Certified Pharmacy Technician Program   

This comprehensive 80 hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.

Course content includes: pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names.  Through classroom lecture and hands on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement. 

Student Prerequisites
Students must be a minimum 18 years of age and must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. There are no prerequisites; however, students should possess competency in high school algebra and science, along with basic computer operations and computer literacy. Prior sitting for the national exam, students will need to pass a criminal background check.

Completion and Certification Exam
Certificate of Completion will be awarded after successful completion of the course, which will enable you to sit for the PTCB Certification exam. The exam is taken and paid for separately ($129.) Many employers prefer trainees to take the exam after working for up to six months.

Class Expectations
This is a college-level, accelerated program. There will be extensive reading and homework to be completed outside of class. Full preparation before class and participation in each discussion, quiz, and lab exercise is required. Attendance and punctuality are graded components of class. If deemed necessary, class may occasionally be held in an online forum, such as Zoom. Therefore, online access via computer or tablet (not phone) is also a requirement.

Application and Resume
Click here to print application or you may pick up a copy in person at the college: 1115 N. Roberts, Room 113. Once your completed application is submitted, you will be notified of acceptance within 3 days. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Payment Information
Because this is a career training and not for college credits, the program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Certain aid programs may be available to those who qualify. If you are unable to pay in full when your application is accepted, you may choose to make a 10% deposit ($149) which is non-refundable and non-transferrable (good only toward the class for which you are registering). This will hold your seat until the payment deadline.

Need more information?

Link to U.S. Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics website

Our office:
1115 North Roberts - Room 113
Helena, Montana 59601
Monday - Friday; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Administrative Associate Julie Adams
406-447-6946
E-mail: Julie.Adams@helenacollege.edu

Summary of Important Dates