10 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in a Pharmacy Technician Program
Choosing the right pharmacy technician program can significantly impact your career trajectory in the pharmaceutical industry. With numerous options available-from community college certificates to hospital-based training-asking the right questions before enrollment is essential. This guide outlines ten critical questions to help you evaluate pharmacy technician programs and make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals, schedule, and financial situation.
1. Is the Program Accredited by ASHP/ACPE?
The gold standard for pharmacy technician education is accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in collaboration with the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets established quality standards for:
- Curriculum comprehensiveness
- Faculty qualifications
- Lab facilities
- Experiential training requirements
ASHP/ACPE-accredited programs typically offer more robust training and better prepare students for certification exams. While non-accredited programs may be less expensive or offer more flexible scheduling, employers increasingly prefer graduates from accredited programs.
Pro Tip: Verify a program’s accreditation status through the ASHP’s official directory of accredited pharmacy technician programs on its website.
2. What Are the Program’s PTCB Exam Pass Rates?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam is a crucial credential for most pharmacy technicians. Ask potential programs about:
- First-attempt pass rates for their graduates
- How these rates compare to the national average (currently around 70%)
- What exam preparation resources they provide
High pass rates indicate effective curriculum design and instruction. Be cautious of programs that don’t track or won’t share this information-it may signal poor outcomes they prefer not to disclose.
3. What Pharmacy Settings Will My Clinical Rotations Include?
Hands-on experience in diverse pharmacy settings is invaluable for your career development. Quality programs typically offer clinical rotations in multiple environments:
- Retail/community pharmacies
- Hospital inpatient pharmacies
- Specialty pharmacy settings
- Long-term care facilities
Ask about the total hours of clinical experience provided and whether the program helps secure these placements or if students must find their own. The best programs have established relationships with various pharmacy employers for student rotations.
4. What Laboratory Facilities and Technology Training Are Available?
Pharmacy technicians must be proficient with various technologies and equipment. Ask to tour the program’s lab facilities and inquire about training on:
- Automated dispensing systems (e.g., Pyxis, Omnicell)
- Electronic prescription processing software
- Sterile compounding equipment
- Medication packaging technology
- Inventory management systems
Modern, well-equipped labs suggest a program that keeps pace with industry developments and prepares students for the technological aspects of the profession.
5. What Are the Program’s Job Placement Rates and Employer Connections?
Career outcomes matter. Ask about:
- Percentage of graduates employed within 3-6 months
- Types of positions and settings where graduates typically work
- Starting salary ranges for recent graduates
- Employer partnerships for hiring program graduates
- Career services offered (resume workshops, interview preparation)
Strong employer connections often translate to better job opportunities upon graduation.
6. What Is the Total Program Cost, Including Hidden Expenses?
Understanding the complete financial picture prevents surprises later. Beyond tuition, ask about:
- Lab fees and technology access costs
- Textbooks and required materials
- Certification exam fees (if not included)
- Background check and drug testing requirements
- Uniforms or scrubs (if applicable)
- Immunization requirements and related costs
Also inquire about payment plans, financial aid eligibility, and any available scholarships specific to pharmacy technician students.
7. What Are the Program’s Scheduling Options and Time Commitments?
Pharmacy technician programs vary widely in format and time requirements. Clarify:
- Total program length (months/semesters)
- Part-time vs. full-time options
- Evening or weekend availability
- Online components vs. required in-person sessions
- Flexibility for working students
- Attendance policies and requirements
Finding a program that fits your current life circumstances increases your likelihood of successful completion.
8. Who Teaches in the Program and What Are Their Qualifications?
Instructor quality significantly impacts your educational experience. Ask about:
- Instructor credentials (registered pharmacists, certified pharmacy technicians)
- Their real-world pharmacy experience
- Faculty-to-student ratios in lab settings
- Availability for assistance outside class hours
- Industry connections and continuing involvement in pharmacy practice
Experienced instructors with current industry knowledge provide more relevant and practical education.
9. What Specific Pharmacy Skills Does the Curriculum Emphasize?
Pharmacy technician roles can vary across settings. Review the curriculum to ensure it covers:
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Medication safety protocols
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Insurance and billing procedures
- Inventory management
- Customer service skills
The curriculum should align with your career interests and prepare you for the specific pharmacy sector you plan to enter. Learn more about Pharmacy Technician Careers.
10. What Support Services Are Available for Students?
Success in pharmacy technician programs often depends on available support systems. Ask about:
- Tutoring services for challenging subjects
- Study groups for certification exam preparation
- Academic advising
- Job placement assistance
- Remediation options for struggling students
Strong support services can make the difference between struggling through a program and thriving in it.
Comparison of Key Program Features to Consider
| Feature | What to Look For | Red Flags |
| Accreditation | ASHP/ACPE accreditation | Unaccredited or “in process” for years |
| PTCB Pass Rate | 80%+ first-attempt pass rate | Undisclosed or below 60% |
| Clinical Hours | 200+ hours across multiple settings | Less than 120 hours or single-setting only |
| Cost | Transparent, comprehensive fee structure | Numerous undisclosed additional fees |
| Job Placement | 85%+ employment within 6 months | No tracking of graduate outcomes |
| Schedule | Options matching your availability | Inflexible, one-size-fits-all scheduling |
| Faculty | Licensed pharmacists with teaching experience | Instructors without current pharmacy practice |
| Curriculum | Comprehensive coverage of required competencies | Excessive focus on theory with minimal hands-on practice |
Be Prepared to Enroll in Your Pharmacy Tech Program
Taking the time to thoroughly investigate pharmacy technician programs before enrolling can save you time, money, and potential career setbacks. By asking these ten essential questions, you’ll gain clarity on which program best meets your needs and offers the strongest foundation for your pharmacy technician career. Remember that the lowest-cost or most convenient option isn’t always the best investment in your future-accreditation, quality instruction, and proven outcomes should weigh heavily in your decision.
