What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who assists licensed pharmacists in a variety of tasks. Their responsibilities may include filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and providing customer service. Pharmacy Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the medications they need in a timely and accurate manner.

Training Requirements

To become a Pharmacy Technician in New York, you'll need to complete a training program that is approved by the New York State Education Department. This typically involves completing a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, often in a clinical setting.

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Rochester

The fastest way to become a Pharmacy Technician in Rochester is to enroll in a Pharmacy Technician training program that offers an accelerated or intensive format. These programs are designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) in a shorter amount of time, often just a few months.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Rochester

Rochester is home to several Pharmacy Technician training programs, each with its own unique offerings. Here are a few examples:

1. Monroe Community College

   • Length: 1 semester (approximately 16 weeks)
   • Price: $2,500 (in-state tuition)
   • Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, criminal background check
   • Overview: The Pharmacy Technician program at Monroe Community College provides comprehensive training in the skills and knowledge required to become a Pharmacy Technician. The program includes both classroom instruction and hands-on training in a simulated pharmacy setting.

2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

   • Length: 1 year (2 semesters)
   • Price: $12,990 (tuition and fees)
   • Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, minimum GPA of 2.5, criminal background check
   • Overview: The Pharmacy Technician program at RIT is a comprehensive program that prepares students for the PTCE. The program includes coursework in pharmacology, medication dispensing, and pharmacy law and ethics, as well as a clinical externship.

3. Rochester General Hospital School of Nursing and Allied Health

   • Length: 1 semester (approximately 16 weeks)
   • Price: $2,500 (tuition and fees)
   • Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, criminal background check
   • Overview: The Pharmacy Technician program at Rochester General Hospital School of Nursing and Allied Health is a hands-on program that focuses on the practical skills needed to work as a Pharmacy Technician. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and a clinical externship.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Rochester

For those inspired to become a Pharmacy Technician but living in a different state, achieving your ambition is still very much a possibility. You could explore becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Augusta, Colorado Springs, New Orleans, Oxnard, Spokane. And if you're not near any of these, Dreambound is here to assist by offering an easy way to find and compare Pharmacy Technician classes by entering your zip code. With the right mindset and resources like Dreambound, starting a career in healthcare is possible from any place.

Online and Free Options

In addition to the in-person Pharmacy Technician training programs in Rochester, there are also online options available for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment. Some of these programs may even be free or low-cost, making them accessible to a wider range of students.

Certification Process

After completing a Pharmacy Technician training program, the next step is to obtain certification. In New York, Pharmacy Technicians are required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and register with the New York State Education Department in order to work in the field.

Job Environment in Rochester

Rochester is home to a thriving healthcare industry, which means that there are plenty of job opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians in the city. Some of the potential employers for Pharmacy Technicians in Rochester include:

• Rochester General Hospital
• University of Rochester Medical Center
• Strong Memorial Hospital
• Wegmans Pharmacy
• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreens

Pharmacy Technicians in Rochester can expect to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. The job environment can be fast-paced and demanding, but also rewarding for those who enjoy working in the healthcare field.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Rochester can be a great career choice for those who are interested in the healthcare industry. With a variety of training programs available, both in-person and online, it's easier than ever to get the education and certification you need to start your new career. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a change, the job opportunities and the job environment in Rochester make it an excellent place to become a Pharmacy Technician.

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

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