• Medical Training Institute of New York
pharmacist smiling

Pharmacy Technician I (Entry Level)

Course Overview

Information for Pharmacy Technician I

The Pharmacy Technician program at MTI trains students for entry-level roles assisting licensed pharmacists. Students learn pharmacy computing, medication preparation, inventory management, billing, and customer care. The curriculum includes lectures, labs, and a supervised externship in a clinical setting to develop practical skills. Graduates who complete the program and externship will be prepared to seek employment as Pharmacy Technician I

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy Technicians work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics, assisting Pharmacists by filling prescriptions, managing inventory, and helping customers. They handle stock orders, process prescription requests, and update customer information, ensuring accurate and efficient service.

Skills and Qualifications

Successful Pharmacy Technicians possess:

  • Strong organizational, time management, and customer service skills
  • Attention to detail and ability to work in fast-paced environments
  • Knowledge of sterile and non-sterile compounding techniques, including USP 797 standards

Entry-Level Responsibilities

  • Prepare and compound sterile and non-sterile medications
  • Measure and mix ingredients accurately
  • Use proper techniques and equipment to ensure safety and quality

Community Practice Settings

This course prepares students for roles in retail and ambulatory care pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens). Training includes:

  • Prescription interpretation and the top 100 drugs
  • Inventory and procurement management
  • Recordkeeping for prescriptions and third-party reimbursement
  • Basics of non-sterile compounding

Program Summary

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • Orientation to Pharmacy Practice
  • Medical Terminology/Vocabulary
  • Pharmacy Calculations
  • Communication Skills in Pharmacy
  • Pharmacy Law
  • Community Practice, Pharmacy, Record and Inventory Management
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Pharmacology I &II
  • Applied Pharmacy Technology I&II
  • Admixture and Aseptic Technique I&II
  • Pharmacy Ethics
  • Pharmacy Insurance Billing
  • Pharmacy Internship
  • PTCB Exam Review and Prep

WHO WILL BENEFIT

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Those Considering Pharmacy School

If your goal is to become a Pharmacist, starting out as a Pharmacy Technician is a great opportunity to explore the Pharmacy field. You'll get the chance to work alongside Registered Pharmacist and PharmDs’ (Doctor of Pharmacist) in a variety of healthcare settings, earning invaluable experience and skills along the way.

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Aspiring Medical Professionals

Working as a Pharmacy Technician gives many of us our first taste of working in the medical field. You might gain inspiration to continue that career path and get a more in-depth understanding of the medical world. It's okay to share this desire with your interviewer. It shows your dedication to the field and a willingness to learn

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Job Stability

Pharmacy technician jobs number around 422,000 in the U.S., with a projected 4% growth over the next decade, matching the national average. The demand for pharmacy technicians is driven by an aging population, increased chronic diseases, and advances in pharmaceuticals.

As pharmacists take on more patient care tasks, pharmacy technicians will play a larger role in pharmacy operations, including collecting patient information and preparing medications. This shift is expected to increase job opportunities.

Entry-level pharmacy technicians earn an average salary of $30,247 per year, with potential for higher pay with additional credentials or specialized training. Those working in settings like retail or long-term care may also earn more depending on their responsibilities and additional certifications.

THE MTI ADVANTAGE

  • State-of-the-Art Cleanrooms- UPS 797 and UPS 800
  • Experience Faculty and Staff
  • 100% Medical and Healthcare Programs
  • State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment’s
  • All instructors are Practitioners in their field
  • Workshops to enter the Workforce
  • Guaranteed Internships/Externships (Hands-on Training)
  • Affiliated with top Hospitals and clinics, Pharmacy Stores
  • Career Development Skill
  • Job placement Assistant

Spring 2025

March 12, 2025

Total hours: 400

Day, Evening, Weekend Options

Weekdays: 20 Weeks Weekends: 25 Weeks

Weekdays: 20 hours Weekends: 16 hours

Tuition Cost: $2,800

Total Program Cost: $3,945

Apply Now

Summer 2025

June 4, 2025

Total hours: 400

Day, Evening, Weekend Options

Weekdays: 20 Weeks Weekends: 25 Weeks

Weekdays: 20 hours Weekends: 16 hours

Tuition Cost: $2,800

Total Program Cost: $3,945

Apply Now

Schedule of Sessions Options

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Morning Schedule

The day program is 20 weeks long. Students attend classes 20 hours a week attending classes Monday through Friday.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Evening Schedule

The evening program is 20 weeks long. Students complete 20 hours a week attending classes Monday through Friday.

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Weekend Schedule

The weekend program is 25 weeks long, where students complete 16 hours a week attending classes on Saturday and Sunday.

Frequently asked questions about Pharmacy Technician

What is the difference between a Pharmacy Technician and a Pharmacist?
The difference between a Pharmacy Technician and a Pharmacist lies in their education requirements, subsequent job responsibilities and levels of seniority. For example, Pharmacists typically earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree before passing a licensure exam and completing a residency period. In contrast, Pharmacy Technicians usually earn an associate degree or a one-year degree from a pharmacy diploma program. Because of their differences in education, Pharmacists hold more seniority and typically delegate tasks among Pharmacy Technicians and other personnel. Further, Pharmacists have the qualifications to provide insightful advice to customers regarding their current prescriptions, symptoms and additional medications or food items that they shouldn’t consume with their prescriptions.  
What are the daily duties of a Pharmacy Technician?
On a typical day, a Pharmacy Technician starts by reviewing incoming order requests from Physicians in the local area. They also check the pharmacy’s voicemail to review missed messages from pharmaceutical companies, customers or Physicians. Throughout the day, Pharmacy Technicians work with pharmacy personnel to retrieve the correct medication and dosage amount to fill prescription orders.  They interact with customers at the service counter or at the pharmacy’s drive-through to check on prescription orders and retrieve ready prescriptions. Pharmacy Technicians may also provide customers with information regarding their prescription, like the correct time to take their medication.
What qualities make a good Pharmacy Technician?
A good Pharmacy Technician has a personable nature that allows them to deliver excellent customer service to pharmacy customers. They make an effort to greet customers in a friendly manner and answer their questions, whether they need to refer to the Pharmacist or inquire with their Physician. Further, a good Pharmacy Technician enjoys working as part of a team and helps their coworkers by filling in when they’re sick or taking on additional responsibilities to maintain pharmacy operations. A good Pharmacy Technician should also have an ethical code that enables them to deny customers additional medications or advanced prescription refills. 
Who does a Pharmacy Technician report to?
A Pharmacy Technician typically reports directly to the Pharmacist or Head Pharmacist to complete tasks and receive directions. In larger pharmacies, Pharmacy Technicians may report to a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor. Pharmacists who work within hospitals or healthcare facilities may report directly to the Facility Manager.
What certification will I be taking?
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)