Pharmacy Technology – A Healthy Career Choice

You may not have heard of the job title ‘Pharmacy Technician’, but did you know that Pharmacy Technology is one of the fastest growing careers in healthcare?

Thanks to advances in medicine and our country’s aging population, job opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians are expected to be good, especially for those who have previous experience, have completed formal training (such as our Pharmacy Technology program), or are certified.  In fact, employment of Pharmacy Technicians is expected to increase 31% from 2008 to 2018*.

A Pharmacy Technician works under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist; they prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties within a pharmacy setting.  Most work in retail pharmacies, while others work in hospital pharmacies, assisted living facilities, or for pharmaceutical manufacturers or insurance companies.  Since some pharmacy facilities are open 24/7, Pharmacy Technicians often have varying schedules that include nights, weekends, and holidays.

The Pharmacy Technology (PT) program at our Antioch, Citrus Heights, Emeryville, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro, and Stockton campuses is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).  Accreditation by the ASHP demonstrates our commitment to excellence; it confirms that we offer a program that meets the needs of today’s employers, and meets the highest levels in quality for the public’s safety.

Our PT program includes an engaging mix of formal classroom instruction and hands-on training in a mock pharmacy setting. Students also gain practical, valuable, real-world work experience in a clinical externship.  Graduates of our program are awarded an Associate of Science degree in Pharmacy Technology; they can then apply to the CA Board of Pharmacy to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT). This credential allows you to work as a Pharmacy Technician in the state of California.

Our comprehensive curriculum prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination  (PTCE), administered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB); this is the credential required to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).  Although certification is not a necessity in California, some states and employers do require it; and those with the CPhT credential report higher earnings and more promotion opportunities than their non-certified colleagues**.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, now is the time talk to an Enrollment Services Representative about our Pharmacy Technology program; classes are enrolling now at Carrington College California.  Find out more at https://carrington.edu/degrees/pharmacy-technician/ or by using the Live Chat feature.

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2010-11 Ed.).

** According to a survey conducted by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

For comprehensive consumer information, visit https://carrington.edu/degrees/pharmacy-technician/

Program availability varies by location.