Idaho Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

The Pharmacy Technology program at Carrington College provides both theoretical and practical training, enabling students to function as competent entry-level assistants to licensed pharmacists. The program culminates in a Certificate of Achievement, which can be completed in as few as nine months.

Key components of the curriculum include courses in pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems, chemical and physical characteristics of drugs, and preparation of sterile dosage forms. Students also gain a thorough knowledge of pharmaceutical and medical terminology, abbreviations, and symbols used in prescribing, dispensing, and documenting medications.

The program emphasizes standards of ethics and law as they pertain to pharmacy practice and drug distribution methods. Graduates are eligible and prepared to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) national certification exam.

Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring that the education provided meets the standards required for pharmacy technicians. The program also includes an externship component, providing students with real-world experience in clinical settings, which enhances their practical skills and employability upon graduation.

The College of Southern Idaho (CSI), founded in 1965, is a public community college located in Twin Falls, Idaho. Serving the Magic Valley region, CSI offers a variety of academic and vocational programs, emphasizing accessible education and workforce development to meet community needs.

CSI’s Pharmacy Technician course is a 16-week program available in both online and in-person formats. Scheduled from January to May it caters to individuals aiming to enter the pharmaceutical field, providing flexible learning options to accommodate diverse student needs.

The curriculum covers essential subjects, including pharmacy law, ethics, medical terminology, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmaceutical calculations. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam for Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), facilitating entry into various healthcare settings.

This program is recommended for individuals new to the workforce or those seeking a career change into the pharmaceutical industry. Students must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Pharmacy Technician License, with guardian consent required for applicants under 18.

The College of Western Idaho (CWI), established in 2007, is a public community college serving the Treasure Valley region of Idaho. With campuses in Nampa and Boise, CWI offers a range of academic and professional programs, emphasizing accessible education and workforce development to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

CWI’s Pharmacy Technician program is delivered online in partnership with CareerStep, providing flexibility for students to complete the coursework at their own pace within a 4 to 12-month timeframe. This self-paced format accommodates individuals seeking to enter the pharmacy field while balancing other commitments.

The curriculum encompasses medication dispensing and pharmacy practice, pharmacy law and ethics, interactive patient care, and hands-on experience through lab work and an externship in a community retail pharmacy like Walgreens. Additionally, the program prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam, enhancing their qualifications for employment in various pharmacy settings.

Idaho Medical Academy (IMA), located in Boise, Idaho, is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare education and training. With a focus on practical skills and real-world experience, IMA offers a range of programs designed to prepare students for various roles in the medical field.

IMA’s Pharmacy Technician Program is a six-month course that combines online coursework with hands-on lab sessions. This blended format allows students to learn at their own pace while gaining practical experience, accommodating individuals seeking to enter the pharmaceutical industry.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as medical math, prescription processing, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacology. Students participate in simulated clinical experiences in IMA’s lab, preparing them for real-world scenarios. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), facilitating entry into various healthcare settings.

IMA offers flexible payment options, including payment plans and partnerships with financial institutions, to accommodate students’ financial needs. The program fee includes the course, online access, required drug testing, background check, CPR healthcare provider training, and all fees for the National Certification Exam.

Idaho State University (ISU), established in 1901, is a public research university with its main campus in Pocatello, Idaho. Renowned for its health sciences programs, ISU serves a diverse student body across multiple campuses, including locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Anchorage, Alaska. The university emphasizes practical experience and community engagement in its curricula.

ISU’s Pharmacy Technology Program offers both a Basic Technical Certificate (BTC) and an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC). The BTC can be completed in one year, while the ATC requires 1.5 years, assuming prerequisites are met. The program combines seated and online instruction, laboratory demonstrations, and practicum/externship placements, accommodating students seeking comprehensive training in pharmacy technology.

Key components of the curriculum include courses in pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology, and hands-on training in extemporaneous compounding and IV certification. Students gain practical experience through externships in retail and institutional pharmacy settings.

Lewis-Clark State College (LC State), established in 1893, is a public institution located in Lewiston, Idaho. Known for its commitment to accessible education, LC State offers a variety of programs tailored to meet regional workforce needs, emphasizing practical skills and community engagement.

LC State’s Pharmacy Technology program is designed to equip students with the competencies required for technical pharmacy tasks in both institutional and ambulatory settings. The curriculum includes courses such as Pharmacy Law and Ethics (PHAR-110), Introduction to Pharmacology (PHAR-150), and Applied Pharmacy Technology (PHAR-171 and PHAR-172). Students gain hands-on experience through practicum courses (PHAR-182 and PHAR-187), totaling 190 hours each, in retail or institutional pharmacy environments.

Key features of the program include training in sterile product preparation, pharmacy calculations, unit dose drug distribution systems, and extemporaneous compounding. The program also offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Preparation course (PHAR-175) to ready students for national certification. Graduates are well-prepared to assist pharmacists in various healthcare settings, ensuring safe and effective medication distribution.

Medical Career Academy (MCA), located in Meridian, Idaho, is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable education in various healthcare fields. With a focus on hands-on training and small class sizes, MCA ensures personalized attention to each student, enhancing their learning experience.

MCA’s Pharmacy Technician Course is a five-month, hybrid program that combines online coursework with weekly in-person sessions. Classes meet once a week for four hours, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. This instructor-led program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the pharmaceutical field with a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy operations.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacology, vaccine administration, anatomy and physiology, the top 200 drugs, pharmacy calculations, and pharmacy law and ethics. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, facilitating entry into various healthcare settings.

MCA offers individualized payment plans with no interest or additional fees, making the program accessible to a wider range of students. Additionally, MCA is an approved training provider through Idaho Launch, which can assist with funding for the Pharmacy Technician program.

St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho offers a unique Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program that compensates students during their training. Initiated in January 2020, this 10-week program combines classroom instruction, lab work, and practical experience within St. Luke’s facilities, preparing participants for roles in hospital and clinical pharmacy settings.

Unlike traditional programs that may incur significant costs, St. Luke’s apprenticeship pays students throughout the training period, including compensation for time spent taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. This approach alleviates financial burdens, enabling graduates to commence their careers without educational debt.

The program’s structure includes seven weeks of combined classroom and lab instruction, followed by a three-week rotational experience in a hospital environment. Graduates are often placed in positions within St. Luke’s, contributing to a workforce well-versed in the organization’s standards and practices. As of July 2021, the program had completed five class cycles and was pursuing national accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.