According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 8 of the 20 occupations projected to grow the fastest are in health care.* Consequently, there is a demand for qualified pharmacy technicians to assist licensed pharmacists in preparing medications and other health care products for patients. Technicians may also establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Other duties may include preparing unit dose medications, IV admixtures, and sterile irrigations.
Program Objectives
Kaplan College's Pharmacy Technician Diploma program can provide you the knowledge, job skills, and work habits sought by employers, allowing you to apply for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician. Prior to graduation, you will complete an externship at a local retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, residential pharmacy, or other pharmaceutical facility where you may also find job opportunities.
In order to work as a pharmacy technician in Arizona, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). This program can assist you in preparing for the exam.†
Career Opportunities
As a certified pharmacy technician, you may seek entry-level employment in pharmacies in retail stores, hospitals, and mail-order settings.
* U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Guide to Industries, 2006.
† However, the College cannot guarantee a student's eligibility either to take this exam or become certified. A student's eligibility may depend on his or her work experience, completion of high school (or its equivalent), not having a criminal record, meeting other licensure or certification requirements, or the program or College itself having appropriate accreditation or licensure. Externship sites may themselves require a criminal background check or medical examination.