What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a healthcare professional who assists Pharmacists in various tasks, such as preparing and dispensing medications, maintaining patient records, and providing customer service. Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and accurate delivery of medication to patients.

Training Requirements

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Memphis, you'll typically need to complete a training program or earn a certificate. The training requirements may vary, but most programs include coursework in pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmacy law and ethics, and hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Memphis

The fastest way to become a Pharmacy Technician in Memphis is to enroll in a certificate program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary training and skills in a relatively short amount of time, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. Some choose to become a pharmacy technician in high school to prepare early for this career path.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Memphis

Here are some examples of pharmacy technician classes and training programs available in the Memphis area:

Southwest Tennessee Community College

• Program Length: 1 year
• Tuition: Approximately $4,000
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED
• Overview: Southwest Tennessee Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a pharmacy setting.

Concorde Career College

• Program Length: 9 months
• Tuition: Approximately $16,000
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED
• Overview: Concorde Career College in Memphis provides a Pharmacy Technician diploma program. The curriculum covers topics such as pharmacology, medication distribution, and pharmacy operations.

Remington College

• Program Length: 10 months
• Tuition: Approximately $18,000
• Requirements: High school diploma or GED
• Overview: Remington College in Memphis offers a Pharmacy Technician diploma program. Students will learn about medication preparation, inventory management, and customer service in a pharmacy setting.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Memphis

If you're aiming to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in places like Boston, Deltona, North Port, Richmond, Tampa. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare Pharmacy Technician classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.

Online and Free Options

In addition to the on-campus programs, there are also online Pharmacy Technician classes available for Memphis residents. These programs allow for more flexibility and self-paced learning. However, it's important to ensure that the online program is accredited and meets the same educational standards as the in-person options.

As for free Pharmacy Technician classes in Memphis, there are limited options available. Some community colleges or workforce development centers may offer free or low-cost training programs, but the availability and requirements can vary.

Certification Process

After completing a Pharmacy Technician training program, the next step is to obtain certification. In Tennessee, Pharmacy Technicians are required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to become certified.

Job Environment in Memphis

Memphis is home to several major healthcare systems and hospitals, providing ample job opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians. Some of the potential employers in the Memphis area include:

• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
• Baptist Memorial Health Care
• Regional One Health
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Memphis VA Medical Center

Pharmacy Technicians in Memphis can work in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialty pharmacies. The job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in the Memphis area is generally positive, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 6% growth in employment for this occupation nationwide between 2022 and 2032.

Final Thoughts

If you're interested in becoming a Pharmacy Technician in the Memphis area, there are several training programs and classes available to help you achieve your goal. Whether you choose an on-campus or online program, it's essential to ensure that the program is accredited and meets the necessary requirements for certification. With the right training and certification, you can start a rewarding career as a Pharmacy Technician in the vibrant city of Memphis.

Are you thinking about a job change or wanting to learn more about different career paths? Feel free to check out these additional articles:

• Phlebotomy Training in Memphis