Program Details
Application Information
- Application: Complete the online application – Click here.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcript showing completion of a high school diploma or GED must be sent by the high school or agency to the university. Mail to University of Providence, 1301 20th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405
- Students must have graduated from high school.
Program Admission Requirements
There are two paths to enter the program:
- Earn while you learn program
- Non-Earn/Self pay program
Students must be interviewed and accepted by a Providence Pharmacy
Program Cost
Total cost for PH caregivers and their dependents: $306/credit, 20 credits= $6120.
General rate: $524/credit, 20 credits= $10,480
Additional Costs
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam fee: $129
- Fees for lab materials: $200
- Scrubs – 2 sets: $80 (if applicable)
- Textbooks: $190
- Pharmacy Assistant/Tech-in-Training License (Montana students only): $35
- Pharmacy Assistant/Tech-in-Training License (Washinton students only): $70
Program Format
- First semester: Four online courses over 16-weeks
- Second semester: Two online courses over 8-weeks, including 32 hours per week internship
- The program is taught by experienced licensed Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians who, in addition to teaching, work in roles in pharmacies, allowing each to bring a real-world perspective to the courses.
- Cohort model, all courses must be taken in order.
- Cohort start date: August and January of each year.
- Expected class size: 10 students.
Program Curriculum
- XPHM 100 Introduction to Pharmacy
- XPHM 110 Pharmacy Practice I
- XPHM 120 Pharmacy Practice II
- XPHM 130 Pharmacy Practice III
- XPHM 140 Pharmacy Tech Exam Prep
- XPHM 195 Pharmacy Internship
Lab Locations
- Providence St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT
- Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, WA
- Swedish Ballard in Seattle, WA
Employment Forecast
Students may be offered employment as a Pharmacy Technician within the PSJH system upon completing the program and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Students in Washington must obtain a Pharmacy Assistant License with the Pharmacy Tech in Training form attached to application. Students in Montana must obtain tech in training license prior to entering the clinical internship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this an accredited program?
A: This pharmacy tech program is approved by Montana and Washington State Boards and will be working on accreditation by ASHP in the coming semesters.
Q: How much will I make with a certificate in Pharmacy Tech?
A: Depending on certifications, Pharmacy Technicians can make anywhere between $15-$25 per hour.
Q: What’s the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
A: While pharmacists and pharm techs both work in a pharmacy setting, their jobs require different tasks and skill levels. Pharmacists have extensive knowledge of medications and are in charge of ensuring patients get the right medicines while pharmacy technicians have a basic knowledge of medications, help fill, compound, stock and deliver individual prescriptions.
Earn-While-You-Learn FAQs
Q: What is The Earn-While-You-Learn program?
The Earn-While-You-Learn program offers students a different way to earn their pharmacy technician certification. Earn-While-You-Learn students receive the same certificate and courses as non-earn students. Through the Earn-While-You-Learn program, students receive tuition benefits, a steady income, and post-certification employment through one of our partnering pharmacies.
Q: Where is the Earn-While-You-Learn program offered?
Since pharmacies fill the earn-while-you-learn position through openings within their own companies, individual pharmacy locations are static and subject to change depending on the company’s employment needs. Current Earn-While-You-Learn locations include:
- Benefis of Great Falls MT
- St Peters of Olympia, WA
- St Patrick’s of Missoula MT
- St Marys of Walla Walla WA
Q: Am I required to sign an employment contract?
Yes. All students must sign an employment contract stating their commitment to work for the partnering pharmacy upon completion of the program for a determined time.
Q: Do I apply at the University of Providence in Addition to the partnering pharmacy?
Yes. Earn-While-You-Learn students need to apply through both the partnering pharmacy and the university.
Q: Does the program cover 100% tuition?
Yes. Earn-While-You-Learn students receive 100% tuition coverage as part of the program. Details regarding program costs and tuition coverages should be discussed with the partnering pharmacy.
Q: Do I need prior experience?
No. There is no prior healthcare experience required. Eligible students must meet the minimum criteria before enrollment to be considered for the Earn-While-You-Learn program.
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or a GED
- Pass a Criminal Background check
- Complete Math placement exam and review math assignments successfully
Q: If I cannot enroll as an Earn-While-You-Learn student, can I still apply as a non-earn student?
Yes. If you cannot enroll due to capacity limitations, you can still apply as a non-earn student, providing the same course and internship experience as the Earn-While-You-Learn student.
Q: Will the University help me with contract negotiations?
No. All employment contracts, pay, tuition reimbursement and other associated contract stipulations are determined and negotiated through the student and the partnering pharmacy. The University of Providence is not involved in any negotiation processes between the pharmacy and the student.
