Pharmacy Technician Career Overview
Pharmacy technicians are critical members of the healthcare team and are essential to providing patients with safe and effective medication therapy. A pharmacy technician works closely with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in diverse settings such as hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. Technicians perform vital functions to support the patient care efforts of the pharmacy team with roles and responsibilities that continue to expand and evolve.
In hospitals and health systems, pharmacy technician jobs involve patient care. Pharmacy technicians in health care facilities, such as hospitals and ambulatory clinics, often have added responsibilities in addition to filling prescriptions for patients and delivering them daily. Responsibilities include preparing sterile medications, verifying the work of other technicians, and operating pharmacy automation systems. With additional training, activities may also include obtaining medication histories, facilitating transitions of care, diversion prevention, and medication assistance programs or supply chain management. If you’re the kind of person who likes working directly with patients and other healthcare providers and being an active part of a medical team, pharmacy technician jobs are a great choice.
Do you desire a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
VUMC Department of Pharmaceutical Services has a Pharmacy Technician Training Program that will not only prepare you for taking the national PTCE to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician, but will also provide experience through clinical rotations at a number of VUMC Pharmacy sites.
*Please note that illicit drug use, criminal background checks, and immunization status may prevent future employment as a pharmacy technician. Externship sites, employers, and State Boards of Pharmacy have regulations about drug use, criminal backgrounds, and immunization status.
To learn more about Pharmacy Technician allied health care professionals, including salary potential, please visit the following websites:
Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
American Society of Health System Pharmacists
Department of Labor Statistics
Graduation and PTCE Pass Rates
Overall Stats- 78.6% PTCE Pass Rate, 72.7% Program Completion (16 out of 22 Graduates)
Spring 2021- 100% PTCE pass rate, 83% Program Completion (5 out of 6 Graduates)
Fall 2021- 50% PTCE Pass Rate, 66.67% Program Completion (4 out of 6 Graduates)
Spring 2022- 80% PTCE Pass Rate, 62.5% Program Completion (5 out of 8 Graduates)
Fall 2022- PTCE Pass Rate Pending, 100% Program Completion (2 out of 2 Graduates)
Graduate Placement Into Pharmacy Positions
Overall-100%
Spring 2021- 100%
Fall 2021- 100%
Spring 2022- 100%
Fall 2022- 50%
Become a Pharmacy Technician at VUMC. What is it like?
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Program Structure
- 12 Weeks
- 8 weeks of classroom didactic and simulated lab learning. (0700 - 1530)
- 4 weeks of experiential clinical rotations at VUMC Pharmacy sites. (40 hours per week totaling 160 hours)
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Applications must be submitted prior to deadline for consideration
Failure to submit require documentation will result in points deducted from your final applicant ranking score.
*Please note that certain immunizations including but not limited to the COVID-19 vaccine are required for this program.
*employment or affiliation with VUMC does not guarantee an interview for and/or admission into the program.
Applications for Fall 2023 Will open soon!
Training Program Schedule
Fall 2023 Term start date TBD
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Be Paid to Learn!!!
Program will Provide:
- Program will pay an hourly rate of $16.50/hr. – 40hrs a week for 12 weeks
- Program will provide textbooks
- Program will provide BOP State Registration
- Program will provide 1 PTCE Exam
- Program will provide Job placement for successfully completing program
Students will be required to Provide the following:
- Laptop
- Gray Scrubs (at least 3 pair) – these will be worn daily for the 12 weeks
- Learning Supplies – Notebooks, pens, etc.
- Transportation
Must pass PTCB prior to end of program to be eligible for a permanent position with VUMC. Must meet all criteria for all open positions and be in good standing.
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The VUMC Pharmacy Technician Training Program office is located at the pharmacy administrative facility in Berry Hill. If you find that you need assistance, please leave a voice message or click on one of the names below to send us an e-mail at pharmtechtraining@vumc.org . We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have!
Our Faculty and Staff
Lindsey Storm, CSPT, CPhT, B.A - Program Director, Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Program Mailing Address: 762 Melrose Avenue, Nashville, TN 37211
Program Phone Number: (615)-322-6871
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Class of Spring 2021 Graduates
Class of Fall 2021 Graduates
Class of Spring 2022 Graduates
Class of Fall 2022 Graduates