Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Prepare for a Career Supporting Pharmacists in Clinical and Retail Pharmacy Settings
The Pharmacy Technician Program at NWSC prepares students for entry-level employment in a variety of pharmacy environments, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and home healthcare agencies. Pharmacy technicians play a critical role in supporting licensed pharmacists by assisting with medication preparation, inventory management, customer service, and pharmacy operations.
This program provides comprehensive training in pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology, medication calculations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy workflow, and professional communication. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support safe and effective medication distribution while maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations and safety standards.
The program includes both classroom/laboratory instruction and supervised externship experience in a pharmacy setting under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. This hands-on training ensures students are prepared for real-world pharmacy operations and professional expectations.
Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a Certificate in Pharmacy Technician and become eligible to sit for national certification examinations including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the ExCPT exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Program Snapshot
Detail | Information |
Credential Awarded | Pharmacy Technician Certificate |
Total Program Length | 600 Clock Hours |
Externship Requirement | 240 Clock Hours |
Certification Eligibility | PTCB (CPhT) and NHA (ExCPT) Exams |
Duration | 8 Months |
Format | Hybrid |
Program Start | Monthly |
Licensing Note | Illinois requires pharmacy technician licensure and certification within two years |
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Program provides students with comprehensive training in both technical pharmacy skills and professional workplace competencies required in modern pharmacy settings. Students develop knowledge and skills in:
- Pharmacy law, regulations, and ethics
- Medication calculations and dosage conversions
- Pharmacology and drug classifications
- Pharmacy operations and workflow procedures
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding techniques
- Inventory control and medication storage
- Customer service and patient communication
- Healthcare safety, infection control, and hazardous materials handling
- Controlled substances handling and regulatory compliance
Students also receive hands-on practice in laboratory environments and real-world pharmacy settings through supervised externship training.
Program of Study
The Pharmacy Technician Program consists of 600 clock hours of instruction, including classroom, laboratory, and externship training.
Course Code | Course Title |
PhT 101 | Pharmacy History, Laws, and Ethics with Conversions and Calculations |
PhT 102 | Pharmacy Practice Settings with Sterile & Non-Sterile Compounding |
PhT 103 | Pharmacy Operations and Workflow |
PhT 104 | Pharmacology of Body Systems and Practice Labs |
PhT 105 | Pharmacology of Body, Alternative Medicine, Dilutions and Allegations |
PhT 106 | Externship |
Externship placement is completed in approved pharmacy settings under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Program will be able to:
- Perform pharmacy technician duties under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist
- Accurately calculate medication dosages and conversions
- Apply knowledge of pharmacology and drug classifications
- Follow pharmacy laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Prepare and assist with sterile and non-sterile compounding procedures
- Manage inventory, medication storage, and pharmacy workflow operations
- Provide professional customer service in pharmacy settings
- Apply infection control and safety procedures in healthcare environments
- Handle controlled substances in accordance with regulatory requirements
- Demonstrate readiness for national certification examinations
Occupational Objectives
Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment in pharmacy-related settings such as:
- Pharmacy Technician
- Retail Pharmacy Assistant
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician
- Long-Term Care Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmaceutical Operations Assistant
- Pharmacy Inventory Support Technician
Employment opportunities are commonly found in:
- Retail pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing homes
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Home healthcare agencies
Certification and Licensing Information
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) through PTCB
- ExCPT Exam through NHA
Illinois requires pharmacy technicians to obtain certification and licensure within two years of employment eligibility. Students must also complete a background check prior to starting the program.
NWSC has determined that the program meets Illinois educational requirements for certification pathways; however, requirements may vary by state and should be verified individually.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- A copy of the student’s government-issued ID (state ID, Driver’s license, or passport) which confirms and documents, amongst other information, the U.S. physical location/address of the student.
- Proof of vaccination
- Background check
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our Admissions Team is here to help you explore the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program, guide you through the enrollment process, and support you every step of the way as you start your career in healthcare.