Pharmacy Technician Training Program (PTTP)

Pharmacy Technician preparing a pharmacy order

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
    • 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

    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.

    Questions?