Pharmacy Technician

The mission of this program is to prepare students for employment in all aspects of Pharmacy Technician Practice Settings.

This program is offered in a competency based traditional classroom environment and is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). The program is also approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. Classes are offered on the Main Campus for adult students and offered on both Main and Avalon Campuses for dual enrollment students. Graduates who wish to work as Pharmacy Technicians in the State of Florida must register with the Board of Pharmacy in accordance with Florida Statute 465.014. Supervised externships in pharmacy settings are an essential component of the program, providing students with real world experience in retail, specialty, and hospital environments. All students are required to complete criminal history screening and drug testing prior to program entry and again before beginning their externship.

Training includes a comprehensive range of topics essential to pharmacy practice, including: medical terminology, pharmacology and drug classifications, pharmacy law and regulatory compliance, pharmaceutical compounding, sterile technique, IV preparation, and chemotherapy handling, medication delivery systems and unit‑dose packaging, patient record systems and prescription processing, pharmacy calculations, medication purchasing, receiving, and inventory management, pharmaceutical automation and technology, computer applications in pharmacy practice, employability, leadership, and professional communication skills. This curriculum ensures that students develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies required for success in modern pharmacy environments.

Program Schedule

• 1050 Hrs

Program Cost

• Please refer to the Orange Technical College Student Fees, 2026–2027 (All fees are subject to change without notice)

Program Structure

Occupational Completion Points (OCPs) - The Pharmacy Technician program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of two Occupational Completion Points. OCPs provide a student with early completion training options linked to employment opportunities established by the Florida Department of Education based on the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system and accepted industry titles. Academic skill level required to complete program: Grade 10 language, reading, and grade 11 math.

*OCP A, Basic Healthcare Worker, is the foundation of the majority of health-related programs of study. If the student has high school credit for Health Science I and Health Science 2 or an applicant can demonstrate the skills in those courses through a written and performance test for OCP A, the student may start with OCP B, Pharmacy Technician 1.

Certifications and college credit

Industry Certification/Licensure

Upon successful completion of this program, students will take the following:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
• Register with the Florida Board of Pharmacy as a Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPT)

Articulation

The State Board of Education has approved statewide articulation agreements to provide credit for successful completion of industry certification through the Gold Standard program.

Valencia College:

• Supervision and Management for Industry A.S. degree – Up to 24 credits

Where this program is offered

• Main Campus — 301 W Amelia St, Orlando, FL 32801 · 407.246.7060

Admissions

• All students wishing to enroll must have completed any appropriate assessments, finished the application process, and paid for courses before their scheduled start date.
• Florida Resident: A person or, if that person is a dependent, his or her parent(s) or legal guardian must have established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least twelve months immediately prior to qualification.
• Academic skill level required to complete program: Grade 10 language, reading, and grade 11 math.
• Orange Technical College uses the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) as the state approved assessment to document these academic requirements (Rule 6A-10.040 (1), (F.A.C.). Students can expect to take their initial assessment at the time of registration for their chosen CTE program unless otherwise exempt.

Exemptions and Waivers for Academic Skills Assessment Requirement

Students in the following categories are exempt from the academic skills assessment:

1. Students who entered the 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year, or any year thereafter, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma.
2. Students with a degree at the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) level or higher.
3. Students enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with the Department of Education in accordance with Chapter 446, F.S.
4. Students serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services.
5. Students who have demonstrated readiness for public postsecondary education by achieving or exceeding established test scores on the 2014 GED (RLA 145; Math 145)
6. Students who have demonstrated readiness for public postsecondary education by achieving or exceeding established test scores (scores must be no more than two years old).
   • Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
   • Next-Generation ACCUPLACER, The College Board (Interim Scores) Through July 2022
   • Next-Generation ACCUPLACER, The College Board Since August 2022
   • SAT, The College Board
   • Digital SAT, The College Board Since June 2023
   • ACT with Writing or ACT, Inc.
   • Classic Learning Test, Classic Learning Initiatives, LLC Since August 2023
7. Students who take and pass a related licensure exam identified by the Department of Education, Division of Career and Adult Education. A list of eligible licensure exams can be found at: www.flrules.org/gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-16367.

Adult students with disabilities, as defined in Section 1004.02(7), Florida Statutes, may be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirements (Rule 6A-10.040). Students served in exceptional student education (except gifted), as defined in s.1003.01(3)(a), F.S., may also be exempted from meeting the Basic Skills requirement.

Financial Information, Scholarships & Student Assistance

Financial Aid is available to all prospective and currently enrolled students who qualify and enroll in an approved career training program.

• Students who wish to apply for financial aid must go online and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application at www.studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
• It is recommended that the completed application be submitted a minimum of one month prior to expected enrollment date.

Financial Aid offered at the campuses consists of the Title IV Federal Pell Grant, Florida Student Assistance Grant, Florida Work Experience Program, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, Student Financial Aid Fund (SFAF), private scholarships and assistance for targeted populations. Research for scholarships can be completed on-line at www.fastweb.com or www.finaid.org.

Federal School Codes:

General Admission Policies and Procedures

Anyone interested in attending Orange Technical College is welcome to visit our website, call, or make an appointment at a local campus to begin the enrollment process, and/or obtain information from our admissions department.

• Students can expect to take their initial assessment at the time of registration for their chosen CTE program unless otherwise exempt.
• Accommodations can be made only after the student provides the appropriate documentation to their counselor/advisor.
• New CTE career certificate-seeking and adult education students must participate in an online orientation prior to starting their first class. Contact the Admissions Office for details or check the campus website at www.orangetechcollege.net.
• Students will receive an ID badge during their orientation to the campus.

Standards of Conduct

The dress and grooming of OCPS students contribute to the health and safety of the individual, promote a positive educational environment, and not disrupt the educational activities and processes of the school. Some programs have specific dress code requirements. Student dress code guidelines can be found in the OTC Catalog or found in the full version of the Code of Student Conduct available online www.ocps.net.

Disability Services

As Equal Access/Equal Opportunity institutions, campuses assure students with disabilities equal access to all programs, activities and services, as described in Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Specialized services and counseling are provided by trained staff in the Student Services Department or Office of Admissions.

Students with Special Needs

The decision to disclose a disability is a personal choice that every applicant may exercise.

Accommodations can be made only after the student provides the appropriate documentation to their counselor/advisor.