Tennessee Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

Chattanooga State Community College offers a Pharmacy Technology program designed to prepare students for roles as pharmacy technicians in various healthcare settings. The program is divided into two levels:

1. Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology Certificate: This program can be completed in one semester and includes didactic, simulation, and experiential coursework, with 130 clinical rotation hours.
2. Advanced Pharmacy Technology Technical Certificate: After completing the entry-level certificate, students can progress to this advanced program, which requires an additional semester.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy practice, medication preparation, and IV solution constitution. Graduates are prepared to assist pharmacists in providing optimal pharmaceutical care to patients. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), ensuring adherence to industry standards.

Columbia State Community College offers a 50-hour online Pharmacy Technician Program designed to prepare students for roles in pharmacy settings, such as retail, hospital, and institutional pharmacies, as well as for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) national certification exam. The program covers essential areas, including pharmacy history, technician roles and regulations, drug classifications, and pharmacy calculations. In addition, students receive training in prescription interpretation, inventory management, and sterile product handling.

The curriculum emphasizes key skills like pharmacy-specific calculations, handling of drug formulations, and understanding top brand and generic medications. The program also includes instruction in parenteral and compounding techniques to ensure students are prepared for diverse responsibilities as pharmacy technicians.

Upon completion, students are eligible to take the PTCB certification exam.

East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development offers a three-month Pharmacy Technician Certification Training Course designed to equip participants with the skills necessary to assist pharmacists in handling medications and serving patients. The course prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) examination, leading to national certification.

The program includes comprehensive training in areas such as medication preparation, pharmacy law, and customer service. Classes are held twice a week in the evenings, accommodating working professionals. The course is non-credit and open to the general public, with a registration fee that includes the textbook. Participants are required to bring a four-function calculator and notebook to class.

Instruction is provided by experienced professionals, with over 15 years of experience in retail and hospital pharmacy. Financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) may be available for eligible individuals. The PTCB exam requires a separate fee.

Southwest Tennessee Community College offers a two-semester Pharmacy Technology Technical Certificate program, commencing each fall and spring. The program combines classroom instruction with practical experience, preparing students to assist pharmacists in tasks such as medication dispensing and patient record maintenance. Students participate in assigned pharmacy rotations, gaining hands-on experience in various settings. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring adherence to industry standards.

The curriculum includes courses like Introduction to Pharmacy Operations, Structure and Function of Body Systems, Sterile Products, and Pharmacology. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all courses to progress. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the State of Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and pursue national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Southwest utilizes PioneerRx software in its lab facilities, providing students with experience using tools prevalent in the industry.

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Memphis offers a 12-month Pharmacy Technician program designed to train students for employment in various pharmacy settings, including retail and wholesale pharmacies, home health care, and long-term care facilities. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory experience, covering areas such as medication preparation, prescription processing, reconstitution, and IV preparation. Students will perform as pharmacy technicians or assistants under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

The curriculum is divided into three trimesters, encompassing courses like Pharmacy Math, Pharmacy Practice and Lab, Pharmacology, Law Ethics and HIPAA, and Clinical Training with PTCE Exam Preparation. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade of “C” in all courses to progress. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the State of Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and pursue national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

TCAT Memphis utilizes PioneerRx software in its lab facilities, providing students with experience using tools prevalent in the industry.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a 10-week Pharmacy Technician Academy designed to equip students with the necessary skills to become certified pharmacy technicians. The program combines in-depth classroom lectures with hands-on training, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

The curriculum covers essential topics such as dosage calculations, drug classifications, compounding, pharmacy-specific medical terminology, and the handling of sterile products. Students also have the option to participate in a clinical externship at a local medical facility, providing real-world experience and the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and patients.

Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to sit for the PTCE, with the exam fee included in the course tuition. UTC’s Pharmacy Technician Academy is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as an education program, ensuring that the training aligns with industry standards.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Pharmacy offers an online Pharmacy Technician Training Program designed to prepare current and aspiring pharmacy technicians for success in a range of pharmacy settings. This self-paced, 100% online program provides learners with the flexibility to complete their training at their own convenience. The program is intended to be completed in approximately 12 weeks, though learners have access to course materials for up to 6 months from the start date.

The program includes around 164 hours of coursework covering key topics such as medication preparation, pharmacologic classifications, billing procedures, inventory management, and sterile and non-sterile compounding. Assessments are integrated throughout the program, with learners required to achieve minimum passing scores of 80% on unit exams and the midterm, and 75% on the final exam. Completing the program successfully makes participants eligible for a certification exam voucher for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

This program aims to provide thorough preparation for the PTCE, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the workforce as competent pharmacy technicians. Experienced faculty members provide support throughout the course, ensuring that learners are well-prepared to take on their roles confidently upon completion.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is a leading healthcare institution known for its commitment to medical education, patient care, and research. VUMC offers a variety of training programs aimed at preparing healthcare professionals for successful careers.

VUMC offers a 14-week Pharmacy Technician Training Program that combines:

• 10 weeks of classroom and simulated lab instruction
• 4 weeks of clinical rotations at various VUMC pharmacy sites

Trainees receive an hourly wage throughout the program, and tuition costs are covered by VUMC. Upon completion, participants are expected to commit to a full-time pharmacy technician position at VUMC for at least one year.

The program prepares graduates to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and provides practical experience in diverse pharmacy settings.

Volunteer State Community College (Vol State) offers a 100% online Pharmacy Technician Training Program designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. The program provides flexibility for learners to study at their own pace, making it suitable for individuals balancing various commitments.

The curriculum covers essential topics, including federal and state pharmacy laws, ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, communication skills, insurance and inventory procedures, and clinical rotations. Students also have the opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship with a leading pharmacy chain, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings.

Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to pursue certification and employment as pharmacy technicians in various healthcare environments. The program is led by experienced instructors, such as Melissa Dunworth, a certified pharmacy technician since 1997, and Dr. Betty Stahl, who holds a doctorate in pharmacy and has extensive teaching and professional experience.

Walters State Community College offers an Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology Technical Certificate designed to prepare students for roles as pharmacy technicians in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. The program is structured to be completed in one semester and provides students with a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experience to ensure they are job-ready upon graduation.

The curriculum covers essential areas such as pharmacy practice, medication preparation, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology, and customer service skills. Students gain practical knowledge in handling prescriptions, inventory management, and understanding drug classifications. The program also includes a clinical rotation component, where students work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists, gaining real-world experience in a professional pharmacy setting.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification exam to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. This certification enhances their employability and ensures they meet the industry standards required to assist pharmacists in providing optimal pharmaceutical care to patients.