech program cost? This article dives into the costs of becoming a pharmacy tech and the programs you can do to become certified.
Pharmacy Technician Degree Requirements
Since there are no federal training guidelines, each state’s requirements differ.
This difference can range from only having a high school diploma, while some states can require that you have first completed a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
If you don’t have your high school diploma, you can get it through the distance education accrediting commission before you apply to colleges such as Penn Foster.
An equivalent to a high school diploma, such as a GED, is also accepted when enrolling at a pharmacy technician school.
Pharmacy techs need a certificate to be licensed pharmacy technicians before they can start working as one.
These programs can be done through community colleges or vocational schools. The programs usually have a duration of 6 months to 2 years. The certification program includes both theory and lab work. Sometimes, they include an internship and job training for a few months.
The pharmacy technician degree should include the following:
- the teachings of medication names,
- side effects,
- dosages,
- how to do record keeping
- pharmacy law and ethics
- pharmaceutical techniques.
What Do Pharmacy Technicians Programs Consist Of?
The curriculum for the pharmacy technician certification program includes all the theories and practical lab work that you would need to be able to assist a pharmacist in your duties as a pharmacy technician.
The learning materials include but are not limited to the following:
- Pharmacy law- the principles and practice
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy Calculations
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Pharmacy Information systems
- Externship
However, the above list is not the only training you will receive when enrolled in a program. You can also search pharmacy technician programs to find more courses and what they offer.
Pharmacy Technician Programs
There are many pharmacy technician programs to choose from to get qualified.
There are some accredited pharmacy technician training courses you can take in Texas. The state of Texas does not require any post-secondary program to be a pharmacy technician. Having background information on the role and its requirements is essential.
Always ensure that the pharmacy technician school is accredited before you apply for the training.
Northwest Vista College, San Antonio
They offer a level one in pharmacy technology, and if you want to apply, you can request enrollment information from their website. This course includes 31 credit hours which can be done over three semesters.
If you complete semester one, you must apply to continue the program and do an interview.
The tuition fees for in-district students are between $2 038. In-state students cost about $5500, and for out-of-state students, $10822.
Learning materials depending on the program can cost up to $1996.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- High school diploma/GED
- Previous transcripts
The program is designed to give the necessary skills to the graduate with a pharmacy technician certification and the tools to work in an in-patient and out-patient environment.
Amarillo College, Amarillo
This pharmacy technician certificate program includes 33 credits of courses, and it can be completed over two or three semesters.
The cost for in-district students is $1914 for in-state students, $2898, and $4362 for out-of-state students.
Learning materials such as books and supplies needed to complete the course are estimated at $1592. The cost of materials can vary from program to program.
There are no prerequisites to taking the online course, and you should have a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
The course materials are available online, and they are included in enrollment.
Milan Institute, Amarillo
This pharmacy technician program takes an average of nine months to complete.
The total cost of tuition for pharmacy tech students is $12024. Supplies can cost up to $956.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- High school diploma/GED
- Admissions tests
- Transcripts
- Second Interview with Director
- Pass a background check
- Must qualify to be able to get a pharmacy technician certification through the state of Texas.
This program offers hands-on training, financial assistance, preparation for the national certification exam, and assistance with registration.
Austin Community College District, Austin, and Round Rock
They offer a certificate for the pharmacy technician program and an associate’s degree in pharmacy technology.
This two-semester program includes training in a laboratory and 256 hours of the externship. There is also the option of doing distance learning and using the labs over weekends.
The study materials cost an average of $1200, depending on the program.
Students are prepared to take the national exam.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- Students must be enrolled in the College before applying to the program.
- The course is open to all students- No need for a health science background.
- Students must meet the technical standards of the program. This includes communication, observations, and motor and intellectual skills.
- TSI status must be completed before applying to the program.
- Students must select their major to “General Studies in Pre-Health Sciences”.
When accepted into the program, your major will automatically change to Pharmacy Technician Level 2 certificate.
Penn Foster Career School
The Penn Foster Career School offers an online pharmacy technician program for $1,099. This online course has been accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Once you start working as a pharmacy technician in Texas. You must continue your education credits, as you must complete 20 hours of coursework over three years to renew your registration.
To learn more about the course offered at Penn foster, you can check the enrollment information on their website. There are specific requirements for being able to study through Penn Foster.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- A High school diploma is required.
- They need to be 18 years old when they complete their externship.
- Students should have access to high-speed internet and own a laptop/computer to complete the program.
- The online program is also mobile-friendly. They also offer digital study materials and textbooks.
Pima Medical Institute, Houston, El Paso and San Antonio
The Pima Medical Institute offers pharmacy technician programs in three states, i.e., Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio. The costs vary depending on the state and whether you are an in-state or an out-of-state student.
The pharmacy technician program includes a five-year externship at a real pharmacy and 35.5 credits of classwork.
El Paso College
El Paso community college has different training options. You can do an associate degree.
For in-state students, the cost is $2094; for out-of-state students, tuition costs $3654. The study materials are $1026.
You need to meet specific requirements when enrolling at El Paso Community College. An interview is a requirement for admission.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- Have to have a high school diploma/GED
- You need to attend a health career orientation session
- Submit a specialized Admissions Application Form
- Pay the specialized Admission fee
- Submit previous transcripts of any college/university attended
- Students can apply for financial aid.
The El Paso Pima Medical Institute offers an undergrad certificate in pharmacy technician, which can be completed between 1-4 years.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College tuition cost for in-state students is $1630 and $3754 for out-of-state students.
The learning materials cost about $2400, depending on the program you are enrolled in. Students are also expected to attend an interview as part of the admissions process.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- College tests for English reading and math
- Do an admissions assessment involving maths, essay, personal interview, and typing test
- High school diploma/GED
At the Pima Medical Institute, tuition fees are estimated at $11 397 for an academic year. Depending on the program, materials are calculated at $562.
San Antonio- Medical Training and Education Campus
This pharmacy technician school is designed for military/federal programs only. The program was designed to prepare pharmacy technicians for service in the military.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- Basic military training
- Other requirements based on service affiliation
The cost to attend this medical training and education campus is $300.
Vernon College
The tuition for in-district students is estimated at $2940, and for in-state students, between $4200 and $6300 for out-of-state students.
A total cost of $1600 for supplies and books, but this depends on the program.
The acceptance requirements for this program are as follows:
- Students need to be accepted by the College before they can apply to the program.
- You need to submit previous transcripts and GED and pay the application fee of $10.
- You must be currently registered with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee.
- $53 online processing fee and a $49 fingerprinting fee.
- Need to take the Accuplacer exam/equivalent with 66 in writing, 49 in maths, and 56 in reading.
- Provide proof of immunizations.
- Criminal Background check.
- Drug tests for specific clinical rotations.
- Interview with director.
This program has 24-hour credits and can either be completed in a two-semester day program or a three-semester night program.
Local and state students qualify for financial assistance.
Pharmacy Technician Programs Average Costs
Pharmacy technician school costs differ greatly depending on where you decide to attend. The price can range from $500-$5000.
At Austin community college district, the pharmacy technician program currently costs $3700 for in-district students. For the associate’s degree, the cost is around $7100.
Study materials are priced at an average of $1200 but depend on the program.
At Penn Foster Career School, the program’s total cost includes the study materials, the PCTE exam fee of $129, and a high-value practical lab kit.
The costs differ depending on the type of payment options you make when applying for an online pharmacy technician program.
Extra costs of being a pharmacy technician
Here are some additional costs for pharmacy technician programs.
The education materials cost around $50-$100. There is no state exam, but pharmacy technicians can apply for a state license. The state license is given through the individual state the person lives in.
An option of an IV certification is available for pharm techs who want to work in a hospital setting, costing between $500-$600.
A compounding certificate is also priced between $500-$600.
This is a course for pharmacy technicians who want to learn how to follow a pharmacist’s recipe and make medication from scratch.
Online pharmacy technician school
Studying to be a pharmacy technician online is a great way to enter the healthcare industry. You can do these programs from anywhere, as these online programs make it easy to study at your own pace without having to attend classes.
The U.S. Career Institute has designed an online program. These online classes are made to prepare you to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers.
They also prepare you for the Certification of Technicians Exam (ExCPT) offered through the National Healthcareer Association.
The fee for the PTCE exam and the ExCPT is included in the tuition of up to $219. Included in the online program is the Walgreens Pharmacy Technician Externship. This externship allows graduates to get an 80-hour program.
This training is optional for those who meet the standard requirements to be eligible for the program, and there are no additional tuition costs for those who qualify for the externship.
Funding For Pharmacy Technician Programs
Scholarships & grants & financial aid
Depending on where you decide to complete your pharmacy technician certification exam, the pharmacy technician school cost will vary.
Online schools do not offer scholarships or grants if you need funding to pay the program’s cost. Also, being enrolled in an online school does not make you eligible for government financial aid assistance.
If you are enrolled in a community college or university, they offer financial aid, and you can get assistance from the government to pay for your fees.
Some pharmacy technician schools offer monthly payment options that help you pay your tuition.
FAQs
Where can I find pharmacy technician programs?
You can search pharmacy technician programs on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Also, most state employment development departments have an online list of pharmacy technician programs.
How much does it cost to do a pharmacy technician program?
The U.S. Institute’s online programs cost $979 for the pharmacy technician tuition. There are payment options available.
All you need to do is search pharmacy technician programs to find the one within your budget.
What are the requirements to become a pharmacy technician?
To find out the requirements of the course you want to apply for. You can request enrollment information on the online websites.
A high school diploma/GED is one of the main requirements to apply to a program, and doing an externship to gain experience is a bonus to becoming a pharm tech.
How long does it take to complete an online pharmacy technician program?
The online pharmacy tech program duration depends on how quickly or slowly you want to work.
On average, an online course can be completed within nine months.
Sources
https://pharmacistschools.org/tx/
https://www.ed2go.com/acwed/online-courses/pharmacy-technician-explore-career/
https://www.costowl.com/education/healthcare/healthcare-pharmacy-technician-school-costs/
https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/online-pharmacy-technician-school
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/cost/pharmacy-technician-school/