Pharmacy Technician Certificate - Career Certificate

Get Hands-On Pharmacy Experience

From our simulation laboratory to clinical rotations, you gain thorough training for your new career as a pharmacy tech.
This accredited Pharmacy Technician Certification Board program prepares you pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®). You spend 11 months in school developing your expertise in five core modalities:

interpersonal skills
foundational professional knowledge
processing and handling of medications and orders
quality patient care
regulatory compliance

What can you do with a Pharmacy Technician certificate?

Pharmacies depend on pharmacy techs. You influence healthcare outcomes and may play varied roles in the healthcare industry. The job outlook is above average. With experience, you may be promoted to a senior pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician manager. You may then progress to become a group manager or senior manager and take over operations as the managing director of the location.

Pharmacy technician
Pharmacy technician manager
Retail manager
Pharmacy specialist

Accreditation

CLC's Pharmacy Technology is jointly accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Students graduating from CLC’s Pharmacy Tech program will sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

PTCB certificants are required to recertify to maintain active certification. Get more information on PTCB or access recertificate requirements.

PTCB Certification is accepted in all 50 States and Puerto Rico.
The exam is administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

To get started, you must be 18 years of age. You also need:
- a high school diploma or equivalent
- a clean work history (we’ll run a background check to ensure you’ve never been convicted of a felony or had a health license or registration revoked or disciplined)
- college algebra, reading and writing readiness
- to meet health requirements/proof of immunizations (PDF)
- to submit the Pharmacy Technician Screening Form (PDF)
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will guide you in completing these requirements.

Highlights

Learn PioneerRx Pharmacy Software

Use the most-installed pharmacy system for independent pharmacies and build real-world skills.
Accreditation

Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
PATH Grant Stipends

Get extra financial support for school and living expenses through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) grant.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.
Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.

Career Outlook

Record drugs delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform the supervisor of stock needs. May operate cash register and accept prescriptions for filling.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $29,120
  
  Median
  
  $33,395
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $39,634
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $13.99
  
  Median
  
  $16.05
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $19.05
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  76.23%
  
  Certificate
  
  18.21%
  
  Some college
  
  5.56%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $34,448
  
  Median
  
  $40,946
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53,278
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $16.56
  
  Median
  
  $19.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $25.61
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  35.73%
  
  Certificate
  
  41.97%
  
  Some college
  
  14.63%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.83%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

View more careers

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
PHM 120	PHM 120 Pharmacy Practice and Operations Class Description This course introduces students to the skills necessary for success as a pharmacy technician. The course will introduce five core modalities including interpersonal skills, foundational professional knowledge, processing and handling of medications and orders, quality patient care, and regulatory compliance.	4
HWP 290	HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching Class Description This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.	3
PHM 130	PHM 130 Pharmacy Calculations Class Description This course introduces students to fundamental math skills required to successfully operate in a pharmacy health care setting. Students will interpret prescriptions and calculate required drug dosages using necessary math and pharmaceutical knowledge to report safe dosages and strengths. Topics include a review of basic math skills (number systems, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percents), conversion of measurement systems (metric, apothecary, and household) and specific pharmaceutical calculation strategies for drug dosages.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 120
Course Title	PHM 120 Pharmacy Practice and Operations Class Description This course introduces students to the skills necessary for success as a pharmacy technician. The course will introduce five core modalities including interpersonal skills, foundational professional knowledge, processing and handling of medications and orders, quality patient care, and regulatory compliance.
Credits	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	HWP 290
Course Title	HWP 290 Principles of Health and Wellness Coaching Class Description This course will explore the six dimensions of contemporary health as they specifically apply to the wellness coaching continuum. Theoretical coaching constructs will be introduced and practical application will be encouraged through a variety of class activities.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 130
Course Title	PHM 130 Pharmacy Calculations Class Description This course introduces students to fundamental math skills required to successfully operate in a pharmacy health care setting. Students will interpret prescriptions and calculate required drug dosages using necessary math and pharmaceutical knowledge to report safe dosages and strengths. Topics include a review of basic math skills (number systems, fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percents), conversion of measurement systems (metric, apothecary, and household) and specific pharmaceutical calculation strategies for drug dosages.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
PHM 151	PHM 151 Pharmacy Lab and Simulation Class Description This course will allow students to experience hands-on pharmacy practice skills in a realistic environment without the impact or potential impact on patients. Students will learn pharmacy operations by completing activities in a mock pharmacy. This course connects learned pharmacy material with real life experience in a safe learning environment.	3
PHM 150	PHM 150 Pharmacy Law and Ethics Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamentals of state and federal pharmacy regulations. Students will develop a personal framework for ethical judgement by learning fundamentals of healthcare history, national oversight and state regulations. Students who complete this course will also have a comprehensive understanding of regulations in prescription processing, dispensing, and medication handling.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 151
Course Title	PHM 151 Pharmacy Lab and Simulation Class Description This course will allow students to experience hands-on pharmacy practice skills in a realistic environment without the impact or potential impact on patients. Students will learn pharmacy operations by completing activities in a mock pharmacy. This course connects learned pharmacy material with real life experience in a safe learning environment.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 150
Course Title	PHM 150 Pharmacy Law and Ethics Class Description This course introduces students to the fundamentals of state and federal pharmacy regulations. Students will develop a personal framework for ethical judgement by learning fundamentals of healthcare history, national oversight and state regulations. Students who complete this course will also have a comprehensive understanding of regulations in prescription processing, dispensing, and medication handling.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
PHM 201	PHM 201 Pharmacy Community Clinical Class Description This course provides the students a supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis on community pharmacy operations, translating medication orders, filling prescription orders, third-party adjudication, customer service and working within the healthcare team.	2
PHM 202	PHM 202 Pharmacy Hospital Clinical Class Description This course provides the students a supervised competency based clinical practice in the contemporary hospital pharmacy setting. Students will practice foundational pharmacy skills of processing medication orders, implementing quality patient care, and following applicable regulatory and compliance standards.	2
PHM 190	PHM 190 Pharmacy Technician Exam Certificate Review Class Description This course is designed to provide students with a robust review to prepare for and successfully pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®).	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 201
Course Title	PHM 201 Pharmacy Community Clinical Class Description This course provides the students a supervised competency based clinical practice. Emphasis on community pharmacy operations, translating medication orders, filling prescription orders, third-party adjudication, customer service and working within the healthcare team.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 202
Course Title	PHM 202 Pharmacy Hospital Clinical Class Description This course provides the students a supervised competency based clinical practice in the contemporary hospital pharmacy setting. Students will practice foundational pharmacy skills of processing medication orders, implementing quality patient care, and following applicable regulatory and compliance standards.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHM 190
Course Title	PHM 190 Pharmacy Technician Exam Certificate Review Class Description This course is designed to provide students with a robust review to prepare for and successfully pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®).
Credits	2

Total Credit Hours

24

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Pharmacy Technician at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Pharmacy Technician Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

Learn in a classroom-based, and an online/in person blended settings.
The Pharmacy Technician Certificate program takes 11 months.
You will qualify to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®).
The skills you need to be successful in this program are:
- personal/interpersonal knowledge and skills
- effective communication via verbal and non-verbal means
- teamwork
- foundational professional knowledge and skills
- pharmacy math, pharmacology, medical terminology
- patient care, quality and safety knowledge and skills
- pharmacy and healthcare regulatory knowledge
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as a pharmacy technician in the state of Illinois.

You may be able to work elsewhere with this certificate.

View professional licensure disclosures
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

Pharmacy Technician

Get Hands-On Pharmacy Experience

What can you do with a Pharmacy Technician certificate?

Accreditation

PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

Admission: More Needed

Highlights

Learn PioneerRx Pharmacy Software

Accreditation

PATH Grant Stipends

WIOA Program

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Career Certificate

Career Outlook

Pharmacy Aides

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Pharmacy Technicians

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 12 Credits

Semester 2 6 Credits

Semester 3 6 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Pharmacy Technician at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

How is this program delivered?

How long does the program take?

What exams will I qualify for after I complete the program?

What skills will I need to be successful in the program?

Where can I work as a pharmacy technician?

How much does this program cost?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started