Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

Classes Start May 5th

Find the Healthcare Program to Start the Career of Your Dreams

Work towards a future as a pharmacy technician and build your experience with career-focused, hybrid instruction through CHCP’s online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.

The online Pharmacy Technician program at CHCP is designed to blend the convenience of online learning with in-person clinical skills labs at our Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, and San Antonio campuses for essential, real-world training. Featuring a dedicated certification prep course, this program aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain practical experience and prepare to sit for certification exams through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcareer Association.

Online Pharmacy Technician Program in Texas | Remote Learning

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program’s coursework is primarily delivered online, allowing students to study theoretical and foundational concepts remotely for enhanced convenience. However, students will be required to attend in-person clinical skills labs at one of CHCP’s Texas campuses in the following locations:

Online Campus

Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program | Skills and Course Modules

Students will have the opportunity to practice experiential activities in different types of contemporary pharmacy settings, focusing on a blend of instruction in clinical and administrative skills. The aim of the program is to help students prepare to pursue a well-rounded professional career, enabling them to function effectively in various pharmacy settings. Our online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program provides instruction in the following:

Clinical Skills

Knowledge of medications and dosages, compounding, and reconstitution
Understanding human body systems, diseases, and disorders, as well as their respective treatments
Understanding how medications affect bodily functions and systems
Practical skills in sterile and non-sterile compounding
Training in safety and hygiene in handling medications
Hands-on experience with precise measuring equipment and preparation of various forms of medications
Understanding the guidelines and standards governing compounding and equipment usage

Administrative Skills

Awareness of pharmacy laws, ethical practices, and the roles of regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to protocols and patient safety
Managing health insurance and patient pharmacy benefits
Resolving billing issues
Inventory management, including the use of computerized systems, medication returns, purchasing, and proper medication disposal
Knowledge of common medication errors, risk factors, and reporting
Use of pharmacy software for billing, ordering, and maintaining records
Techniques for effective professional communication and conflict resolution

For more information on our online pharmacy technician courses and training, explore our module below.

Module IModule IIModule IIIModule IVModule VModule VI

Introduction to Pharmacy Technology

PTC 100

This course will provide students with an introduction to the historical evolution of the pharmacy profession and examine the future of pharmacy. It will explore the principles of the foundation of the pharmaceutical care model and the roles of the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician. Students will learn about different professional organizations and potential job opportunities in the field of pharmacy. Various methods of communication will be discussed along with professional communication, barriers to communication and conflict resolution. The course also covers the numerous reference materials used in the practice of pharmacy and how pharmaceutical information is utilized. Prerequisite: None

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Pharmacy Law and Prescription/ Medication Order Processing

PTC 101

This course covers federal pharmacy law, pharmacy ethics and ethical practice and the various regulatory agencies that oversee the practice of pharmacy. These include the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 among others. In addition, the course will cover the requirements for a legal prescription and medication order and the processing of it. Safety in the processing of prescriptions and the standards implemented by regulatory agencies will be discussed, including the handling of hazardous drugs and blood-borne pathogen standards. Prerequisite: None

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Pharmaceutical Dosage Calculations

PTC 103

In this course students will learn about the various dosage forms and routes of administration of medications currently available. Utilizing this information, students will gain knowledge in the three systems used for measuring medications and converting between them, measure temperature and measuring time. From there, students will gain basic math skills to perform dosing calculations on orally and parenterally administered medications, including flow rate calculations and calculations on special patient populations such as pediatric patients. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Pharmacology I

PTC 201

In this course students will learn the anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases and disorders, and treatments of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and endocrine system. Students will have exposure to the most common brand and generic names of medications used, their common doses and adverse effects. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Pharmacy Administrative Skills

PTC 104

In this course students will learn about the various administrative skills needed by pharmacy technicians to work in a pharmacy. This includes knowledge of the types of health insurance and pharmacy benefits patients utilize, how to bill them and how to resolve billing issues when they occur, and how to respond when a third-party audit takes place. Students will learn about proper inventory control and inventory management, including computerized inventory systems, point-of-sales systems, medication return processes, purchasing procedures as well as controlled substances, and proper disposal of medications. Documentation of medication errors and overall safety is paramount in pharmacy. Students will learn of the different types of medication error types, risk factors for the occurrence of errors and systems for the reporting of errors. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	60	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	60	hr.
Credits	4

Pharmacology II

PTC 202

In this course students will learn the anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases and disorders, and treatments of the cardiovascular system, immune system, and respiratory system. Students will have exposure to the most common brand and generic names of medications used, their common doses and adverse effects. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Community Pharmacy Practice and Laboratory

PTC 120

In this course students will learn the role of the pharmacy technician, the processing prescriptions, extemporaneous compounding, point of sale, handling of durable medical equipment, among other tasks needed in the retail pharmacy setting. In the laboratory portion of this class students will have the opportunity to utilize measuring equipment such as graduated cylinders, electronic scales, and balances in the preparation of reconstituted powdered medications for oral administration, create creams and ointments for topical administration. USP <795> will be discussed and implemented during training in this course. In addition, students will have practice entering, billing, ordering and point-of-sale services while in the classroom environment. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	35	hr.
Laboratory	60	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	95	hr.
Credits	4

Pharmacology III

PTC 203

In this course students will learn the anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, diseases and disorders, and treatments of the urinary system, digestive system, and reproductive system. Students will have exposure to the most common brand and generic names of medications used, their common doses and adverse effects. Prerequisite: PTC 100 and PTC 101

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Institutional Pharmacy Practice and Laboratory

PTC 121

In this course students will learn the role of the pharmacy technician, the processing of medication orders, including computerized physician order entry, proper hand hygiene and donning of PPE, aseptic technique, sterile compounding, unit dosing, preparation of emergency dispensing kits and automated dispensing machines in hospital and other advanced practice pharmacies, such as radio-pharmacies, nuclear pharmacies and long-term care pharmacies. During the lab portion of this class USP <797> and <800> will be discussed and implemented as students prepare various small-volume parenteral, large-volume parenteral, prefilled syringes, TPNs, and chemotherapy products among others. Prerequisite: PTC 120

Lecture	35	hr.
Laboratory	60	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	95	hr.
Credits	4

Pharmacology IV

PTC 204

Prerequisite:

Lecture	48	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	48	hr.
Credits	3

Pharmacy Technician Certification Prep and Computer Prescription Processing

PTC 300

This course provides a complete review of the program content in preparation for the PTCE offered by PTCB or the ExCPT offered by NHA through a structured classroom review and testing to assess the student’s recall of materials presented throughout the program. In addition, students will utilize pharmacy software to practice entering, billing, ordering, and POS services while in the classroom environment. Prerequisite: PTC100, PTC101, PTC102, PTC103, PTC104, PTC105, PTC106, PTC120, PTC121, PTC122

Lecture	35	hr.
Laboratory	60	hr.
Externship	0	hr.
Total Hours	95	hr.
Credits	4

Pharmacy Technician Externship

PTC 301

Students will complete 160 hours of experimental learning in a functioning pharmacy under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacy personnel, providing real-life experiences that technicians encounter on a daily basis. The externship site will be either a community or institutional site to be determined by the Pharmacy Technician Program Chair. Prerequisite: PTC300 **PLEASE NOTE THE TRAINEE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT ABOVE

Lecture	0	hr.
Laboratory	0	hr.
Externship	160	hr.
Total Hours	160	hr.
Credits	3.5

As graduation approaches, CHCP’s Career Services team will be here to support you in your next steps. From resume writing to interview preparation and career placement assistance, we’re ready to help you navigate your path forward. Discover more on our Career Services page.

The Pharmacy Technician Role

Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in supporting pharmacists by ensuring medications are accurately prepared, dispensed, and made accessible to patients in various healthcare settings. Integral to retail and hospital pharmacies, a pharmacy technician’s expertise may qualify them to work in other sectors, such as long-term care, nuclear medicine, chemotherapy, and specialty pharmacies. Some pharmacy technicians even work for health insurance companies and in the pharmaceutical industry.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average for all careers. This field is expected to see about 47,400 new job openings each year, driven by retirements and career shifts within the workforce. This demand is largely due to an expanding healthcare sector and the growing need for pharmacy support professionals.

Working environments for a pharmacy technician may include:

Retail Pharmacies. Positions at chain drug stores, supermarkets, and independent pharmacies are among the most common roles for pharmacy techs.
Hospital and Clinical Pharmacies. Hospital settings may include inpatient and outpatient care, with technicians assisting pharmacists in patient care.
Long-Term Care Facilities. Nursing homes and assisted living centers employ pharmacy technicians to handle medication distribution.
Specialty Pharmacies. These include compounding pharmacies, nuclear medicine facilities, and pharmacies focusing on chemotherapy or specific patient needs.
Mail-Order and Online Pharmacies. Increasingly, pharmacy technicians are employed by mail-order and online pharmacies to fulfill prescriptions.
Government and Military Settings. These positions may involve working at VA hospitals, military bases, or other federal healthcare facilities.
Educational Institutions and Research Facilities. Some pharmacy technicians contribute to research and educational settings, including universities and pharmaceutical companies.
Health Insurance and Pharmaceutical Industries. Technicians may also work in roles involving medication testing, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance within insurance or pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmacy Technician Roles & Specialties

With further training and experience, pharmacy technicians can pursue specialized roles, including:

Certified Pharmacy Technician
Remote/Telepharmacy Technician
IV Pharmacy Technician
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
Specialty Pharmacy Technician
Lead Pharmacy Technician
Clinical Pharmacy Technician
Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Nuclear Pharmacy Technician

Explore our pharmacy technician career guide for more information on the role and the steps you’ll need to take as you pursue your career.

Online Pharmacy Technician Certification and Course Outcomes

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program have the option to take the PTCE or ExCPT to pursue certification as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). In Texas, passing one of these exams is required to apply for state registration. Both exams are equally accepted by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, offering you flexibility in certification. Once certified, you can explore entry-level pharmacy technician opportunities. Learn more about certification requirements in our comprehensive guide.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician | Admission Criteria

Excited to begin your journey toward a career as a pharmacy technician? Applying to CHCP’s on-campus Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is easy: Simply complete the application form, indicating your preferred location, program, and contact information. After submission, a CHCP advisor will connect with you to guide you through the next steps. Please review the following prerequisites needed for program admission:

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

Looking for more details? Talk with an admissions advisor who can answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pharmacy technician?

A pharmacy technician assists licensed pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing service to patients. A pharmacy technician handles various tasks, including measuring medications, managing prescriptions, and maintaining patient records. Working in diverse settings like hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care facilities, they serve as vital liaisons between patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of healthcare services.

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

Our online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a 48-week program. All students must attend skills labs on campus and complete an externship. To be certified, students must take and pass a National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination to become a certified pharmacy technician.

Texas requires pharmacy technicians to be registered to practice in the state.

What can I expect from CHCP during the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program?

CHCP provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge in the online classroom, hands-on experience in the skills lab, and practical experience in a clinical setting during your externship. You will have the opportunity to learn the hard and soft skills needed to begin work as an entry-level pharmacy technician. CHCP also offers lifetime career services, including resume, interview, and placement assistance.

Pharmacy Technician Requirements

Participants must be in excellent health and have the ability to carry out professional duties and demonstrate professional attributes. All applicants must be able to read and write English.

Application Requirements:

Required to have a High School Diploma or GED
Pass the Scholastic Level Exam (admissions test) with a minimum score of 14
Read and write English
Third-party criminal background check
Able to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee

Related Blogs

May 22 2024

How to Become a Radiology Technologist | CHCP Career Guide

Is becoming a radiologic technologist the right career for you? Knowing more about this healthcare career, what it involves, and how to become one can help you decide.

January 23 2023

Overview of the Radiology Technologist Programs at CHCP

Looking for Radiology Technologist Programs? Here's how to become a limited medical radiologic technologist (LMRT) in just over a year at The College of Health Care Professions.

November 11 2021

Differences Between Radiologic Technologist and LMRTs

Learn the differences between a limited radiologic technologist and a radiologic technologist and what courses you will take.

Find the Career of Your Dreams

Make pursuing your healthcare career a reality. As an ABHES-accredited institution, we offer certificate and degree programs that cater to a wide range of allied healthcare roles. Whether you're enhancing your skills or entering a new field, CHCP is committed to supporting students on their career journeys. Discover your pathway and apply today!

Start Your Application

Desktop Tablet Mobile