Pharmacy Technician
Technical Certificate
11 Credits | 1 Semester
New Richmond*, Superior*
*Available through Online and On-Site instruction
Career Cluster: Health Sciences
Students in selected health sciences programs will travel to the Shell Lake Health Education Center. Travel requirements are customized to meet individual program course competencies.
As the need for clinical pharmacists increases to meet today's healthcare demands, so does the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians. Area employers are seeking highly-skilled graduates to fill their pharmacy technician positions.
Financial assistance may be available as part of the West Cap Skills Enhancement Program. Learn more about this opportunity here.
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician program will prepare students for a rewarding, demanding and ever-evolving career as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of duties and responsibilities including preparation of prescriptions, record-keeping, inventory control, handling monetary transactions, filing third-party claims, preparing IV admixtures and unit dose medications and compounding.
Program Outcomes
After completion of this certificate, employers will expect students to be able to:
- Communicate clearly to customers/patients and healthcare providers
- Demonstrate professional behaviors and knowledge in the practice of pharmacy
- Compound sterile and nonsterile medications
- Apply policies and procedures when processing orders and ensuring inventory accuracy
- Adhere to state and federal regulations governing the practice of pharmacy
- Demonstrate safe and inclusive practice with all customers/patients
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
To accommodate your schedule, the Pharmacy Technician program is available via Online and On-Site instruction.
Flexible, online learning.
Hands-on classes one evening a week.
High-demand for skilled pharmacy technicians.
Academics
The Pharmacy Technician certificate is offered at the Superior campus for the fall semester and the New Richmond Campus for the spring semester via Online and On-Site instruction
This one-semester program prepares you for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Northwood Tech has state-of-the-art equipment, giving you the experience that you will see in the real world.
Complete in one semester
Students are able to complete this program in the evening and Online over one semester.
Experienced Instructors
As a Pharmacy Technician student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of experience in a variety of pharmacy settings.
Gain Clinical Experience
You will complete a 64-hour clinical, including retail and hospital sites (when available), where you will apply your skills while gaining customer service experience and the opportunity to network with potential employers.
Required Courses
Through the Pharmacy Technician required courses, you will learn about medications, how they are used and how to understand and fill prescriptions. You will learn hands-on skills such as how to mix sterile and non-sterile medications. You will also learn aspects of pharmacy business. You will have the opportunity to intern at both a hospital and retail pharmacy.
Featured Pharmacy Technician Courses
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Pharmacy Technician
11 Credits | 1 Semester
$1,793
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Pharmacy Technician Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Pharmacy Technician technical certificate.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Partnership
The Northwood Tech Pharmacy Technician program partners with Pioneer Rx to enhance the curriculum with a hands-on approach to learning that simulates the functions and workflow of today's most innovative pharmacies. For more information about Pioneer Rx, visit www.pioneerrx.com.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Recognized Education/Training Program
PTCB sets the standard for certification of pharmacy technicians that improves medication safety and patient care.