Pharmacy Technician Training Certificate

Who should enroll in this certificate? Those looking for an entry level position as a Pharmacy Technician.

Frequency of classes:   This certificate program is available in the fall, summer, and spring.

Format:   This is a fully online, self-paced program. You can enroll and begin anytime! The online curriculum includes images, videos, simulations, and interactive games. Log-in information and other important details, will be sent within 3-4 business days of enrollment, from Career Step, our educational partner.

Average time to complete:   The programs is designed to be completed in 4-6 months of full-time study. However, the online training format allows you to study on your own schedule and at your own pace, so your enrollment includes one year (12 months) to complete the program, including the 200-hour externship.

Pre-requisites:   You must be at least 18 years of age and either a) have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED), or b) pass a Pre-Enrollment Assessment Test. There are no specific skills or experience that are considered prerequisites for entry into the program.

As a pharmacy technician, you will be providing patient care and handling medications. It is essential that pharmacy employees are not abusing or misusing medications. In addition, those working in a pharmacy cannot have been convicted of a felon or of Medicare fraud .A drug test and a criminal background check will be given prior to starting the program to ensure that you can gain employment in the pharmacy field once you graduate.

Computer Requirements:   

Hardware

• Active internet connection (High speed/Broadband connection recommended)
• 800 X 600 minimum resolution (1024 X 768 or higher recommended)
• Sound card and speakers (Earphones recommended)
• Available USB port

Software

• Adobe Flash Player (ver. 10 or higher)
• Windows Media Player (ver. 10 or higher) or Quicktime Player (ver. 7 or higher)
• PDF reader

Browser

• Internet Explorer 9.x/10.x/11.x
• Firefox 3.x or greater*
• Safari 3.1 to 8.0 (Mac only)*
• Javascript and cookies must be enabled

Operating System

• Microsoft Windows (XP®, Vista®, 7 with latest service pack)
• Mac OS X (10.4.11 or greater)

Total hours of instruction:   600

What Do Pharmacy Technicians Do?

Pharmacy technicians play a crucial role in keeping a pharmacy running smoothly. They help pharmacists by carrying out duties such as:

• Accurately and efficiently preparing prescription orders
• Verifying prescription information and dosage.
• Entering patient and order information into the pharmacy system.
• Processing and submitting insurance claims.
• Providing quality customer service to patients and other healthcare providers.

Program Cost - $2,999

• Tuition listed above is for the 2018-2019 academic year and subject to change without advance notice.
Financial aid is not available for this noncredit certificate. Students are encouraged to inquire with their employers to determine if tuition assistance is available.
• Professional Education Tuition Installment Plan and other payment options can be found here https://continue.utah.edu/proed/payment-options.
• This certificate is eligible for Veterans Administration GI Bill® Funding and MYCAA scholarships (up to $4,000) for military spouses. https://mycaa.utah.edu/index.html.
• This certificate is not eligible for the University of Utah employee tuition discount benefit.
Note to current UHealth and Clinics employees: ProEd and UHealth have partnered to offer sponsorships to take this course. To find out more, go to this page.
• Additional Costs
• Prior to your externship at a pharmacy, you must receive a Pharmacy Technician Trainee license ($50 fee) through the Utah Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Information about how/where/when to get your Trainee license will be provided after the course work is completed, prior to your externship.
Additionally, upon passing the National PTCB exam, you must receive a Pharmacy Technician License ($95 fee) from DOPL, before being hired to work in a pharmacy.

Certificate Completion Requirements

• Completion of all required curriculum and externship (600 total hours) within one year (12 months).
• Receipt of an “S-Satisfactory” grade on all module quizzes and final exam.

Grading

• Students are required to fulfill the same expectations and requirements as matriculated students including exams, projects and participation.
• Certificate students will receive an “S-Satisfactory” or “U-Unsatisfactory” assessment for the program.
• “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has earned an 85% or better on all unit tests and module quizzes and a 75% or better on the final exam. Students can retake each test or exam two additional times if needed or desired.

How is my accomplishment recognized?

• For students earning an “S-Satisfactory" grade
• The certificate program will appear on University of Utah official transcripts.
• An official University of Utah certificate of completion will be mailed within a few weeks.
• Career Step will provide you with information about how/where to take the national credentialing exam that this course prepared you for.

Why choose the University of Utah?

We understand that you have a choice when it comes to taking professional development courses and we work hard to earn your trust with each and every class!

By selecting the University of Utah, you’ll enjoy the following benefits whether you’re coming to us as someone new to the job market, a career changer, a seasoned professional or a lifelong learner.

Resume Power - Benefit from the University of Utah reputation for credibility and quality. Choosing the University of Utah for your certificate program makes a clear statement about your commitment to excellence.

Instructor Excellence - Learn from instructors with real world experience and professional credentials.

The Power of the U Network – Students have access to a valuable University of Utah peer and faculty network.

Networking – Meet and network with other students pursuing or working in the industry.

Student Support – Count on the ongoing support of a dedicated student services staff that will assist you every step of the way.

What kind of skills or experience do I need to enroll in this program

There are no specific skills or experience that are considered prerequisites for entry into the program. You must be at least 18 years of age and either a) have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED), or b) pass a Pre-Enrollment Assessment Test.

Are there exams? Am I graded?

Yes. There will be unit tests, module quizzes, and a final exam in each course. Following is the course breakdown:

Certificate courses are graded with a "satisfactory" or "unsatisfactory" option. “S-Satisfactory” will indicate that the student has earned an 85% or better on all unit tests and module quizzes and a 75% or better on the final exam. Students can retake each test or exam two additional times if needed or desired.

Can I apply these classes to a degree at the University of Utah?

This certificate is noncredit and cannot be applied to any for-credit degree.

Are these classes eligible for federal financial aid?

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "non-degree seeking," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid loan programs. However, we Professional Education has a payment plan that may be helpful to you. More information can be found here: https://continue.utah.edu/proed/payment-options

Does this program offer student support?

Though the course is entirely online, you will never be on your own! A student support team is available to provide ongoing support through the whole program. Support is available for: questions regarding curriculum, technical or computer issues as well as to help transition you for graduation to the workforce.