Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Program
The Jump Start Pharmacy Technician Program at Holyoke Community College prepares students for success in one of the fastest-growing healthcare professions. This program combines classroom instruction and lab experience to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) national exam and begin a rewarding career in pharmacy services.
Program Overview
- Program Length: 10 weeks
- Schedule: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM –2PM
- Mode of Instruction: Hybrid at Holyoke Community College
- Tuition:
- Free of charge for students actively receiving SNAP, TAFDC, or other eligible benefits
- $2,800 for students not receiving benefits (bank check or credit card accepted)
- Employment Support: Upon program completion, students receive career guidance and resources to help secure employment in the pharmacy field
- Certification Preparation: Includes administrative support for:
- Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician in Training application
- PTCB exam registration and scheduling
- Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License application
Disclaimer: Program details are subject to change. Please contact the Jump Start office for the most up-to-date information.
Get Started
Ready to begin your journey as a Pharmacy Technician?
👉 Complete the Jump Start Inquiry Form here
Program Description
This intensive 10 week program provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. The curriculum blends lectures, lab sessions, and hands-on learning to prepare students for both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and real-world pharmacy environments.
Key areas of study include:
- Fundamentals of pharmacy operations and medical terminology
- Drug classifications and dosage forms
- Federal and state pharmacy laws and regulations
- Prescription entry and processing
- Quality assurance and medication safety
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Inventory control, insurance billing, and recordkeeping
- Professional communication and customer service in healthcare settings
Throughout the program, students complete structured class and lab hours to gain practical experience and develop the technical and administrative skills needed for pharmacy practice.
Certifications Earned
Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible to:
- Sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Exam
- Apply for a Massachusetts Pharmacy Technician License
Program Requirements
To enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Program, students must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a Massachusetts resident
- Hold a High School Diploma, HiSET, or GED
- Acceptable CORI/SORI background results
- Pass a drug screening
- Achieve a Level 5 score or higher on the ACT WorkKeys Assessments (Math, English, and Graphic Literacy)
Classroom & Attendance Requirements
To earn certification through Jump Start, students must:
- Maintain 100% punctuality
- Have no more than four absences during the program
- Maintain a minimum class average of 80%
- Successfully complete all required lab hours and coursework
Career Outlook – Pharmacy Technician Program
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program are prepared for national certification and entry-level employment in both retail and clinical pharmacy environments. Pharmacy Technicians play a critical role in ensuring safe and accurate medication dispensing under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Common Job Titles:
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Retail or Hospital Pharmacy Technician
- Compounding Technician
- Inventory Specialist
Employment Settings:
- Community and retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)
- Hospitals and health systems
- Long-term care and rehabilitation centers
- Specialty or mail-order pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical companies and research labs
Job Outlook:
The demand for Pharmacy Technicians continues to rise steadily as pharmacies expand their clinical services and healthcare needs increase. Certification and hands-on training through Jump Start provide a competitive advantage in the job market.
