Pharmacy Technician

$2,520.00, includes tuition, books or software, a current drug handbook, and the PTCB certification exam.

In essence, a pharmacy technician (or PT) manages time so that prescriptions are filled efficiently. Not only do they distribute medication, but they also measure, mix, count, and label the correct dosages. New brand-name and generic drugs may enter the market on a regular basis, so PTs must constantly keep up with cutting-edge medications. Patients who visit a pharmacy are usually not feeling well, so PTs must also demonstrate patience and empathy. In as little as six months, Campbellsville’s Pharmacy Technician training prepares students with the critical skills needed to find full-time employment at a local pharmacy.

In today’s competitive job market, pharmacy technicians are in high demand because of a growing need for capable professionals who can fill prescriptions quickly and correctly. With estimated job growth of about 20 percent between 2012 and 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 70,700 new positions will be created during that time period. As the baby boomer generation ages and begins taking more medication, pharmacy employment will continue to increase.

According to the BLS, the average pharmacy technician earned an annual salary of $30,430 in 2012, and the highest paid PTs made $42,400.  Enrolling in a pharmacy technician training program provides an advantage in the job hunt, as well as specialized knowledge in areas like drug therapy or medical distribution. It’s a great way to gain experience and decide if starting a six-year pharmacy degree is the right next step.