Pharmacy Technician Programs St Paul, MN

Pharmacy technicians provide invaluable support to pharmacists in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and other medical settings. They assist pharmacists with the dispensing of medications and administration, which requires accuracy and a strong attention to detail. Their duties vary by setting and may include screening prescription orders for accuracy, using technology to maintain patient records, calculating dosages, preparing prescriptions for the pharmacist’s verification, providing customer care, managing the administrative aspects of the pharmacy operation, and supporting health care providers through the delivery of medicines.

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There is a huge demand for support professionals to help pharmacists fill prescriptions quickly and effectively. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for pharmacy technicians will be about 9 percent between 2014 and 2024. During that period, there will be over 35,000 new positions to be filled. The volume of new prescription drugs and aging baby boomers taking more medications are the primary factors for growth in the profession.

St. Paul College

Saint Paul College offers a diploma and an associate in applied science degree pharmacy technician program. Both programs provide the necessary training students need to register as a pharmacy technician in Minnesota and pass the PTCB exam to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. For the 35-credit program, students must complete psychology throughout lifespan, medical terminology, human body systems, pharmacy law and ethics, fundamentals of pharmacy, foundations of pharmaceutical calculations, principles of pharmacy, and pharmacotherapy of disease process. The AAS degree is a 60-credit program that includes 20 general education requirements – natural sciences, human body system, principles of chemistry, communication, English composition, healthcare ethics, and history, social science and behavioral sciences.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better on college level courses
  • Complete prerequisite courses – biology and medical terminology- with a grade C or better
  • Attend required orientation session after program acceptance
  • Complete vaccination requirements as directed by faculty
  • Must pass a MN Department of Health and Human Services Background Study
  • Complete Basic Life Support for Healthcare provider (BLS) or CPR First Aid before the end of the first semester

Tuition costs $292.45 per credit. Additional costs for fees, books, supplies, uniforms, and professional fees must be covered by the student.

  • Website: https://www.saintpaul.edu/ 
  • Address: 235 Marshall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55102
  • Phone: (651) 846-1600
  • Fax: (651) 846-1703
  • Toll Free: 1-800-227-6029

Rasmussen College

The pharmacy technician program at Rasmussen College prepares students to become a critical player in the healthcare industry. The program provides all the knowledge and clinical competencies students need to succeed in an entry-level career and pass the PTCB exam. A virtual practicum presents opportunities for students to rehearse real-life scenarios to give them confidence in their new career. Course topics include career development, customer service in healthcare, medical terminology, medical law and ethics, foundations of pharmacy practice, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy retail locations, pharmacy technician capstone, and sterile and non-sterile compounding. The 38-credit program also includes Math and Natural Sciences and 8 credits of general education requirements. Graduates also have the option to transfer credits to the Health Sciences Associate’s degree and complete the requirements in another nine months. The duration of the program is 9 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must pass the admission exam
  • Must complete a criminal background check
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Attend a program orientation
  • Register for the program online
  • Make financial arrangements to pay the program’s costs

The total program cost of $12,682 includes tuition, fees, and supplies.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

The Pharmacy Technician program at Minneapolis Community and Technical College prepares students for entry-level employment where they will dispense medication under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Classroom sessions will cover pharmacy fundamentals and prepare students with knowledge that they will apply during the clinical internship at local community and institutional pharmacies. The internship will cover 80 hours. Key skills include prescription processing, dosage calculations, retail pharmacy operations, institutional pharmacy operations, pharmacy laws, pharmacy regulations, prescription insurance coverage, and professional behavior. The Pharmacy Technician Certificate requires completion of 16 credit hours. The program is recognized by the PTCB so graduates will be eligible to sit for the PTCE to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. The duration of the program is one semester.

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Admission criteria:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Submit a completed application to the program
  • Submit official high school and college transcripts
  • Obtain a clear criminal background check and drug screen
  • Must be able to meet the physical requirements of a pharmacy technician

Tuition costs $169.55 per credit. Other fees will apply. Financial aid is available to eligible students.

Normandale Continuing Education & Customized Training

The pharmacy technician program at the Normandale Continuing Education Center is the only online program approved by the State of Minnesota Board of Pharmacy. Students will acquire knowledge and skills to dispense medication under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Course topics include pharmacy calculations, pharmacy law, regulations, pharmacology, and names of name brand and generic drugs. The program includes an internship at a local Walgreen or CVS. Throughout the 14-module course, students will need to complete assessment exercises to demonstrate their understanding before moving on the next module. The curriculum covers 600 contact hours of instruction, which must be completed in 6 months. All course materials are available in electronic format only. However, there is the option to purchase hard-copies.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete a free information session
  • Register and pay for the program

The tuition is $3,899 and is due in full at registration.

  • Website: https://www.normandale.edu/
  • Address: 9700 France Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55431
  • Phone: (952) 358-8200
  • Alt: 1 (800) 481-5412

Minnesota Training Connection

The pharmacy technician program at the Minnesota Training Connection prepares students for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician. The program covers 72 hours of instruction in the classroom. The pharmacy internship covers an additional 120 hours. Course topics include medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, dosage calculations and conversions, drug compounding, billing and reimbursement, inventory control, and dispensing of prescriptions. Graduates may apply to sit for the PTCB to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must complete the Accuplacer test for Reading with a score of 233 or higher and Math with a score of 250 or higher
  • Register for the course online

The program is not eligible for financial aid.

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

The pharmacy technician program at Minnesota West Community & Technical College prepares adults to assist licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medications in pharmacies. The program includes theory and hands-on instruction in the classroom. Course topics include pharmacy principles and practices, medical terminology in healthcare, and externship in retail and hospital settings. Students must complete 10 credits to obtain Pharmacy Technician Certificate. Graduates will be eligible to take a certification examination. An externship provides the student with hands on experience as well as providing the necessary skills to pass the certification exam to be successful in the industry. A diploma and associate of science degree are also offered.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take and pass a placement exam
  • Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
  • Register for the program

Tuition costs $209.55. Books and supplies not included in the cost.

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Get information on Pharmacy Technician programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

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