Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in Georgia

Pharmacy Technician
Georgia offers fantastic prospects for Pharmacy Technicians. With advances in the medical field and with the geriatric section of the population growing, it bodes well for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. With a population of 10.79 million, statistics show that Georgia will have an estimated number of 13,950 employed pharmacy techs by 2030, an escalation from 11,240 in 2020. The BLS states that the average salary of a pharmacy technician per year is $34,220. If Georgia is the state you plan to pursue your Pharmacy Technician education then you have 24 schools to choose from, however going through each one of them means spending a lot of time. To start with we have ranked the 9 best ASHP accredited pharmacy technician schools in Georgia that are known for their academic excellence and supportive environment.

9 Best ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician Schools in Georgia for 2024

(Following is a list of schools offering the best pharmacy technician programs in Georgia)

#1. Atlanta Technical College - Atlanta

Description

Atlanta Technical College is an equal opportunity technical college located in Georgia, Atlanta. It was established in 1945 and enrolls 4,800 students each semester. The college offers morning and day schedules, hybrid and online classes. As a pharmacy technician graduate of this program you will be eligible to sit for the PTCB exam. The coursework includes topics such as Introduction to Healthcare, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Principles of Dispensing Medications, Principles of Sterile Medication and Preparation, Pharmacology, Advanced Pharmacy Technology and a Pharmacy technology Practicum. The campus provides an array of services for students including a childcare center, bookstore, restaurant, public transport, student lounges, a salon and barbershop too.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 4 semesters for the Diploma and 5 semesters for the Associate Degree


#2. Oconee Fall Line Technical College - Sandersville

Description

Oconee Fall Line Technical College is situated at Sandersville. It is a student-centered, career-driven, college that has a warm and supportive learning environment. Their approach is academic as well as hands-on. The students are encouraged to examine the theories and also have exciting opportunities to put what they learn into practice. The program gives the students a solid, advanced base of knowledge, skills, and experience. They also have a variety of clubs and activities which make the students involved in extracurricular activities. The college works with business and industry to make available customized training, to connect the graduates with optimal employment opportunities. Oconee Fall Line Technical Colleges Pharmacy Technology Certificate and Associate Degree programs are planned to help students get hold of the skills, knowledge, and attitudes for employment in a pharmacy. An array of clinical experiences is designed to combine theory and practice.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


#3. Albany Technical College - Albany

Description

Albany Technical College located in Albany, GA was founded in 1961 as a vocational technical school. A two-year public institution, the college is committed to providing higher education and life-long learning opportunities and boasts of 3000 full times and 2500 part time students. Albany Technical offers a degree and a diploma program in pharmacy technology. The programs are available at the Albany and Cuthbert campuses. The programs are designed at training graduates to perform pharmacy technician duties such as preparing and dispensing medicines under the supervision of a pharmacist at retail as well as hospital pharmacies across the state. The programs are available day and evening.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 54 hours for diploma and 63 hours for degree


#4. Central Georgia Technical College - Warner Robins

Description

Central Georgia Technical College, a community college founded in 1962 offers a diploma program in pharmacy technology at the Macon and Milledgeville campuses, beginning with the Fall semester. The programs are designed to prepare students with all the technical knowledge in order to perform drug dispensing duties in accordance with standard procedures and laws under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Coursework in this program includes pharmacy technology fundamentals, principles of dispensing medications, principles of sterile medication preparation and principles of sterile medication preparation. As part of the curriculum you will also have to undergo practicum training to gain real world experience. In addition to on campus tutoring an online tutoring service called Smart thinking is also available for students.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 56 Credit Hours for the Diploma


#5. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College - Valdosta

Description

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a unit of Technical College System of Georgia. Located in Valdosta, Georgia, it serves 11 counties in south central Georgia. Established in 1963, the college is one of the foremost colleges in the state. Wiregrass College has since conceptualized industry ready workforce training and strived towards providing innovative training programs. Its students have excelled in their chosen field with all the skills and knowledge they have gained by enrolling in various training programs offered by the college. Wiregrass offers a diploma program in Pharmacy Technology which begins every other semester at its Valdosta campus. This ASHP accredited program which includes clinical training prepares students for entry level pharmacy technician jobs. You will learn all the basic skills and knowledge required to work in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Coursework includes core pharmacy technology subjects like Medical Terminology, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Dispensing Medications and Sterile Medication Preparation.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


#6. Augusta Technical College - Augusta

Description

Augusta Technical College was instituted in 1961 and it remains dedicated to encouraging educational, economic, and community development in its service area. It has 4 campuses - Augusta, Grovetown, Thomson and Waynesboro. The College promotes the economic empowerment of its five-county region by concentrating on teaching and developing an experience for career advancement. Affordable, convenient, small class sizes and high job placement rate are the highlights of the college. The course-work includes - anatomy, physiology, first aid, pharmacy laws and ethics, drug interactions, medical abbreviations, and computers. The curriculum is designed to help you prepare for the PTCB exam.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


#7. Southern Crescent Technical College - Griffin

Description

Southern Crescent Technical College is a public, two year postsecondary college with two main campuses located in Georgia. In spite of being one of the largest colleges in the state, its competent and dedicated faculty gives individual attention to its students. The pharmacy technician program which is offered at the Griffin Campus is designed to prepare the graduates with entry level skills for a successful career in a retail pharmacy or a hospital pharmacy department. Beginning with the Fall semester, the program is offered day and evening. The Southern Technical College has awarded 43 scholarships for students enrolled in Fall 2017, amounting to $18,950.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 6 terms for the Associate Degree


#8. Ogeechee Technical College - Statesboro

Description

Located in Statesboro, the Ogeechee Technical College has had an extraordinary influence upon its community. In less than 30 years, it has placed thousands of graduates into productive and rewarding employment. The College has a strong loyalty to meet the needs of the region. It is a public institution of higher education which contributes to the educational, economic, and personal growth of the individual as well as the community. OTC promises you a student-centred educational and occupational program. The employ state-of-the-art facilities, support adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry workforce training. The pharmacy technician program comprises of - Pharmaceutical Calculations, Pharmacy Fundamentals, Principles of Dispensing Medications, Principles of Sterile Medication Preparations, Pharmacology , Pharmacy Practicum, and Advance Pharmacy Principles.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


#9. Columbus Technical College - Columbus

Description

Located at Columbus, the Columbus Technical College boasts of small class sizes, a devoted and highly-experienced staff, and a strong, constantly upgraded infrastructure to ensure that you have all the equipment necessary to meet your educational and career goals. The college boasts of a total job placement rate of approximately 97%. The College supports the economic empowerment of its 6 county region by training and developing a globally competitive workforce. They provide an environment of teamwork, unity, and investment dedicated to the greater good of the college and the communities. They endorse intellectual curiosity, commitment to study, personal and professional growth, and essential thinking that leads to lifelong learning.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


Programs Currently on Hold or Discontinued

Southeastern Technical College

Description

Southeastern Technical College is situated in southeast Georgia and is the primary public advanced educational institution. It serves Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, Johnson, Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs, and Treutlen Counties. They have campuses in Vidalia and Swainsboro. Southeastern Technical College provides a pioneering, enlightening environment for student education through traditional and distance education delivery methods which concentrate on structuring a well-educated, globally cut-throat workforce. They deliver excellent, student-centered, and affordable education and training. The Pharmacy Technology Program is a sequence of courses which prepares students for careers in the pharmacy field. The course-work includes Pharmacy Fundamentals, Principles of Dispensing Medications, Principles of Sterile Medication Preparations, and Pharmacology.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for certificate program and 2 years for the associate degree program


What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Georgia?

In Georgia, to become a Pharmacy Technician you need to get your license from the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. You do not need certification or training for you to be able to start working as a pharmacy technician.

Registration/Licensure Yes
Training No
Certification No
Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist Ratio1/2 to 1
Continuing Education No
Certification Maintenance No
(source: ptcb.org)

Education: To begin with you need a high school diploma or a GED to even consider a career as a pharmacy technician. In the state of Georgia there are no educational requirements that you have to fulfil to start working as a pharmacy technician. However getting yourself enrolled into an accredited certificate or diploma program can help you elbow out competition in the job market. You have two choices when it comes to deciding on your pharmacy technician education.

1) Completion of a pharmacy technician diploma program

2) Obtaining an associate degree in pharmacy technology

Certification: Georgia does not require pharmacy techs to be certified; however, it does make a distinction between one certified by PTCB and one who isnt. Certification helps you to nudge out competition and get a coveted job. In 2021, Georgia approximated 9,035 PTCB-certified technicians.

Licensure: It is mandatory that you obtain a license before commencing work as a Pharmacy Technician. The following are the requirements to apply for a license in Georgia:

1. You should be 17 years or older

2. Pass a criminal background evaluation

3. Submit a $100 application fee

4. A high school diploma or GED

It is vital that you renew your license on every odd numbered year.


Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician School in Georgia

Georgia offers numerous Pharmacy Technician training programs; you need to prioritize the significant elements that you are looking for in a program.

Accreditation: You need to opt for a program that is recognized by an agency such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ASHP. Accreditation ensures that a school steadfastly adheres to the professional standards set out by the Board, thus helping the student to fair well.

Type of Program: Pharmacy technician schools in Georgia offer certificate, diploma and associate degree programs. All the 3 programs enable you to carry out technical responsibilities related to the preparation and dispensing of drugs in keeping with the standard laws under the direction of a registered pharmacist. Once you have completed your program, you may sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.


Financial Aid

To apply for a loan, you need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application and Federal Student Aid) and Georgia Tech Application for Scholarships and Financial Aid (GTAPP); the school will then decide whether you are eligible for the grant.


Admission Requirements For Pharmacy Technician Schools in Georgia

Georgia has a remarkable selection of schools and colleges offering pharmacy technician programs. Lets look into the admission requirements of Albany Technical College:

1. Be at least 16 years of age.
2. Submit an application for admission online.
3. Submit proof of Lawful Presence in the United States and GA Residency
4. Tender a $25 application fee.
5. Submit your official high school or GED transcripts.
6. Submit either: ACCUPLACER, COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, or ACT test results


Employment Opportunities

You can seek employment at retail pharmacies, such as Cardinal Health; pharmacies at grocery and department stores - Walgreens, Walmart and CVC are big employers. Health care institutes such as - Emory healthcare, Gwinnete Medical Center and Piedmont healthcare offer excellent jobs as well. Diedre Moire is a leading recruiter of pharmacy techs as well. You may also look for jobs in the pharmaceutical industry and government agencies.


Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in Georgia

The average salary for pharmacy techs in Georgia is $34,220. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs is projected to rise enormously by 2030. Whats more, salaries may increase as well, given, an increasing demand for skilled Pharmacy Techs.

Pharmacy Technicians Currently Working in GA 10 Year Job GrowthAnnual Vacancies Average Starting Salary Average Annual Salary
20202030% Growth
13,26011,24013,95024.11%1,160$23,370$34,220



Pharmacy Technician Related Organizations in Georgia

Georgia Board of Pharmacy: The Georgia Board of Pharmacy was formed to promote, protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Georgia. The board is also responsible to issue licenses to qualified applicants.

Georgia Pharmacy Association: As a member of Georgia Pharmacy Association you will enjoy several benefits, including access to members only content, discounts on events and continuing education and networking opportunities at events like the annual convention, which they conduct, Pharmacists Day and regional meetings. You will also get legislative support on issues that matter.

Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists: The society was setup with a mission to help its members become better practitioners of pharmacy. It advocates for the cause of pharmacy practitioners welfare in the state of Georgia.


View Complete List of Pharmacy Technician Schools in Georgia

School NameLocationType Accredited Program Link
1Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlantaPublicYesVisit
2Albany Technical CollegeAlbanyPublicYesVisit
3Altierus Career College-Atlanta WestAtlantaPrivate not-for-profitNoVisit
4Ashworth CollegeN/AN/AYesVisit
5Augusta Technical CollegeAugustaPublicYesVisit
6Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner RobinsPublicYesVisit
7Columbus Technical CollegeColumbusPublicYesVisit
8Fortis College-SmyrnaSmyrnaPrivate for-profitNoVisit
9Georgia Northwestern Technical CollegeRomePublicNoVisit
10Lanier Technical CollegeOakwoodPublicNoVisit
11New Horizons Medical InstituteNorcrossPrivate for-profitNoVisit
12North Georgia Technical CollegeClarkesvillePublicNoVisit
13Oconee Fall Line Technical CollegeSandersvillePublicYesVisit
14Ogeechee Technical CollegeStatesboroPublicYesVisit
15Southeastern Technical CollegeVidaliaPublicYes
16Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffinPublicYesVisit
17Virginia College - AugustaAugustaPrivate for-profitYesVisit
18Virginia College - MaconMaconPrivate for-profitYes
19Virginia College - SavannahSavannahPrivate for-profitYes
20Virginia College-ColumbusColumbusPrivate for-profitNo
21Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdostaPublicYesVisit


Nearby States

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee

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