Pharmacy Technician Short-Term Certificate

Become a Pharmacy Technician. Depending on the state and pharmacy setting, pharmacy technicians (PT) work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and may verify and prepare prescriptions and compounding medications, maintain drug supply, establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claims and much more. Pharmacy Technicians are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, home infusion companies and retail pharmacies.

Length of Program

Certificate programs are held over the course of just 10 weeks, with evening classes held weekly. To learn more about the upcoming program sessions check out the schedule or call (515) 643-6738.

Clinical Training

Upon successful completion of the classroom training (with a grade of “C” or better), each student will be placed for a 40 hour externship experience in either the hospital or retail setting. Students will be assigned by the instructor to a preceptor and the 40 hours may be completed over 4 weeks to accommodate schedules. The externship provides an opportunity to apply the concepts learned in the classroom to a retail/hospital setting, and offers valuable real-world experience.

Expected Level of Income

In Des Moines, Iowa, the pay rate for a pharmacy technician varies from $10 to $11 per hour ($20,800 to $22,880 annually).National licensure can enhance career mobility and income potential.