What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists licensed pharmacists in various tasks, such as preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service. They work under the supervision of a pharmacist and play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and accurate delivery of pharmaceutical products to patients.

Training Requirements

To become a pharmacy technician in Charleston, you'll typically need to complete a formal training program or pass a certification exam. The specific requirements may vary, but most programs include coursework in medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, and hands-on practice in a pharmacy setting.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Charleston

The fastest way to become a pharmacy technician in Charleston is to enroll in a training program that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Though the length of pharmacy technician classes may vary in most cases, they can be completed in as little as a few months. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and private institutions in the area offer fast-track courses to help students start their careers right away.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Charleston

Here are a few examples of pharmacy technician classes available in Charleston:

1. Trident Technical College: This community college offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that can be completed in two semesters. The program covers topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, and practical experience in a pharmacy setting. Tuition is approximately $5,000, and students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

2. Charleston Southern University: This private university has a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a pharmacy environment. Tuition is around $2,500, and applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Charleston Career Institute: This vocational school offers a Pharmacy Technician Diploma program that can be finished in as little as 9 months. The curriculum covers medical terminology, pharmacy calculations, and sterile compounding techniques. Tuition is approximately $12,000, and students must pass a background check and drug screening to enroll.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Charleston

If you've been inspired to follow the path of a Pharmacy Technician but geography isn't on your side, worry not. Your aspiration to become a Pharmacy Technician is within reach in Chicago, Detroit, Nashville, Rochester, Stockton. For those who don't find these options feasible, Dreambound enables you to effortlessly find and evaluate Pharmacy Technician classes by simply searching with a zip code. Armed with determination and Dreambound, anyone, anywhere, can achieve a career in healthcare.

Online and Free Options in Charleston

In addition to the on-campus programs, there are also online pharmacy technician classes available for Charleston residents. These programs provide the flexibility to study at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. However, it's important to ensure that any online program is accredited and recognized by the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy.

While free options for pharmacy technician classes are limited in Charleston, some local hospitals and healthcare organizations may offer training programs or scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition.

Certification Process

After completing a pharmacy technician training program, the next step is to obtain certification. In South Carolina, pharmacy technicians must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to become certified. This certification is required to work as a pharmacy technician in the state.

Job Environment in Charleston

Charleston is home to a thriving healthcare industry, with numerous hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities that employ pharmacy technicians. Some of the potential employers for pharmacy technicians in the Charleston area include:

• Roper St. Francis Healthcare
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health
• Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital
• Walgreens
• CVS Pharmacy
• Publix Pharmacy

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in Charleston is quite positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth in employment in the field nationwide between 2022 and 2032.

To help you further in your journey, we have interviewed two healthcare professionals to share their insights on starting your career in the medical field. Learn all about their experience by reading our comprehensive blog, "Navigating the Medical Maze: Insights from a Pharmacy Tech and an EMT turned RN".

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming a pharmacy technician in Charleston, you have several options for training and certification. Whether you choose an on-campus program, an online course, or explore free opportunities, the key is to find a program that fits your schedule and learning style. With the right training and certification, you can start a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician in Charleston's thriving healthcare industry.

If this article doesn't match what you're looking for, you can check out these other articles:

• Phlebotomy Training in Charleston