Pharmacy Technician

2 pharmacy technicians looking at shelves of medications

Pharmacy Technician

Technical Certificate

11 Credits | 1 Semester

New Richmond*, Superior*

*Available through Online and On-Site instruction

Career Cluster: Health Sciences

Students in selected health sciences programs will travel to the Shell Lake Health Education Center. Travel requirements are customized to meet individual program course competencies.

 

As the need for clinical pharmacists increases to meet today's healthcare demands, so does the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians. Area employers are seeking highly-skilled graduates to fill their pharmacy technician positions.


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Financial assistance may be available as part of the West Cap Skills Enhancement Program. Learn more about this opportunity here.


Program Overview

The Pharmacy Technician program will prepare students for a rewarding, demanding and ever-evolving career as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of duties and responsibilities including preparation of prescriptions, record-keeping, inventory control, handling monetary transactions, filing third-party claims, preparing IV admixtures and unit dose medications and compounding.

Program Outcomes

After completion of this certificate, employers will expect students to be able to:

  • Communicate clearly to customers/patients and healthcare providers
  • Demonstrate professional behaviors and knowledge in the practice of pharmacy
  • Compound sterile and nonsterile medications
  • Apply policies and procedures when processing orders and ensuring inventory accuracy
  • Adhere to state and federal regulations governing the practice of pharmacy
  • Demonstrate safe and inclusive practice with all customers/patients

Technical Standards

In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program. 

Learn More About Technical Standards for this Program

To accommodate your schedule, the Pharmacy Technician program is available via Online and On-Site instruction. 

Two pharmacy technician students working on computers

Flexible, online learning.

A pharmacy technician counting pills

Hands-on classes one evening a week.

Two pharmacy technician students compounding medications

High-demand for skilled pharmacy technicians. 


Academics

The Pharmacy Technician certificate is offered at the Superior campus for the fall semester and the New Richmond Campus for the spring semester via Online and On-Site instruction 

This one-semester program prepares you for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Northwood Tech has state-of-the-art equipment, giving you the experience that you will see in the real world.

Complete in one semester

Students are able to complete this program in the evening and Online over one semester.

Experienced Instructors

As a Pharmacy Technician student at Northwood Tech, you will have access to instructors with years of experience in a variety of pharmacy settings. 

Gain Clinical Experience

You will complete a 64-hour clinical, including retail and hospital sites (when available), where you will apply your skills while gaining customer service experience and the opportunity to network with potential employers.


Required Courses

Through the Pharmacy Technician required courses, you will learn about medications, how they are used and how to understand and fill prescriptions. You will learn hands-on skills such as how to mix sterile and non-sterile medications. You will also learn aspects of pharmacy business. You will have the opportunity to intern at both a hospital and retail pharmacy. 

Explore the Required Courses

Featured Pharmacy Technician Courses

10536143
|
UGRD
| 3 CR
In this course, students will develop the skills and knowledge required to complete the prescription-filling process, as well as extemporaneous compounds. This course also provides the learner with the skills to utilize aseptic technique in horizontal laminar flow hoods for preparation of solutions and medications. Students will utilize critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to collect, assess, plan, implement and follow-up on patients. PREREQUISITE: Admission to the Pharmacy Technician program
10536144
|
UGRD
| 2 CR
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the principles of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics including the understanding of body system disease states and the effects of medications in treating disease conditions. Students will learn the cautions involved in adverse drug effects, food and drug interactions, and drug-disease contradictions. Students will learn the therapeutic classifications, indications, and common strengths for the most common drugs. PREREQUISITE: Admission to the Pharmacy Technician Plan
10536145
| | 1 CR
In this course, students will have the opportunity to experience the daily activities of a pharmacy technician in a pharmacy setting. Students will learn how medication orders are prepared, processed, and delivered along with maintaining medication inventory in several areas, interacting with other medical staff and following policies and procedures This course prepares the learner to apply policies and procedures in the pharmacy, process prescriptions, and maintain patient medical histories. PREREQUISITE: Admission to the Pharmacy Technician program and COREQUISITES: 10536141 Introduction to Pharmacy and 10536143 Pharmacy Lab Skills

Admissions and Tuition

Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.

Requirements and Application

Tuition and Fees

Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost. 

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.

Learn More About Cost of Attendance

Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*

Pharmacy Technician

11 Credits | 1 Semester

$1,793


*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented. 


After the Northwood Tech Pharmacy Technician Program

Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Pharmacy Technician technical certificate. 

Student studying at a computer

Transfer Center

Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond. 

View Transfer Center

 

Career Outlooks

Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.

View Career Options

Student studying at laptop

Partnership

The Pioneer RX logo

The Northwood Tech Pharmacy Technician program partners with Pioneer Rx to enhance the curriculum with a hands-on approach to learning that simulates the functions and workflow of today's most innovative pharmacies. For more information about Pioneer Rx, visit www.pioneerrx.com

 

 


 

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Recognized Education/Training Program

PTCB sets the standard for certification of pharmacy technicians that improves medication safety and patient care.

PTCB Recognized Education Training Program Seal

Contact

Choose a campus to view contact information, or for general assistance, please contact us.

Rice Lake Admissions Contact

Nicole Messicci

Admissions Advisor

715.788.7144

Contact

Ashland Admissions Contact

Jennifer Bednarik

Admissions Advisor

715.685.3039

Contact

New Richmond Admissions Contact

Sherry Rehnelt

Admissions Advisor

715.752.8136

Contact

Superior Admissions Contact

Anna Kalin

Admissions Advisor

715.319.7331

Contact

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Are you ready to experience success? Northwood Tech staff are standing by to support you in reaching your educational and career goals, so do it. Take the leap.