Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Techs Provide Crucial Health Care Support
Our program focuses on training you to be a competent, knowledgeable, and dependable pharmacy technician in a busy community retail or hospital pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a pharmacist, assists in day-to-day pharmacy operations. Pharmacy technicians work in hospitals or retail pharmacies receiving written prescriptions, taking prescription refill requests, preparing intravenous medications, operating computer and automation systems, applying prescription and auxiliary labels to medication bottles, pricing and controlling inventory, and preparing insurance claim forms.
Kirkwood has over $3 million available in scholarships each year — making your most affordable option even more affordable. Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the legal and ethical standards of the pharmacy technician profession.
- Explain the use and side effects of prescription and nonprescription medications used to treat common disease states.
- Identify and differentiate between key requirements or characteristics of prescriptions and medications.
- Perform the steps necessary to interpret and process a prescription order.
- Discuss the concepts behind the business of pharmacy, including billing, reimbursement, inventory management and information systems.
- Demonstrate proper preparation of both sterile and non-sterile compounding.
- Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Program Costs
Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program
School Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 16 | 15.5 | 31.5 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,472 | $3,363.50 | $6,835.50 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $83 | $150 | $233 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $480 | $0 | $480 |
| Course/Section Fees | $22 | $22 | $44 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $20 | $20 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $40 | $40 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,107 | $3,645.50 | $7,752.50 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Additional Program Requirements
To get into the Pharmacy Tech program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
- Watch the program conference video
Additional Information
Students in Kirkwood's Pharmacy Technician program are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of HOSA, a global student-led organization exclusively for students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions.
HOSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
Licensure and Certification
Successful completion of this program leads to a professional licensure or certification. View the state listing guide to identify which Kirkwood program fulfills state guidelines for professional licensure and certification.
Facilities
The Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center
The simulation pharmacy is an extension of the Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center, the first fully integrated multidisciplinary health care simulation center in the state of Iowa.
What career could this lead to?
Graduates with Pharmacy Technician diplomas can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers
Mission Statement
The mission of the Kirkwood Community College Pharmacy Technician Diploma Program is to prepare students to meet the health care needs of the community by providing exceptional training in a positive, non-discriminatory and supportive learning environment which ensures that graduates acquire the essential skills and knowledge to enter and succeed in the field of pharmacy.
Questions?
Katz Family Healthcare Simulation Center
2006 Linn Hall
319-398-1269
healthoccupations@kirkwood.edu