Pharmacy technician programs employ both classroom and clinical instruction. Courses cover such topics and skills as reading and understanding physican's medication orders, filling and labeling prescriptions, computers, medical terms, and payments for prescriptions by insurance companies and other third-parties. During clincial instruction, students participate in clinical rotations under the supervision of pharmacists in retail stores and medical centers. Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC, advises students to have reliable transportation to clinical sites.
Pharmacy technician diploma programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED equivalency. They must have immunizations for measles, mumps and other diseases; test negative for tuberculosis; possess the ability to walk and stand for pronged time periods and reach supplies and inventory; and effectively read, write and communicate. Students must also pass proficiency tests in English and mathematics, which are offered by many schools, including Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis. Generally, programs don't accept applicants convicted of felonies or drug-related crimes.
According to USPharmd's website, community colleges, pharmacy schools, career colleges, and online education and learning programs all offer training for pharmacy technicians. The websites for Peterson's College Search and Pharmacy Schools provide links and search engines for online and campus-based pharmacy technican training programs, and a quick online search can be done to find community colleges in your area that offer pharmacy technician training.
The U.S. Department of Education provides financial aid for eligible students in pharmacy technician diploma programs at vocational schools, community colleges and distance education providers. According to its federal student aid guide, grant applicants must have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate; complete high school education in a state law-compliant home school; pass an "approved-to-benefit" test if they don't have a high school diploma or equivalent; be registered for Selective Service if between ages 18 and 25; and demonstrate financial need. Aid is also available through student loans and state agencies.