Beginning July 1, 2021, people interested in a pharmacy technician career can receive their training through the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. The School of Pharmacy’s Pharmacy Technician Education Program is open to those 18 years of age and older. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a drug screening and background check.
The program is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. The majority of the program content is online, with an additional 120 hours of externship. Even though the course content is housed online, the student has the advantage of creating a personal connection with the instructor via text or email, in addition to instructor feedback on all homework assignments. Experienced pharmacist and pharmacy educator, Judith Riffee, is the instructor. Riffee has had over 10 years of experience in teaching pharmacy technicians.
The course is self-paced and designed for the didactic portion to be completed in 20 weeks, although students may finish earlier. The School’s Pharmacy Technician Program comprises six modules consisting of recorded video, assessments, and homework. Included in the course assessments are competencies in mastering the Top 200 drugs within their study of therapeutic categories.
The externship portion of the course is coordinated through the Office of Experiential Learning of the WVU School of Pharmacy, utilizing preceptors who evaluate students in the workplace according to defined competencies.
Upon satisfactory completion of both the online and experiential portion of the course, students receive a certificate of completion through the WVU School of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Education. Should students desire to add to their credentials, they would be qualified to prepare and sit for the PTCB Certification Exam. Satisfactory completion at this level yields a nationally recognized certification for practice as a pharmacy technician and the opportunity to attain various specialty practice certifications via several PTCB specialty certification exams.
If interested in learning more about the Pharmacy Technician Education Training program, please contact Pharmacy Technician Enrollment Coordinator Brian Taylor, btaylor@rvhsolutions.com or 800-671-0331, or the School of Pharmacy’s Director of Continuing Education Dr. Ginger Scott, vscott@hsc.wvu.edu or 304-293-1553.
