NWC News Desk

Pharmacy technician training starts January 23 at Northwest College

Posted January 8, 2010
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POWELL, Wyo. - Big Horn residents can train to become pharmacy technicians in Saturday classes beginning Jan. 23 at the Northwest College Cody Center for Training and Development.

Pharmacy technician is one of the fastest growing occupations in healthcare. They assist pharmacists with mixing and packaging prescriptions, refer clients for counseling, handle inventory control and purchasing, as well as collect payments and coordinate billing.

According to the Department of Labor, the national average starting pay is $12-20 per hour.

The Pharmacy Technician Training program in Cody is offered through a partnership between Boston Reed College and the NWC Center for Training and Development. Students attend classes from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on most Saturdays from Jan. 23 through Aug. 28. In addition to classroom instruction, students also complete 120 hours in an externship.

Those who successfully complete the training receive a certificate, become eligible to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician and are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.

To be eligible for the program, students must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or its equivalent and be competent in basic computer operations. Access to the Internet, printing capabilities and an e-mail account is also required. Prior to placement in an externship, students must submit a resume and show proof of CPR training (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and a health examination that includes tuberculosis testing.

Cost to enroll in the program is $2,595, which encompasses books and consumable supplies. Financial assistance is available, including a limited number of fee waivers worth up to $2,000 for those who don't qualify for financial assistance from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Vocational Rehabilitation or other agencies.

For more information about this Pharmacy Technician training, call 307-587-3506 or follow the Pharmacy Technician link.