This one-year daytime certificate, developed in cooperation with CVS, is designed to prepare students for work as pharmacy technicians in pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other settings. The curriculum includes math, general education, communication and customer-service skills, as well as pharmacology and pharmacy operations.

The pharmaceutical miracle of the last two decades, curing diseases and treating conditions for millions, has created more and more demand for prescription drugs.

The number of pharmacies and the number of prescriptions that need to be delivered are on the rise, and so is the demand for well-educated pharmacy technicians. As the demands on the profession of pharmacy increase, many of the former responsibilities of the pharmacist are delegated to the pharmacy technician.

These professionals assist the pharmacist to measure, prepare, and package medications, and carry out the important processes of recording and billing the prescriptions. Pharmacy technicians are licensed by the State, and require a solid educational preparation, as well as extensive experience in pharmacy work. The demand for qualified pharmacy technicians is strong in the Boston area, as well as in other parts of the country, and is predicted to grow over the coming years.

Pharmacy technicians work in the local drugstore, in regional and national pharmacy chains, and in hospitals and other health-care settings. Wherever prescription drugs are prepared, you will find pharmacy technicians at work. The work of a pharmacy technician combines health care, customer communication, and careful attention to detail in a clean and professional setting, with good compensation. A pharmacy technician training program, combined with work in a pharmacy, is a good way to get started along this career path.

Curriculum
The certificate program consists of eight required courses and one elective. The courses are taken over two semesters. The one-year certificate curriculum is designed to prepare well-educated pharmacy technicians, and to assist them in passing the national pharmacy technician examination (PTCB).

Facilities
Pharmacy courses are taught in a pharmacy laboratory at BFIT, designed by CVS and BFIT faculty especially for this program.

Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the certificate in Pharmacy Technology, the graduate will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of common pharmaceuticals that will be dealt with in everyday practice.

• Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals.

• Decipher and transcribe prescriptions from doctors as well as phone-in requests.

• Demonstrate the steps involved in the flow of prescriptions.

• Identify the location of all types of medications within the pharmacy.

• Locate over-the-counter medications, guide patients/customers through their
  decision-making process, and refer them to the pharmacist when necessary.

• Manage pharmacy inventory with regards to ordering, ensuring proper medication amounts, and arranging drug placement.

• Effectively operate pharmacy-specific software.

• Decipher and enter third-party information into the prescription database.

• Demonstrate non-verbal communication skills.

• Perform calculations specific to pharmacy practice.

• Retain the information taught during the year in order to pass the State and Nationally Certified pharmacy technician licensure exam.