Pharmacy Technician

Graduates of this program understand the theory of pharmacy practice and are able to perform pharmacy tasks including receiving, interpreting, entering, and filling prescriptions. Graduates have been trained to use software programs to manage and process medications, and to understand medical terminology, medical law and ethics, patient confidentiality, and pharmacy math. They value honesty and integrity, feel compassion for patients, and are able to effectively communicate in a variety of situations.

• Retail Pharmacy
• Clinical Pharmacy

¹Minnesota residents must take PTN2873 Pharmacy Retail Practicum (2 credits) which includes a required on-site experience, instead of PTN2915 Pharmacy Virtual Practicum. Registration as a Pharmacy Technician is required by the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy in order to participate in the practicum experience. Registration must be completed by Week 1 or placement may be delayed. Rasmussen University will provide a one-time reimbursement to students for the registration fee.

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate and Healthcare Associate’s Degree – Pharmacy Technician Specialization meets or exceeds the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the states as displayed below. Not all states require licensure or certification for this profession. "Meets" means that the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification or that there is no license or certification. "Does Not Meet" means that the programs do not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification and prospective students located in these states cannot enroll in these programs. "Undetermined" means that Rasmussen makes no determination whether this program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure and prospective students located in these states cannot enroll in this program.

• Meets: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, WI, WY
• Does Not Meet: MA, ND, NV, OH, UT, VA, WA, WV
• Undetermined: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Each state determines its own requirements for licensure or certification as a pharmacy technician. In many states, the minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent, but employers may value educational attainment beyond the high school level. Other eligibility requirements may apply, including experience working in a pharmacy and passing a board-approved licensure examination. Please check with the board of pharmacy or equivalent agency in your state for further details as requirements may change at any time.

Any course with a practicum component at a hospital or clinical site may require the student to complete the full three-injection series of the Hepatitis B immunization and all other program-required immunizations prior to beginning the experience at the site.

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate is a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)-Recognized Education/Training program for technicians seeking to earn their PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential. Other requirements apply; graduation from this program does not guarantee qualification for the CPhT credential.

In addition to meeting all other acceptance requirements, applicants must successfully pass a background check through Rasmussen University’s chosen third-party vendor. An additional background check may also be required during active enrollment prior to practicum or clinical placement depending on site requirements. Any prospective student must also consider their history, lifestyle, and future actions before enrolling in this program, and carefully consider whether their actions may prevent them from attaining employment in the field they choose to pursue. Additional requirements, such as industry-specific training may be required to obtain employment in this field. Applicants for careers in this field may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks, and drug/or alcohol testing. Employment decisions, including whether to require background checks and other tests, are made at the discretion of the employer.

Developmental Education courses do not count toward total program credits and are not calculated in GPA. Students must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in Developmental Education courses through a Rasmussen University entrance placement exam, approved exemption based on previously completed coursework, or by passing Developmental Education courses.