What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists Pharmacists in the dispensing of medication and other pharmacy-related tasks. They work under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist, performing duties such as measuring and mixing medications, maintaining inventory, and providing customer service.

Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, helping to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and that the Pharmacist's workflow runs smoothly. They are an essential part of the pharmacy team, responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of pharmaceutical care.

Training Requirements

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Columbia, you'll need to complete a formal training program that meets the state's requirements. In South Carolina, Pharmacy Technicians must be registered with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and complete a training program approved by the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy.

The fastest way to become a Pharmacy Technician in Columbia is to enroll in a Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in as little as 12 weeks. These accelerated programs provide comprehensive training in areas such as medication terminology, pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, and pharmacy operations.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Columbia

Columbia, South Carolina, is home to several Pharmacy Technician training programs that can help you get started on your new career path. Here are a few examples of the classes available in the area:

1. Midlands Technical College: Midlands Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that can be completed in two semesters. The program covers topics such as pharmacy operations, medication safety, and pharmacy law and ethics. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program costs approximately $5,000, and students must meet certain admission requirements, such as a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check.

2. Fortis College: Fortis College in Columbia has a Pharmacy Technician Diploma program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The program includes hands-on training in a pharmacy setting, as well as coursework in pharmacology, medication safety, and customer service. The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and costs around $20,000.

3. Kaplan College: Kaplan College in Columbia offers an Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program covers topics such as pharmacy operations, medication dispensing, and pharmacy law and ethics. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program costs approximately $30,000.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Columbia

If you're eager to start a career as a Pharmacy Technician but are situated in a different state, don't be discouraged. Your opportunity to work as a Pharmacy Technician might be found in Bridgeport, Harrisburg, Orlando, Raleigh, Winston. If you don't live near these areas, Dreambound offers a straightforward solution to scout and compare Pharmacy Technician classes by searching with your zip code. No matter where you live, with dedication and the right resources, carving out a career in healthcare is within your reach.

Online and Free Options

In addition to the in-person Pharmacy Technician programs available in Columbia, there are also online options for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment. Several online schools, such as Penn Foster and Ashworth College, offer Pharmacy Technician training programs that can be completed entirely online.

While there are no free Pharmacy Technician programs in Columbia, some local community colleges and workforce development centers may offer tuition assistance or financial aid to help make the training more affordable.

Certification Process

After completing a Pharmacy Technician training program in Columbia, the next step is to obtain certification. In South Carolina, Pharmacy Technicians must be registered with the South Carolina Board of Pharmacy and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

The PTCE and ExCPT exams cover topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law and regulations, and pharmacy calculations. Once you pass the exam and complete the registration process, you'll be able to work as a Pharmacy Technician in Columbia and throughout the state of South Carolina. Another path for you to take is to become a pharmacy technician in high school!

Job Environment in Columbia

Columbia 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 Columbia include:

• Prisma Health
• Lexington Medical Center
• Palmetto Health
• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens
• Walmart Pharmacy
• Independent Pharmacies

Pharmacy Technicians in Columbia can expect a stable and rewarding job environment, with opportunities for growth and advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Pharmacy Technicians in South Carolina is around $40,100, with the top 10% earning over $49,000 per year.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Columbia is a great way to start a new career or build upon your existing healthcare experience. With a variety of training programs available, both in-person and online, there are plenty of options to help you get started on your path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician.

Whether you're looking to enroll in a fast-paced 12-week program or a more comprehensive 18-month program, Columbia has the resources and opportunities you need to succeed. With the right training and certification, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician in this vibrant city.

Looking for a better fit? These other articles could be more in line with your expectations if this one isn't precisely what you had in mind:

• Psychiatric Technician Training in Columbia
• Medical Transcriptionist Training in Columbia
• Phlebotomy Training in Columbia