Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP)
Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP) is a hybrid program that trains students as pharmacy technicians and prepares them to become certified through Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Students are trained to better support pharmacists, to improve patient safety, reduce medication errors, improve efficiency in the pharmacy, and help pharmacies meet regulatory and training requirements. Students 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 and hospital pharmacy practice, federal law, and state specific pharmacy law.
Cohort Information
February 2026 Cohort
| Start Date | First Week of February |
| Application Deadline | 10/31/2025 |
| Onboarding, Background, Drug Screen | 11/2025 - 1/2026 |
| Tuition* | $4,576 |
*Cost of tuition may vary by cohort and is subject to change at any time.
July 2026 Cohort
| Start Date | End of July |
| Application Deadline | 4/30/2026 |
| Onboarding, Background, Drug Screen | 5/2026 - 7/2026 |
| Tuition* | $4,760 |
*Cost of tuition may vary by cohort and is subject to change at any time.
February 2027 Cohort
| Start Date | First Week of February |
| Application Deadline | 10/31/2026 |
| Onboarding, Background, Drug Screen | 11/2026 - 1/2027 |
| Tuition* | $4,760 |
*Cost of tuition may vary by cohort and is subject to change at any time.
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
Application Process:
Complete an application and submit the following documents:
- Copy of high school diploma or GED
- Resume
- Letter of Recommendation (may be submitted by the author at OHSUPTTP@ohsu.edu)
- Personal Essay Minimum length: 350 words
- Instructions and writing tips are available on our FAQ Page
- Essay Prompt: Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in supporting pharmacists and ensuring patient safety. In your own words, describe what a pharmacy technician does. Then, explain what parts of the job appeal to you and why you’re interested in this career.
- Instructions and writing tips are available on our FAQ Page
Interview Process:
- Virtual interview with a selection committee
- Complete English comprehension and math calculation pre-assessments
- Background check
- Drug screen
Included in Tuition
- Books and simulation supplies
- One time PTCB Practice voucher for an official PTCB Practice Tool of your choice
- One time PTCB attempt to complete National Certification Exam
- TriMet Hop Fastpass
Tuition Payment Options
25% of total tuition down prior to start date with remaining tuition paid in full by week 4
or
25% of total tuition down prior to start date with remaining amount broken down into 6 monthly installments
- Scholarship: OHSU employees may qualify for the CWE Center PTTP Scholarship
Cost of tuition may vary by cohort and is subject to change at any time. Cost can be found in the Cohort Information section above.
Program Content
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a 440 hour hybrid program that can be completed in 6 or 12 months.
| 137 hours - Didactic | 80 hours - Simulation | 222 hours- Experiential |
|---|
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
Professional Requirements
- Oregon Board of Pharmacy (OBOP)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- PTTP students have 95% PTCB pass rate
Prospects for Employment and Salary Expectations
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than 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 2024 to 2034 is 31,500 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Median Pay: | $43,460 per year/ $20.90 per hour | $54,740 per year/ $26.32 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, 2024: | 490,400 | 2,740 |
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 September 9, 2025).
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38900.htm#29-0000 (visited September 9, 2025).
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.