• Pharmacy Technician

    In this course, students will develop the skills needed to perform the tasks of a pharmacy technician while developing communication skills in the mock pharmacy department. They will study medical and pharmaceutical terminology, learn pharmacy record keeping and pharmaceutical techniques, explore pharmacy law and ethics, learn pharmaceutical calculations through hands-on compounding of various medication forms such as capsules, lip balms, lollipops and others. Students will also gain practical experience by working in actual pharmacies.

    Young Pharmacy Techs Will Learn How to:
     
    • prepare prescribe medication   for patients
    • count tablets and measure  liquids
    • label bottles
    • verify the accuracy of  prescription information
    • price and file prescriptions
    • establish and maintain    patient profiles
    • prepare insurance forms
    • track the inventory of
     medications
    • compound prescriptions
    • weigh and measure   prescription ingredients           

    Career Opportunities
     
    Due to the increased medical needs of a larger and aging population, employment is expected to grow faster than average for all pharmaceutical occupations. 

  • According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians and aides is expected to increase by 25 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Cost-conscious insurers and healthcare systems will continue to emphasize the role of the technician.
     
    Pharmacy technicians may work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, chain drugstores, nursing homes, mail order facilities and nuclear medicine.
     
    Upon completion of the required training and exams, students will have the opportunity to be certified in CPR, Heart Saver/First Aid through the American Heart Association.

    Note: In New York State, special training and licensure are not necessary to work in a pharmacy. However, in some states, pharmacy techs are required to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
     
    College Agreements
     
    Upon completion of this course, students may receive college credits subject to the entrance requirements of each institution and any additional criteria necessary. Current college agreements include:

    • Monroe College
  • Pharmacy technician

    Pharmacy Technicians
     
    Work Experience Opportunities
     
    Students have the opportunity to reinforce what they are taught in the classroom by participating in a work-based learning or clinical experience at a healthcare facility or pharmacy such as:
     
    • Nassau University Medical Center
      (NUMC)
    • Walgreens Co.
    • various independent pharmacies
       such as Parkside Pharmacy,
       Shipmans Pharmacy and Kings 
       Pharmacy

  • Course available: Grades 11 or 12
    Course length: 1 or 2 years
    Placement: Regular
    Credits: Up to 4 CTE credits a year
    Admissions criteria: Strong basic math background
     
    Earning high school credits: Students completing this 2-year course may receive up to 8 CTE credits OR distributed credits* using either or both of the following:
     
    1.0 credit   Career and Financial Management
    0.5 credit   Health
     
    * Students completing 1 year of this 2-year course may receive up to 4 CTE credits OR distributed credits.

    Note: This course requires students to wear uniforms.