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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there should be more than 70,700 new openings for pharmacy technicians by the year 2022. That amounts to nearly 20% employment growth, much faster than the average for all professions!
Be a part of 
Northeastern Illinois University
Become a Pharmacy Technican Today! 
Free Info Session on 6/05/2019
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For immediate questions, contact MK Education at
630.541.3600 X 8606

Prerequisites

  • High School diploma or GED

  • At least 18 years of age for the Externship Program.

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Certifications

This course prepares students for TWO national certification exams:

  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB),

  • Exam for the Certified Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) - National HealthCareer Association (NHA)
     

What you should know about PTCB Certification

  • PTCB has certified more than 500,000 pharmacy technicians in the United States.

  • PTCB develops, maintains, promotes, and administers a nationally accredited certification and recertification program for pharmacy technicians to enable the most effective support of pharmacists to advance patient safety. The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

  • The Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential from PTCB provides you with validated achievement and knowledge, and may lead to improved employment opportunities, potential for higher salary, career growth, and prestige among coworkers.

  • The PTCE is administered at more than 350 Pearson Professional Centers and military test centers nationwide.

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What you should know about NHA Certification

  • NHA has certified more than 450,000 allied health professionals in the last 25 years.

  • When you pass the ExCPT exam, you'll earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician and can use the designation CPhT after your name. The CPhT distinction is often recognized by employers and can help start or enhance a career in many pharmacy settings.

  • The ExCPT exam is administered at hundreds of locations nationwide to make the exam experience convenient for you.

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Externship Program​

The externship serves as working experience, as well as a reference for future employment. As part of the program, students receive hands-on-training by completing a 120 clock-hour externship at a local pharmacy through MK Education.

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MK Education has established relationships with pharmacies (both retail and hospital sites) nationwide to provide potential opportunities to complete this externship for all students.

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State Requirements

A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state.

 

For more information, contact MK Education
Phone: 630-541-3600  ext. 8606
Email: marketing@mkedu.org

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Pharmacy Technician Training Course

As a certified pharmacy technician, you are the liaison between medical professionals, doctors, pharmacists, insurance companies and patients. You will receive and verify prescriptions and prepare patient medication.

 

With Northeastern Illinois University’s Pharmacy Technician program in partnership with MK Education, make it possible for you to build on your existing career rather than start a new one from scratch—and we help you do it around the busy work schedule and family obligations you already have.

 

Our Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to help you advance your current health care career or to find entry-level employment in this field. 


 

Course Details

The length of the course is typically 5 - 6 months, including externship. It is comprised of 180 hours in didactics (online and in-class) and 120 hours of externship, totalling 300 hours.
 

​This course will prepare you to

  • assist pharmacists in preparing medications for patients;

  • perform mathematical calculations;

  • demonstrate a basic knowledge of medications;

  • demonstrate an understanding of how medications work;

  • have a basic understanding of drug interactions;

  • have an understanding of the process of stocking and inventorying medications;

  • have a basic understanding of common disease states.

 

Topics Covered Include

  • Pharmacy Law

  • Pharmacy Practice

  • The Human Body

  • Drug Classifications

  • Drug Information

  • Communication

  • Pharmaceutics and Kinetics

  • Medication Dosage Forms

  • Sterile Processing

  • Medication Errors

  • Disease States

  • Billing and Insurance

  • Pharmacy Calculations

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Financial Assistance

This program is eligible for financial assistance under the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA). Certain eligibility requirements apply. 
 

Payment Plans and student loans through Sallie Mae are also available for this program.

For more info on tuition assistance, contact NEIU at (773) 442-5080. 

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