Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Prepare for a Career Supporting Pharmacists in Clinical and Retail Pharmacy Settings
The Pharmacy Technician Program at Northwest Suburban College 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 and laboratory instruction, as well as supervised externship experience in a pharmacy setting under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. This hands-on training helps prepare students 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 Information
- Credential Awarded: Pharmacy Technician Certificate
- Total Program Length: 600 Clock Hours
- Externship Requirement: 240 Clock Hours
- Duration: 8 Months
- Format: Hybrid
- Program Start: Monthly
- Certification Eligibility: PTCB (CPhT) and NHA (ExCPT) examinations
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 the following areas:
- 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.
- 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:
- Work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and qualify for positions such as Pharmacy Technician, Assistant Pharmacist, Lead Pharmacy Technician, or R&D Pharmacy Technician.
- Provide quality customer service, communicate effectively, and perform tasks required in a pharmacy setting.
- Follow proper infection control procedures relevant to healthcare safety, including hazardous products, waste, and controlled substances.
- Follow standard procedures for ordering, receiving, and storing drugs; operating common equipment; and recognizing the pharmacy technician’s general role in healthcare delivery.
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 the following national certification examinations:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- ExCPT Exam through the National Healthcareer Association (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
Applicants must meet the following 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.
- 10-Panel Drug Test.
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.
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