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Pennsylvania Pharmacy Tech School – PA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February 28th, 2010

Pharmacy Technician Education Programs in Pennsylvania

There are both certificate and associate degree programs offered by Pennsylvania pharmacy technician schools that prepare an individual for a career as a pharmacy technician.

While the requirements for each school and program may vary, as a general rule certificate programs take three semesters to complete and 40 credits to graduate. An associate degree program takes five semesters and takes 63- 64 credits to complete. A grade point average of 2.0 is mandatory if students are to remain in the program.

What types of courses are included in the curriculum for an associate degree?

• There are introductory courses in medical terminology and those that provide a basic understanding of pathology, anatomy, diagnostics and symptoms and biology.
• Computer literacy, since as part of their duties, a pharmacy technician must be proficient using computers and software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• There are several courses in pharmacology, or how various drugs act and their effects on the body’s systems.  An advanced course may cover pharmacology for cancer and infectious diseases.
• Pharmacy practices, including an overview course and one with more in depth study.
• Preparing drugs, including rules and laws that govern sterile preparation and quality assurance.
•  Courses in English composition, and mathematics for pharmaceuticals such as converting different measurement systems, calculating solutions and the dosage of drugs.
• Some programs also have a physical education requirement, and depending upon the institution, this requirement can be met by courses in aerobics, basketball, softball, racquetball, yoga, swimming, kickboxing, tennis, and other sports.
• An externship under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Pharmacy Techs in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie, Pennsylvania may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Albert Einstein Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospitals and Temple University Hospital.

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