Pharmacy Technician Trainee Program
Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Program at University Hospitals is an ASHP-accredited educational program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a pharmacy technician in various healthcare settings. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared to provide safe and effective medication-related services to patients under the supervision of licensed pharmacists.
Program Highlights:
- ASHP Accreditation: Our program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring that students receive high-quality education based on national standards for pharmacy technician training. This accreditation also enhances your eligibility for certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and state licensure.
- Curriculum Overview: The program covers a broad range of topics essential to the role of a pharmacy technician, including medication dispensing, drug therapy management, patient safety, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication inventory control. Students will gain a thorough understanding of both hospital and community pharmacy settings.
- Hands-on Experience: In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in supervised clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and mail order settings. These practical experiences allow students to apply their knowledge and develop critical skills in a real-world environment.
- Certification Preparation: The program is designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Successful completion of the program will ensure that students are well-equipped to pass the certification exams and begin their careers as certified pharmacy technicians.
- Job Placement Support: We provide ongoing career services to help graduates secure employment in a variety of pharmacy settings within University Hospitals.
Program Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program, graduates will be able to:
- Assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications.
- Provide exceptional customer service and patient care.
- Maintain medication inventory and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations, drug classifications, and medical terminology.
- Work collaboratively with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Application and Requirements
- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
- Students must be at least 18 years of age upon application
- Completion of a phone or on-site interview
- Successful background check
- Trainees are responsible for applying for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy Trainee Licensure prior to beginning. The application fee of $25 is the responsibility of the trainee.
Pharmacy Technician Information
- Pharmacy Technician Quick Facts
- Pharmacy Technician Employment and Wage Statistics
- Current University Hospitals Pharmacy Technician Employment Opportunities
2025 Classes
January 2025 - closed
June 2025 - closed
October 2025
Technician Stories
Chelsea Stenger, CPhT
Judith Hurless, CPhT
Justin Johnson, CPhT
Rotation Sites Available
- UH Cleveland Medical Center
- UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital
- UH Ahuja Medical Center
- UH Elyria Medical Center
- UH Geauga Medical Center
- UH Lake West Medical Center
- UH Parma Medical Center
- UH Portage Medical Center
- UH Samaritan Medical Center
- UH St. John Medical Center
- UH Tri-Point Medical Center
- Bolwell Health Center Pharmacy
- Gates Pharmacy
- Gerald Zlotnik Family Pharmacy/University Hospitals Rainbow Center Pharmacy
- UH Mentor Pharmacy
- Minoff Pharmacy
- UH Westlake Pharmacy
- Home Care/Home Delivery services
For More Information
Please email Chelsea Jones for more information about our program or how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the tuition cost?
-
Currently UH does not require tuition. This is an employer based apprenticeship program. Trainees are compensated for their in class and on site time.
- What is the uniform?
-
Trainees are provided with two uniform t-shirts that are required to be worn at rotation sites. Proper bottom attire is provided by the trainees (scrub pants of any color, khakis, dress slacks, etc). Closed toed shoes are required for all pharmacy settings.
- What are the current graduation and passing rates?
-
Graduation Rates *Updated December 2024 Cohort Accepted Graduated Cohort 2 (Dec. 2020)
5
3
Cohort 3 (May 2021)
8
6
Cohort 4 (Sept. 2021)
8
6
Cohort 5 (Jan. 2022)
20
18
Cohort 6 (May 2022)
18
17
Cohort 7 (Aug. 2022)
17
12
Cohort 8 (Jan. 2023)
9
6
Cohort 9 (May 2023)
7
6
Cohort 10 (December 2023)
14
10
Cohort 11 (April 2024)
20
10
Cohort 12 (September 2024)
16
PTCB Tests *Updated December 2024 Cohort Tested Passed Cohort 2
3
3
Cohort 3
6
5
Cohort 4
6
6
Cohort 5
17
8
Cohort 6
17
7*
Cohort 7
9
3*
Cohort 8
5
5
Cohort 9
6
4
Cohort 10
10
8
Cohort 11
16
8*
*Still testing
- What is the schedule?
-
Class days are Monday-Wednesday mornings. Rotation site schedules can vary depending on where trainees are assigned.
- Can I choose my rotation site?
-
No. Rotation sites are assigned at random.
- Is there travel involved?
-
Yes. Trainees must attend class in person at UH Cleveland Medical Center main campus and have reliable transportation to their assigned rotation site.