Arkansas Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

AECC Career School, licensed by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, is located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The institution offers career-focused programs aimed at equipping students with practical skills for the workforce.

The Certified Pharmacy Technician Program at AECC spans eight weeks, totaling 96 hours of instruction. Classes are available during the day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) and evenings (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.), catering to diverse student schedules.

The curriculum covers topics such as medications, federal requirements, patient safety, quality assurance, and medication ordering and processing. Upon completion, students are prepared to apply for Arkansas Pharmacy Technician licensure and sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Arkansas State University-Beebe (ASU-Beebe), located in Beebe, Arkansas, is a public two-year institution accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Known for its robust programs, ASU-Beebe emphasizes accessible education tailored to regional workforce needs​.

The Pharmacy Technician Science Program offers a blend of classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on clinical experience. Spanning two 16-week semesters, students earn either a Certificate of Proficiency or a Technical Certificate, with an option to continue for an Associate of Applied Science degree. The curriculum aligns with national standards, ensuring graduates are prepared for certification and practice in various pharmacy settings​.

Courses include Pharmacy Math, Pharmacology, Aseptic Techniques, and Pharmacy Communications. Students gain real-world experience through a minimum of 200 clinical hours in community and institutional settings. Graduates are equipped to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and apply for roles in diverse healthcare environments​.

Arkansas Tech University (ATU), with campuses in Russellville and Ozark, Arkansas, is a public institution renowned for its commitment to accessible education and workforce development. ATU offers a diverse range of programs designed to meet regional and national employment needs.

ATU’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Proficiency is a program that prepares students to enter the pharmacy field and pursue certification, including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) exam. The program is designed to accommodate individuals seeking to start a career in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, and community pharmacies.

The curriculum includes hands-on learning opportunities in pharmacy calculations, medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, and interpreting prescriptions. Students will acquire skills in dosage calculations, IV flow rates, drug compounding, and inventory control. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to assist pharmacists effectively and are prepared to sit for the PTCB exam, enhancing their employment prospects in the healthcare industry.

Black River Technical College (BRTC), located in Pocahontas and Paragould, Arkansas, is a community-oriented institution offering accessible education and workforce development programs. With a strong emphasis on local industry needs, BRTC serves students in surrounding counties and has a reputation for its focus on preparing graduates for employment opportunities​​.

The Pharmacy Technician Program at BRTC is a 14-week online course designed for individuals seeking flexibility while pursuing certification. It is structured to accommodate working professionals and others with demanding schedules, offering comprehensive online learning that includes interactive components and self-paced study options​​.

The program curriculum includes core topics like pharmacy calculations, drug classifications, medical terminology, and prescription processing. Practical applications, such as interpreting prescriptions and identifying medications by their generic and brand names, ensure students gain hands-on expertise. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and equipped with the skills to excel in diverse pharmacy settings​​.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), situated in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a public institution dedicated to providing quality and affordable higher education. Serving the northwest Arkansas region, NWACC offers a diverse range of certificates and associate degrees across various fields, including health professions, business, and culinary arts.

NWACC’s Pharmacy Technician Course is an online program designed to train individuals for roles as pharmacy technicians and prepare them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE®). The flexible online format allows students to learn at their own pace, making it suitable for those balancing other commitments.

The curriculum covermaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, ethics of pharmacy practice, patient care, and interaction, as well as charges and reimbursement. Students gain hands-on training in assisting pharmacists with medication packing and distribution and practice retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module, including processing prescriptions and physician orders.

Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the PTCE and have the option to participate in a 100-hour practicum experience, enhancing their readiness for entry-level pharmacy technician positions.

South-West Medical Academy (SWMA), based in Prescott, Arkansas, is dedicated to providing accessible healthcare career training tailored to diverse learning styles. SWMA emphasizes practical, hands-on education to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare workforce.

SWMA’s Pharmacy Technician Program is an 8-week, self-paced online course requiring no in-person clinical sessions. This flexible format accommodates individuals balancing various commitments, enabling them to advance their education on their own schedule.

The curriculum focuses on essential s technicians, including medication preparation, prescription processing, and inventory management. Students also learn to prepare compounded medications using sterile and non-sterile processes. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to pursue roles in various healthcare settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech), located in Camden, Arkansas, is a public two-year college offering diverse degree and certificate programs. SAU Tech is known for its commitment to workforce development and practical career training opportunities, including its Pharmacy Technician program.

SAU Tech’s Pharmacy Technician program equips students to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing prescriptions, and providing customer service. The program emphasizes practical skills such as measuring medication doses, packaging prescriptions, organizing inventory, and processing insurance claims. Students also learn how to communicate effectively with customers and health professionals in pharmacy settings.

The program curriculum prepares students to handle essential pharmacy tasks, including operating automated dispensing equipment, preparing intravenous medications in hospital settings, and facilitating prescription refill authorizations. This hands-on training ensures graduates are ready for the diverse responsibilities encountered in community pharmacies, hospitals, and home infusion services.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock), located in the state’s capital, is a public research university renowned for its commitment to accessible education and professional development. Serving a diverse student body, UA Little Rock offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

UA Little Rock’s Pharmacy Technician Program is a 100% online, self-paced course designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. The program can be completed in one year or less, providing flexibility for individuals balancing various commitments.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as federal and state pharmacy laws, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, and communication skills. Students also engage in interactive lab modules simulating retail and hospital pharmacy settings. Upon successful completion, participants become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship with a national pharmacy chain, providing practical experience to enhance their employment prospects.

The University of Arkansas (U of A), located in Fayetteville, is a prominent public research university known for its comprehensive academic programs and commitment to professional development. Serving a diverse student body, U of A offers a range of courses aimed at enhancing career prospects across various fields.

U of A’s Pharmacy Technician Program is an online, self-paced course designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The program spans six months, totaling 350 hours of instruction, accommodating individuals seeking flexibility in their learning schedule.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy terminology, prescription interpretation, pharmaceutical calculations, and the pharmacology of medications. Students also learn about federal and state pharmacy laws, ethical conduct, and effective communication with patients and healthcare professionals. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to pursue national certification and employment in various pharmacy settings.

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB), located in Batesville, Arkansas, is a public two-year institution dedicated to providing accessible education and workforce development. Serving a diverse student body, UACCB offers a variety of degree and certificate programs aimed at meeting regional employment needs.

UACCB’s Pharmacy Technician Program is a 100% online course designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. The self-paced format allows individuals to complete the program within a year or less, accommodating those with varying schedules and commitments.

The curriculum encompasses federal and state pharmacy laws, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, and communication skills. Students also engage in interactive lab modules simulating retail and hospital pharmacy settings. Upon successful completion, participants become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship with a national pharmacy chain, providing practical experience to enhance their employment prospects.