Individuals interested in entering the pharmacy industry may begin their career journey at The Praxis Institute. Our accelerated Pharmacy Technician Diploma program educates students on the various aspects of this healthcare field, preparing them to obtain licensure and seek employment upon graduation. This diploma program is available at our Miami and Hialeah, FL, campuses.
What Is a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in organizing, labeling, and dispensing prescription medications to patients. Most states allow pharmacy technicians to mix some medications and contact physicians to gain authorization on refills, as well. Outside these medical tasks, they also may have administrative responsibilities, such as completing paperwork, monitoring inventory, and processing insurance claims.
Daily Duties of a Pharmacy Technician
Responsibilities for pharmacy technicians vary based on their work environment. For example, those working in hospitals or assisted living facilities may prepare more prescriptions, such as intravenous medicines, than those at retail stores. However, most pharmacy technicians will complete the following tasks:
- Gathering necessary information from patients or physicians to fill prescriptions
- Measuring out the specific amounts for different medications
- Observing pharmacy inventory and notifying pharmacists of shortages
- Preparing compounded medications via multiple processes
- Filling automatic dispensing machines with medication
- Repackaging of bulk prescription medicines
- Logging patient data, such as payment information and prescription lists, into the computer
- Answering customer questions over the phone or at the pharmacy counter
- Setting up consultations between pharmacists and patients for more in-depth concerns
Pharmacy Technician School Requirements
There are a few important prerequisites for students who wish to apply to the Pharmacy Technician program at The Praxis Institute. Potential students must have graduated from high school, received a GED, or have an equivalent diploma. We encourage all those interested in applying to visit us in person. The visit includes an interview and a tour of the facilities. At that time, applicants receive a complete orientation with information about pharmacy technician school requirements, program costs, and the duration of the program.
Overview of the Pharmacy Technician Program
Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), this program goes over a range of topics pharmacy technicians need to understand to pursue work after graduation. Students learn sterile and non-sterile methods for preparing medications and chemotherapy agents, as well as inventory processes in retail, hospital, and community pharmacies. Students enrolled in this diploma program will participate in the following courses:
- History and Ethics of Pharmacology
- Infection Control
- Pharmacy Administration for the Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacy Settings
- Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
- Administration of Medications
- Pharmacy Technician Duties
- Calculation of Drug Dosages
- OSHA, HIPAA, BLS, First Aid, HIV/AIDS Certifications and In-services
- Hands-on Laboratory Training
- Live Externship Training
The Praxis Institute is a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (PTCB CSPT) education and training provider. As such, our graduates qualify for this certification after only one year of full-time sterile compounding experience, provided they meet all other conditions for eligibility. This provision permits our graduates to become Certified and Registered Pharmacy Technicians. Without completing this recognized training, technicians need three years of experience to qualify.
Additionally, we conduct Program Reviews for graduates to verify their readiness for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Passing this test enables a person to be a Certified and Registered Pharmacy Technician by law.
| Program Delivery | All theory component of this program’s curriculum is delivered via online/distance education mode. |
| All laboratory and practice component of this program’s curriculum is delivered via the traditional on-campus/face-to-face mode. | |
| All externship component of this program’s curriculum is delivered via the traditional on-community/face-to-face mode. |
Job Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians
While traditional roles for pharmacy technicians can be both personally satisfying and financially rewarding, the skills students learn in this diploma program also may enable them to seek alternative career paths. Some healthcare positions for pharmacy technicians outside of working in conventional hospital and retail settings include:
- Medical assistant
- Patient care technician
- Patient advocate
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Medical biller or coder
- Patient services coordinator
- Radiology clerk
- Medical receptionist
- Dental assistant
- Pharmacy delivery driver
Enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Program at The Praxis Institute
People in the Miami and Hialeah, FL, area who wish to become pharmacy technicians should consider the diploma program at The Praxis Institute. Since our main goal is delivering programs that provide students with the skills required to obtain work in today’s competitive job market, our graduates have tremendous success finding careers. In addition to a fast enrollment process that allows students to register practically every week, we also provide flexible scheduling and competitive pricing. Contact us today to learn more about the pharmacy technician program and other courses.
