Top Schools for Pharmacy Technician Associate's Degree Programs
Prospective pharmacy technicians can enroll in pharmacy technology associate degree programs, which are found at many community colleges and technical schools nationwide. These programs prepare individuals for careers working with licensed pharmacists in hospitals and retail pharmacies. Read on to learn about a number of outstanding schools offering an associate's degree in pharmacy technology.
How to Choose a Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Program
Many schools offer pharmacy technology programs that result in a certificate or diploma, but 2-year associate's degree programs are also available. Most states require pharmacy technicians to be certified or licensed. Requirements vary by state but may include completing a training program accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHSP). Read on to learn about a few schools that offer comprehensive associate degree programs for pharmacy technicians.
What Are Some Exceptional Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree Programs?
North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota
North Dakota State College of Science offers a pharmacy technician Associate in Applied Science degree program that can be completed either online or on campus and prepares students to enter the workforce as pharmacy technicians. This 65-credit program is accredited by ASHSP and includes an 8-week internship in a clinical setting that occurs after all classroom requirements have been completed. Core courses include topics in medical terminology, pharmacology, sterile products, pharmacy records and pharmaceutical calculations. This school also offers a pharmacy technician certificate program.
Graduates of these programs have met the training requirements to register with the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy and take national certification exams. The associate degree offered by North Dakota State College of Science in this field is titled as follows:
- Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science
Lone Star College - North Harris in Houston, Texas
The Lone Star College System has partnerships with many 4-year universities for students who wish to transfer their credits to a bachelor's degree program. This 2-year public school in Houston offers a pharmacy technician Associate of Applied Science and certificate programs at its North Harris campus in Houston.
AAS students first complete the same courses as those in the certificate program, which prepares students for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination to become a certified pharmacy tech. These courses can also be completed at the school's Tomball campus. After passing the national certification exam, students can begin the second year courses which prepare them for managerial roles in a pharmacy. First year courses in the AAS program include pharmacy law, drug classifications, sterile preparation and pharmacy practice. Courses in the second year include topics in computerized drug delivery systems, pharmacy management and customer service. The associate degree offered by this school is listed below:
- Pharmacy Management Associate of Applied Science
Ten More Schools That Offer Pharmacy Technician Associate Degrees
| College/University | Institution Type | Location | Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madonna University | 4-year, Private | Livonia, MI | $22,000 |
| Johnston Community College | 2-year, Public | Smithfield, NC | $3,000 |
| Casper College | 2-year, Public | Casper, WY | $3,000 |
| Seminole State College of Florida | 4-year, Public | Sanford, FL | $3,000 |
| Robert Morris University Illinois | 4-year, Private | Chicago, IL | $28,000 |
| Imperial Valley College | 2-year, Public | Imperial, CA | $1,000 |
| Community College of Allegheny County | 2-year, Public | Pittsburgh, PA | $8,000 |
| Augusta Technical College | 2-year, Public | Augusta, GA | $3,000 |
| Allen County Community College | 2-year, Public | Iola, KS | $4,000 |
| Mohave Community College | 2-year, Public | Kingman, AZ | $2,000 |
*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education