Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP)
To learn more fill out the Interest Form
(To apply, please see "How to Apply" below)
Purpose of Training Program
Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) is a hybrid program that helps students train as pharmacy technicians and become certified through Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). PTTP is designed to train pharmacy technicians to better support pharmacists, to improve patient safety, reduce medication errors, and improve efficiency in the pharmacy, as well as helping pharmacies meet regulatory and training requirements. PTTP graduates are well trained to meet high quality performance standards and are prepared to pass state and national certification exams. Important topics covered in PTTP curriculum include: medication error prevention and safety, calculations, pharmacology, community pharmacy practice, institutional pharmacy practice, federal law, and state specific pharmacy law.
Requirements
- Meet Oregon-specific requirements for employment of pharmacy technicians
- See National and State requirements for the registration and licensure
- Be 18+ years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Pass English comprehension and math calculation pre-assessments
- Pass drug screening and background check
- Comply with OHSU immunization requirements
- Maintain active health insurance
January and April 2023 Cohorts
Tuition: $3500
Payment Options:
- $500 down prior to start date
- Remaining $3000 paid in full by week 4
Or
- $500 down prior to start date
- Remaining $3000 broken down into 5 monthly installments
July 2023 Cohort
Tuition: $3640
Payment Options:
- $500 down prior to start date
- Remaining $3140 paid in full by week 4
Or
- $500 down prior to start date
- Remaining $3140 broken down into 5 monthly installments
Included in Tuition:
- Books and simulation supplies
- One time PTCB voucher to complete National Certification Practice Exam
- One time PTCB attempt to complete National Certification Exam
- OHSU email account
- OHSU student badge
- OHSU scrub access
- TriMet Hop Fastpass
- Access to elective opportunities
Scholarships
Scholarship:
OHSU employees please inquire:OHSUPTTP@ohsu.edu
Professional Development Reimbursement Program (PDRP):
OHSU employees are encouraged to apply
Application Process:
Complete an application and submit the following documents:
- Copy of high school diploma or GED
- Resume
- Letter of Interest
- Letter of Recommendation (may be submitted by the author at OHSUPTTP@ohsu.edu)
Interview Process:
- Virtual interview with a selection committee
- Complete English comprehension and math calculation pre-assessments
- Background check
- Drug screen
Program Content
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a 400 hour program intended to be completed within 20 weeks
| 135 hours - Didactic | 53 hours - Simulation | 222 hours - Experiential |
|---|
Recruitment Timeline
| Task | January 2023 Cohort | April 2023 Cohort | July 2023 Cohort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Duration | 1/4/2023 - 5/24/2023 | 4/5/2023 - 8/19/2023 | 7/19/2023 - 11/30/2023 |
| Application Deadline | 10/28/2022 | 1/27/2023 | 4/28/2023 |
| Interview | 10/4/2022 - 11/4/2022 | 1/3/2023 - 2/4/2023 | 4/4/2023 - 5/6/2023 |
| Acceptance Letter | 11/14/2022 - 11/18/2022 | 2/13/2023 - 2/17/2023 | 5/15/2023 - 5/19/2023 |
| Background and Drug Screen | 11/29/2022 - 12/13/2022 | 2/28/2023 - 3/14/2023 | 5/30/2023 - 6/13/2023 |
| Onboarding | 12/13/2022 - 12/31/2022 | 3/14/2023 - 4/1/2023 | 6/13/2023 - 7/1/2023 |
| Start Date | 1/4/2023 | 4/5/2023 | 7/19/2023 |
Professional Requirements
- Oregon Board of Pharmacy (OBOP)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- PTTP graduates have 100% PTCB pass rate
Electives
- Optional opportunities to explore different pharmacy avenues
- Expansion of experiential hours
- Gain an understanding of pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities within the different pharmacy departments
Prospects for Employment and Salary Expectations
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, as fast as average for all occupations.
The population is aging, and older people typically use more prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, among all age groups also will lead to increased demand for prescription medications. Advances in pharmaceutical research will allow for more prescription medications to be used to fight diseases. The projected numeric change in employment from 2021 to 2031 is 22,400 jobs.
In addition, pharmacy technicians will be needed to take on a greater role in pharmacy operations because pharmacists are increasingly performing more patient care activities, such as giving flu shots. Technicians will need to perform tasks—such as collecting patient information, preparing more types of medications, and verifying the work of other technicians—that were previously done by pharmacists.
Summary facts for pharmacy technicians:
| National Average | Portland Metro Area Average | |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Median Pay: | $36,740 per year/ $17.66 per hour | $47,180 per year/ $22.68 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education: | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | None | None |
| On-the-job Training: | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Number of Jobs, 2018: | 447,300 | 2,700 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (visited October 3, 2022).
Mission Statement
OHSU Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) is designed to standardize the training process across the enterprise, enhance the quality of candidates in the workforce, and increase retention of our pharmacy technicians by providing access to training courses for career development.
