Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Questions / More Information
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Deadline Dates
Upcoming Info. Session
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 - 10:00am
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Program Admission
Certified Pharmacy Technicians are in an unprecedented demand in the Chattanooga area and across the country.
"In 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a nine percent growth in the job outlook for pharmacy technicians, which represented a faster growth average than all other occupations." said Miriam A. Mobley Smith, Pharm.D., FASHP, director of strategic alliances at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). "This was predicted due to an increased demand for prescription medications and related pharmacy services."
The purpose of the Pharmacy Technician Program at Chattanooga State is to prepare students to become well trained, nationally PTCB certified pharmacy technicians in order to assist the pharmacists of the greater Chattanooga community in providing optimal pharmaceutical care to patients.
Pharmacy technicians must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and be skilled in the techniques required to fill prescriptions, constitute IV solutions, and prepare medications, but they do not need the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist.
Although pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist and must be willing to take directions, they must also be able to work competently without constant instruction by the pharmacist. Because of the critical nature of many pharmacy duties, pharmacy technicians must perform precise work where details can be a matter of life or death.
The pharmacy technician technical certificate is a twelve month program designed to prepare students for certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Accreditation
Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission
A collaboration between the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
Success Rates
Class 2017
Completion rate 79%
PTCB Certification pass rate 80% (National average pass rate: 58%)
Job placement rate 100%
Career Opportunities
The employment outlook is quite optimistic with the increasing pharmacy workload due to our aging population.
- Hospital Pharmacies
- Community Pharmacies
- Home Health Care
- Insurance Companies
- Nursing Homes
- Drug Wholesale Companies
- Nuclear Medicine Pharmacies
Program Cost
| First Semester (14 hours) (fall) | In-state | Out-of state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee (in-state) | 2,143.50 | 8,331.50 |
| Truescreen: myRecord Tracker Fee: | 17.50 | 17.50 |
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| Physical Examination (estimate) | 200.00 | 200.00 |
| PPD skin test | 20.00 | 20.00 |
| Liability Insurance (estimate) | 11.05 | 11.05 |
| CPR Certification | 50.00 | 50.00 |
| Truescreen Criminal Background Check | 30.00 | 30.00 |
| Lab Coat & Patch (estimate) | 40.00 | 40.00 |
| Uniform scrubs (2 sets) (estimate) | 80.00 | 80.00 |
| Textbooks (estimate) | 358.10 | 358.10 |
| Subtotal | 2,950.15 | 9,138.15 |
| Second Semester (13 hours) (spring) | In-state | Out-of state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee (in-state) | 2,111.50 | 8,199.50 |
| Truescreen Drug Screen (10 panel) | 31.00 | 31.00 |
| Textbooks | 161.25 | 161.25 |
| Subtotal | 2,303.75 | 8,391.75 |
| Third Semester (5 hours) (summer) | In-state | Out-of state |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Fee (in-state) | 897.00 | 3,392.00 |
| PTCB National Board Examination | 129.00 | 129.00 |
| Subtotal | 1,026.00 | 3,521.00 |
| Total | 6,279.90 | 21,050.90 |
Costs Disclaimer
These are estimated program costs. Actual costs may vary due to changes in tuition and/or fee increases as determined by the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Note: College fees are included in the maintenance cost. To view current calculation table, go to Bursar’s Office on Chattanooga State website. This website will also give you information on refund policies, fee payments and the refund calendar.