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. 

Pharmacy Technician preparing a pharmacy order

Cohort Information

Start Date End of July
Application Deadline 4/30/2024
Onboarding, Background, Drug Screen 5/2024 - 6/2024
Tuition* $4400

*Cost of tuition may vary by cohort and is subject to change at any time. 

Start Date First Week of February
Application Deadline 10/31/2024
Onboarding, Background, Drug Screen 11/2024 - 1/2025
Tuition* $4400

*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
  • 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 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

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

Tuition Payment Options

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
  • Professional Development Reimbursement Program (PDRP): OHSU employees are encouraged to apply

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 420 hour hybrid program that can be completed in 6 or 12 months.

135 hours - Didactic 53 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

Prospects for Employment and Salary Expectations

Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2031, 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 2022 to 2032 is 25,900 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:  $37,790 per year/ $18.17 per hour $48,580 per year/ $23.36 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:  459,600 2,750

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 December 4, 2023).

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.

Questions?