Columbus State Community College in Columbus offers a pharmacy technician training program that prepares students to enter the pharmacy field. The course takes 10 weeks to complete, and classes are offered Monday and Wednesday nights from 8 to 10:30, making it possible to work and take classes at the same time. As of January 2011, tuition is $749 and includes books and other materials. Classes are taught by registered pharmacists. Topics include medical terminology, dosage calculations, dispensing of prescriptions and methods of IV therapy. After successfully completing the course, students receive a non-credit certificate.
Tech Skills in Columbus prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Courses include record-keeping, prescription dispensing and recognizing possible drug interactions or other possible negative effects. At the end of the program, students are prepared to take the certified pharmacy technician exam, allowing for certification. Tech Skills offers flexible class schedules and job placement assistance.
Everest Institute is in Gahanna, just outside Columbus. It offers pharmacy technician training in the classroom and online. The program provides students with experience in pharmacy administration, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pharmacology, and health care systems. Everest has designed its program to focus on developing strong hands-on clinical and communication skills. To apply, students must have a high school diploma or GED and have completed the institute's career program assessment test. Class schedules are flexible, and the length of the program depends on the pace at which a student wishes to complete courses. Financing options are available, along with financial aid packages.
Brown Mackie College offers an associate's degree in pharmacy technology that prepares students to assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medication and helping patients. Located in Findlay, Brown Mackie provides students with small hands-on classes, part-time schedules and financial assistance. Courses are offered on the structure and function of the human body, drug classifications, safe drug use, medication distribution and routes of administration. In 2005 and 2007, Findlay was rated one of the 100 best communities in the nation for young people, with diverse business opportunities and community pride.