Ohio Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

Belmont College, located in St. Clairsville, Ohio, is a public community college recognized for its dedication to workforce development and community education. Serving students across Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, Belmont provides a variety of programs designed to meet regional employment demands.

The Pharmacy Technician Program at Belmont College is offered in person at the Main Campus. It includes a 70-hour classroom component held on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with an optional 80-hour clinical externship available at no additional cost upon successful completion. The program’s format is well-suited for those seeking practical, hands-on experience in pharmacy settings.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy-specific medical terminology, dosage calculations, IV flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, prescription dispensing, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement. The program also prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, aligning with the employment requirements of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, a nationally renowned pediatric healthcare institution, is recognized for its excellence in patient care, research, and education. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the hospital consistently ranks among the top pediatric hospitals in the United States and serves a diverse patient population.

The Pharmacy Technician Training Program offered by Cincinnati Children’s provides a unique combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience within a hospital setting. This program is ideal for individuals seeking a career in healthcare and includes full-time paid training. Participants work alongside experienced pharmacy staff to gain practical skills and real-world experience.

The program focuses on key areas such as medication preparation and dispensing, sterile compounding, inventory management, and pharmacy technology systems. Participants also receive guidance on professional development and are well-prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam upon completion.

The Cleveland Clinic School of Pharmacy Technology, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a distinguished hospital-based pharmacy technician training program. As one of the few accredited programs of its kind in the United States, it offers a unique blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience within the Cleveland Clinic health system.

This full-time, one-year program combines online learning modules with practical training across various inpatient and outpatient pharmacy settings. Participants are employed as Pharmacy Technician Apprentices, receiving a salary and employee benefits while completing their coursework. The program is designed for individuals seeking comprehensive preparation for a pharmacy technician career in a hospital environment.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as drug therapy, pharmaceutical calculations, automation, and both sterile and non-sterile compounding. Apprentices gain experience in diverse areas, including ambulatory pharmacy, chemotherapy, controlled drug services, and specialty pharmacy.

Upon completion, graduates are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and may be considered for employment within the Cleveland Clinic Health System.

Columbus State Community College (CSCC) offers a two-semester Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program, starting in Autumn or Spring. The program combines classroom instruction with a 140-hour externship, providing practical experience in real-world pharmacy settings. Students must complete all courses with a grade of “C” or higher to qualify for the externship.

The curriculum includes key subjects such as pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and hands-on lab work. In the second semester, students participate in a community pharmacy practicum and pharmacy seminar, along with technical electives. Graduates are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) and meet state registration requirements.

Admission requirements include placement into ENGL 1100 and MATH 1025, a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Students must also complete a health record form, a background check, and register with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee before starting the practicum.

With a 92% first-attempt PTCE pass rate in 2022 and a 100% program completion rate, CSCC’s Pharmacy Technician Program provides a strong foundation for careers in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, meeting the growing demand for skilled pharmacy technicians.

Lakewood University offers a 16-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This program combines online coursework with hands-on experience, covering topics such as drug compounding, pharmaceutical terminology, patient interaction, pharmacy ethics, inventory control, and more.

Upon successful completion, students are prepared for entry-level positions in various pharmacy settings and are eligible to sit for the National Certification Exam. Graduates can also apply earned credits toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration at Lakewood University.

Prospective students must meet specific admission requirements, including possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrating English and math proficiency, and being aware of state-specific regulations regarding pharmacy technician practice. Additionally, applicants should be mindful that factors such as criminal background checks, drug use, and immunization status may impact future employment opportunities in this field.

North Central State College (NCSC), in partnership with the Pioneer Career and Technology Center, offers an online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. This program prepares students for certification by the Ohio Pharmacy Technical Board and can be a steppingstone to a career in pharmacy.

The program consists of two courses: Pharmacy Tech Training Part A and Part B. Part A focuses on medical terminology, medication classifications, pharmacy regulations, and aseptic techniques. Part B delves into drug calculations, pharmacy operations, and includes a 20-hour non-paid practicum at a local pharmacy. Upon completing both courses, students are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Students can also apply this certificate toward a Health Services Technology Associate Degree at NCSC, providing opportunities for further education and career advancement. Admission requirements include prerequisite coursework in English, Math, and Chemistry, or qualifying placement test scores. After enrolling at NCSC, students complete their registration through Pioneer Adult Education.

This flexible program offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals seeking a rewarding career in pharmacy while allowing for progression into advanced healthcare roles.

Ross Education offers a 36-week Pharmacy Technician training program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in various pharmacy settings, including community, retail, and hospital pharmacies. The program combines online coursework with hands-on training, covering essential topics such as pharmacy ethics and law, microbiology, pharmaceutical and medical terminology, dosages, and both trade and generic drug names.

A key component of the program is a six-week externship, where students gain real-world experience in a pharmacy setting. Ross Education facilitates externship placement, allowing students to apply their skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Upon successful completion, graduates are prepared to assist licensed pharmacists in tasks such as prescription preparation and distribution, inventory control, and compounding procedures. The program also emphasizes the importance of certification, highlighting that becoming certified demonstrates a commitment to the field and enhances employment prospects.

Prospective students can access the program through Ross College Sylvania, which offers a blended format combining online learning with on-campus laboratory sessions. This structure provides flexibility while ensuring comprehensive hands-on training essential for a career as a pharmacy technician.

The Scioto County Career Technical Center (SCCTC) offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). This 600-hour program spans approximately seven months, with classes held Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pharmacy math, medical terminology, pharmacy practice and lab work, and professional communication. Students gain practical experience using PioneerRx pharmacy management software, simulating real-world pharmacy operations.

Upon successful completion, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Additional certifications offered include CPR for Healthcare Providers and First Aid. The total cost of the program is $6,115.

Admission requirements include attending an informational meeting, providing a high school diploma or GED, arranging financial aid, and achieving specific scores on the WorkKeys assessment (Applied Math 4, Graphic Literacy 4, Workplace Documents 4). Prospective students should also be aware that certain criminal convictions may affect eligibility for certification exams.

Sinclair Community College offers a Pharmacy Technician Short-Term Technical Certificate (PHT.S.STC) designed to prepare students for roles in retail, hospital, nursing home, and home health care pharmacy settings.

The program requires 22-23 credit hours and includes core courses such as Pharmacy Technician I and II, a directed practice, and a pharmacy lab. Students also take courses in human biology or anatomy and physiology, along with a mathematics requirement tailored to health sciences.

The program features 80 hours of simulated lab work and 210 hours of directed practice in a pharmacy setting. Before starting the practicum, students must complete a background check, immunizations, and obtain Healthcare Professional CPR certification. A minimum grade of ‘C’ is required in all courses, and graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Examination.

This program provides comprehensive training for entry-level positions in various pharmacy environments, equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

The University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Trainee Program is a paid, 16-week training initiative that prepares participants to become State Registered Certified Pharmacy Technicians. Combining 500 hours of classroom instruction with hands-on experience, the program enables trainees to qualify for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Participants rotate through various hospital and community pharmacy settings, gaining comprehensive clinical experience.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check, and complete a phone or on-site interview. Candidates must also apply for Ohio Board of Pharmacy Trainee Licensure before starting, with a $25 application fee.

The program offers rotation opportunities at multiple University Hospitals locations, including UH Cleveland Medical Center, UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, and other regional sites. Graduates are well-prepared for pharmacy technician roles within the University Hospitals health system.