The demand for skilled pharmacy technicians continues to grow, driven by an aging population and an increased need for healthcare services. To meet this demand, Ivy Tech Community College offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Training Program that prepares students for a rewarding career in this field. In this article, we will delve into the details of the program, its benefits, and what students can expect to gain from this training.
Why Choose Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program?
Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and training needed to succeed in this exciting field. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, students gain practical experience in a simulated pharmacy setting, preparing them for the challenges of a real-world pharmacy environment. The program is also accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring that students receive the highest quality education.
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program at Ivy Tech is a certificate program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. The program consists of 34 credits, which include both classroom and lab instruction. Students learn about pharmacy operations, pharmacology, pharmacy law, and sterile compounding, among other topics. The program also includes a clinical externship, where students gain hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Pharmacy Technician Training Program at Ivy Tech is comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Pharmacy operations
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy law
- Sterile compounding
- Non-sterile compounding
- Pharmacy calculations
- Medication safety
- Clinical externship
Benefits of the Program
There are many benefits to choosing Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program. Some of these benefits include:
- Hands-on learning: Students gain practical experience in a simulated pharmacy setting, preparing them for the challenges of a real-world pharmacy environment.
- ASHP accreditation: The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring that students receive the highest quality education.
- Clinical externship: Students gain hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
- Certification preparation: The program prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, which is required for certification in many states.
- Job placement: Ivy Tech has a strong reputation in the community, and many employers seek out graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
Career Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in the healthcare system, working alongside pharmacists to dispense medications, manage inventory, and provide patient care. With the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians on the rise, graduates of Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program can expect to find employment in a variety of settings, including:
- Retail pharmacies: Pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, such as CVS or Walgreens, assisting pharmacists with dispensing medications and providing patient care.
- Hospital pharmacies: Pharmacy technicians work in hospital pharmacies, preparing and dispensing medications for patients.
- Clinical pharmacies: Pharmacy technicians work in clinical pharmacies, providing patient care and assisting pharmacists with medication management.
- Long-term care facilities: Pharmacy technicians work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, assisting with medication management and patient care.
Salary Potential
The salary potential for pharmacy technicians varies depending on location, experience, and employer. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is around $34,860. With experience and certification, pharmacy technicians can earn up to $50,000 or more per year.
Conclusion
Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a comprehensive program that prepares students for a rewarding career in this field. With a strong focus on hands-on learning, students gain practical experience in a simulated pharmacy setting, preparing them for the challenges of a real-world pharmacy environment. Graduates of the program can expect to find employment in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, clinical pharmacies, and long-term care facilities.
If you are interested in a career in pharmacy technology, Ivy Tech's Pharmacy Technician Training Program is an excellent choice. With its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning, and clinical externship, students gain the knowledge, skills, and training needed to succeed in this exciting field.
Gallery of Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program?
+The Pharmacy Technician Training Program at Ivy Tech can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Is the program accredited?
+Yes, the program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
What kind of salary can I expect as a pharmacy technician?
+The median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is around $34,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.