Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists and patients in both retail and hospital settings. Job duties include dispensing prescription drugs and other medical devices. Pharmacy Technicians may also perform administrative duties in pharmaceutical practice, such as reviewing prescription requests with doctor's offices and insurance companies.

Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 20 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $32,920 in May 2018.

Class Overview

The Kishwaukee College - Pharmacy Technician program is a non-credit program that consists of 72 hours of classroom instruction and 30- hours of hands-on, non-paid externship in a pharmacy (retail or hospital). The purpose of the course is to provide training in the professional skills required to function as a Pharmacy Technician and to prepare students to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE).

Due to the requirements of the profession, the following minimum abilities are expected of each student: at least a 10th grade Math and English (speaking and reading) level; psychomotor skills (eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity) and visual acuity (normal or corrected) sufficient for safe and successful practice of Pharmacy Technician duties.

Externship Overview

Externships are coordinated by Kishwaukee College-Community Education. Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from various externships sites. Drug testing, criminal background check and health insurance are required for externship placement.

Payment Plan/WIOA

The cost of the class is $1,200. This cost includes textbooks and supplies. Federal and State financial aid are not available to offset the cost the Pharmacy Technician program.  WIOA funding is available for those who qualify.  A payment plan is available. 

INFORMATION SESSIONS

Free Information Sessions will be held on November 13, 2019 and January 8, 2020 (6-7pm) in room A1221.

ORIENTATION SESSION

A mandatory Orientation Session will be held on January 14, 2020 7:00 pm-8:00 pm in Room C1251.  All students who are registered for the Spring 2020 session must attend the Orientation Session.

 Spring 2020 Pharmacy Technician program Information Sheet

 Spring 2020 Pharmacy Technician program flyer

Ways to Register

For general inquiries or questions, please email mgallagher1@kish.edu or call Melissa Gallagher at 815-825-9466.

Students must be at least 16 years of age to register for the Pharmacy Technician program.