Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

Classes Start March 11th

Our Pharmacy Technician Program in Texas is designed to help you learn how to assist pharmacists and manage prescriptions.

The Pharmacy Technician Program at The College of Health Care Professions is designed to help you prepare to begin a new career as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for assisting pharmacists in duties like receiving and confirming prescription orders, assembling medicines, and providing information to patients about medications. Pharmacy technicians must be detailed-oriented and organized because they handle and assemble various medications. They must also possess soft skills like interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence since they work directly with patients. The demand for pharmacy techs is growing, and completion of our Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program provides you the opportunity to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and apply for entry-level pharmacy technician positions.

Program Details

Program Length

On-Campus: 36 weeks

Courses

You can take this program via blended learning at our McAllen, Dallas, Fort Worth, South San Antonio or Houston Southwest campus.

Blended learning comprises both online classes and in-person classes, allowing you to learn pharmacology theory online while receiving the hands-on medical training you need in person.

Module IModule IIModule IIIModule IVModule VModule VIModule VIIModule VIII

Master Student/Study Skills

MSS130

Students will become familiar with basic study and learning skills to include learning styles, goal setting, memorization techniques, reading comprehension, note taking, test taking, critical thinking, effective communication diversity, and technology. Prerequisite: None

Lecture8hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours8hr.
Credits0.5 

HIPAA / OSHA / Infection Control

HIP130

Students will learn about the Health Information Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA). This course will identify rights for individuals and the processes that health care providers must implement to support individual rights. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the rules for the use and disclosure of information. Students will learn about transmission of disease, hand washing techniques and gloving. This course will ensure that students are aware of biohazards and airborne pathogens, including infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Students must demonstrate infection control procedures and laboratory safety. Prerequisite: None

Lecture10hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours10hr.
Credits0.5 

Overview of Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology

OAPT130

Students will learn and Identify basic structures, functions and dysfunctions of the body, as well as medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols that are necessary tools for building a medical vocabulary. This course covers general treatment of the sensory, skeletal and muscular, nervous, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, Circulatory, Urinary and reproductive, and integumentary systems. Prerequisite: None

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits3 

Intro to Pharmacy, Ethics & Patient Safety

PHM101

This course focuses on essential skills and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician, as they assist the pharmacist in direct patient care and retail pharmacy operations. Student will also learn about other pharmacy settings. Students will examine regulatory laws and agencies, as well as ethical issues for the pharmacy technician, patient safety, pharmacological terminology, and licensing and career requirements. This course will also focus on basic mathematics. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture88hr.
Laboratory8hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits5.5 

Institutional Pharmacy

PHM102

This course focuses on essential skills and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician, as they assist the pharmacist in direct patient care and retail pharmacy operations. Student will also learn about other pharmacy settings. Students will examine regulatory laws and agencies, as well as ethical issues for the pharmacy technician, patient safety, pharmacological terminology, and licensing and career requirements. This course will also focus on basic mathematics. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory48hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits4.5 

Community Pharmacy

PHM103

This course focuses on retail pharmacy operations. The student will be oriented in the everyday workplace dynamics of the pharmacy, with a focus on medication preparation, prescription interpretation and filling, data entry, billing and collection practices, student will utilize pharmacy software, patient education will also be reviewed. Students will also become familiar with over-the-counter drugs. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture48hr.
Laboratory48hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits4.5 

Pharmacy Calculations

PHM104

The course examines dosage calculations, medication administration, and systems of measurement and conversion used in the pharmacy setting. General mathematics and common and specialized medication preparations are reviewed, such as apothecary, household, and metric systems. Students will develop accuracy and skill in reading and transcribing prescriptions and drug labels. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture64hr.
Laboratory32hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits5 

Pharmacy Techniques and Practice

PHM105

This course focuses on procedures related to assisting the pharmacist in screening, authenticating and processing the physician’s medication orders. Students will also focus on techniques used to assist the pharmacist and prepare sterile and non-sterile compounds. Students will examine various aspects of pharmacy equipment, microbiology, pharmacology, and communication. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas of anatomy/physiology and pharmacology: Integumentary, ophthalmic, optic, nervous, the digestive, respiratory, reproductive, skeletal, and endocrine and muscular systems. Drug classifications, medications, drug actions, including responding to the emergency situations, and medication preparation for these systems are covered. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture72hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits5 

Sterile Compounds, Parenteral and IV Admixtures

PHM106

This course explores the preparation and use of sterile compounds, parenteral medications, and intravenous admixtures, with a focus on general and specific IV procedures and the role of the pharmacy technician. Chemotherapeutic therapy and experimental drug trials are discussed. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas of anatomy/physiology and pharmacology: cancer and chemotherapy, fluids and electrolytes, anesthetics, nutrition. Prerequisite: Module I

Lecture72hr.
Laboratory24hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours96hr.
Credits5 

Customer Service/Professionalism and Career Preparation

CSP201

This course will teach the student about professionalism, including work-place behaviors that result in positive business relationships. Students will learn goal-setting, stress-management, time-management, professional dress, etiquette, diversity in the work place relationships, excellent customer service, communication at work, conflict management, job search skills, building resumes, and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Module I - VII

Lecture30hr.
Laboratory18hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours48hr.
Credits2.5 

Cert Prep for Pharmacy Technicians

CPT313

This course provides a review of clinical skills and content learned throughout the program. Students will also prepare for certification examination. Prerequisite: Module I - VII

Lecture15hr.
Laboratory15hr.
Externship0hr.
Total Hours30hr.
Credits1.5 

Pharmacy Technician Externship

PHX300

This course provides students with work experience in a professional pharmacy setting. Students are required to complete the externship under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacy personnel. Prerequisite: Module I - VII

Lecture0hr.
Laboratory0hr.
Externship180hr.
Total Hours180hr.
Credits4 

What Skills Could I Learn in the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program?

In CHCP’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program, you will have the opportunity to develop the following skills:

  • Aseptic technique
  • Medication preparation
  • Sterile and non-sterile compounding
  • The handling and preparation of hazardous products
  • Inventory and billing procedures
  • Quality customer service
  • Professionalism and career preparation
  • Institutional pharmacy
  • Community pharmacy
  • Pharmacy calculations
  • Pharmacy techniques and practice
  • Parenteral and IV admixtures

The Key Attributes to Be a Pharmacy Technician

The CHCP Pharmacy Technician Lab is designed to emulate a real world pharmacy environment. Emphasis is on working under pressure while providing exemplary customer service to patients.

The pharmacy technician career field is growing, and it is projected to grow 5% by 2031. It is forecasted that pharmacy technicians will be in higher demand because they will need to take on more pharmacological responsibilities as pharmacists increasingly perform more patient care activities, like giving flu shots. To see more information on pharmacy technician salary and job outlook, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When you are ready to graduate, CHCP will be there to help with job placement, resume writing, and interviewing tips. Visit our Career Services page to learn more.

What Career Options Are Available for Pharmacy Techs?

As a certified pharmacy technician, you will have the opportunity to apply for work in different pharmacy settings, some of which include:

  • Retail pharmacies
  • Compounding pharmacies
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes or assisted living facilities
  • Mail-order pharmacies
  • Community or ambulatory care pharmacies

If you are interested in learning more about The College of Health Professions’ Pharmacy Technician Program, simply fill out the form, and someone will be in touch soon.

Start Your Application

How Do I Enroll?

To enroll in our Pharmacy Technician Program, you must first meet the following requirements:

  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 14
  • Be able to read and write in English
  • Possess good coordination
  • Be neat and professional at all times
  • Pass a criminal background check

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a new career as a pharmacy tech, fill out the form! One of our counselors will contact you with more information!

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