Pharmacy Technician Diploma

Program Overview

Major ID: 364D

Program Start Dates: Fall - General Education credits can be taken any term

Pharmacy technicians play an integral role in assisting pharmacists with medication dispensing. Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, drug stores, and other medical settings. Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of duties that require strong attention to detail. Pharmacy Technicians perform duties such as, entering prescription orders into the computer, preparing medications for pharmacist verification (including measuring and sometimes mixing the medication), maintaining accurate patient records, performing calculations, and providing customer service.

This program prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Career Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, drug stores, specialty pharmacies, and insurance company settings. Employment projections indicate an increase of 32% from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate personal and interpersonal knowledge and skills including conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.  
2. Evaluate the pharmacy technician’s role in the medication use process by performing calculations, adhering to laws, and knowledge of pharmacology.  
3. Prepare, process, and handle medication and medication orders using technology and accepted procedures in retail pharmacy and other entry level settings.  
4. Simulate patient care, quality and safety knowledge to support the pharmacist’s care process, including but not limited to: emergency preparedness, medication reconciliation, and point of care testing.  
5. Apply regulatory knowledge that abide by state and federal law, OSHA, NIOSH, and USP.  
6. Prepare to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.​ 

Program Faculty

Sabrina Hemmerling
sabrina.hemmerling@saintpaul.edu

Additional Program Material Costs

Students should expect to spend approximately $450.00 beyond the cost of tuition and fees for books, supplies, uniforms and professional fees. There are additional fees for the certification exam and Board of Pharmacy Registration (see below).

Licenses/Testing

• Certification Exam $129.00
• Minnesota Board of Pharmacy Registration $60

Program Guidelines

1. Attend required orientation session after program acceptance.
2. Must complete vaccination requirements directed by faculty at required program orientation session.
3. Must pass MN Department of Health and Human Services Background study.
4. Complete Basic Life Support for Healthcare provider (BLS) or CPR/First Aid before the end first semester pharmacy courses. 
5. Complete 10 panel drug screen.