Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to receive and fill prescription orders, maintain medication inventory, and perform administrative duties within the pharmacy. They have a vital role in maintaining patient support and safety. Online pharmacy technician programs prepare students to step into the role with confidence in their ability to manage assigned duties. Unlike programs designed for nurses, physicians, and pharmacists, technician training is focused and short-term. The online delivery adds to the convenience of study, giving students the opportunity to learn at their own pace without interruption of their daily commitments. The program offers the same support as traditional on-campus programs. Students will also have the opportunity to complete a pharmacy externship – depending on the school. At the conclusion of the pharmacy technician program, graduates will be prepared for success on a national certification exam, such as a Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 5 percent by 2031.
El Paso Community College
The Pharmacy Technology Program at El Paso Community College leads to a Certificate of Completion. Students have the option to complete some of the coursework online. The special admissions program requires completion of general requirements, satisfactory scores on a admission assessment, and completion of mandatory courses and pre-program specifics. Course topics include pharmacy terminology, introduction to pharmacy, computerized drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical mathematics, community pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy and disease process, and pharmaceutical drug therapy. Students also learn compounding sterile preparations and participate in a pharmacy externship. The program will conclude with a Pharmacy Technician Certification Review. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- Must be approved to take credit academic courses by EPCC
- Must successfully complete TSIA 2 Assessment Tests
- Attend a Health Careers Orientation Session or complete it online
- Submit an application for specialized admission application form and pay the $10 fee
- Must have a EPCC cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Register as a Technician Trainee with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy
- Complete a background check
- Obtain CPR certification
- Complete a physical exam and provide documentation of immunization and titers
- Must have current professional practice insurance
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen
In-state tuition and fees cost $136 per credit hour. Books and supplies must be added to the total cost of the program.
- Website: https://www.epcc.edu/
- Address: 10700 Gateway East, El Paso, TX 79927
- Phone: (915) 831-EPCC
PIMA Medical Institute
PIMA Medical Institute offers a hybrid learning option for pharmacy technician students. The hybrid option includes online delivery of the theoretical content followed by a pharmacy technician externship that students will complete at a local pharmacy. The hybrid program provides the same support as that offered to on-campus students. These include mental health resources, student services, career services, resume writing, and more. They will acquire the personal and professional skills to function as capable pharmacy technicians in retail and institutional pharmacies. The program covers 840 hours in total. The certificate requires completion of 35.5 credits. Course topics include anatomy, physiology and terminology, math fundamentals, CPR and First Aid, pharmacy math, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacy technician duties, fundamentals of chemistry, and pharmacy computer applications. Graduates will receive a certificate in Pharmacy Technician and will be eligible to take a national exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. The duration of the program is 9 months.
Admission criteria:
- Submit an application for admission
- Provide verification of completing high school – a high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED
- Meet with an admissions representative
- Pass an entrance exam
- Pass a background check and drug screen
Tuition for the program is $17,018.50. It includes textbooks, lab supplies, tax, technology fee, and uniforms.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 6926 Gateway Boulevard E., El Paso, TX 79915
- Phone: 800-477-PIMA
The University of Texas at El Paso
The online pharmacy technician program at the University of Texas at El Paso prepares students to fill the growing need for pharmacy technicians within the health care sector. The program is delivered fully online. Students have the option to complete a pharmacy externship where they will apply the principles learned throughout the program. Course topics include pharmacy calculations, medical terminology, dosage calculations, the top 200 drugs, IV flow rates, drug compounding, reading and interpreting prescriptions, inventory control, dispensing prescriptions, and billing the reimbursement. Graduates will be able to define the difference between retail and hospital pharmacy settings, perform pharmaceutical calculations, control inventory, process insurance billing and/or collect payments, demonstrate ethical conduct in their duties, interpret physician orders and prescriptions, communicate with patients and medical professionals, explain laws that govern pharmacy, control inventory, and describe drugs in the current Top 200 Drug List. Students will receive video lesson presentations, 24/7 learner support, and instructor facilitated options. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a computer and internet access
Tuition for the program is $3,000.
- Website: https://p3utep.edu2.com/
- Address: 500 W. University Kelly Hall Ste. 212, El Paso, TX 79968
- Phone: 915-747-7578
South Texas College
The pharmacy technician program at South Texas College is offered through a combination of online and hybrid classes. Students will acquire the skills to assist pharmacists with the preparation of medications, customer service, and the performance of administrative duties. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. It leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology, Course topics include introduction to pharmacy, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical mathematics, drug classification, computerized drug delivery systems, pharmacy terminology, institutional pharmacy practice, community pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy and disease process, pharmacy drug therapy and treatment, advanced pharmacy technology practice, pharmacy technician certification review, and practicum. The total credit hours for the AS degree is 60. The duration of the program is two years. Graduates are eligible to take the PTCE exam.
Admission criteria:
- Must participate in the required Prospective Student Information Session – schedules available on the school’s website
- Must be admitted to the college as a high school graduate or GED equivalent
- Must meet TSI College Readiness Standards or meet TSI exemption standards
- Must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all courses completed at STC or a high school GPA of 2.5 at minimum
- Must be 18 years of age or older for practicum experiences
- Must pass a criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen through approved providers
- Must complete all required immunizations including Hepatitis B series
- Must meet the NAH Functional Abilities Standards in the Clinical Affairs website
- Must submit a complete program application by the stated deadline
- Must apply for registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee during the second semester of the program
The estimated program cost is $14,258.
- Website: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/
- Address: 1101 E. Vermont, McAllen, TX 78503
- Phone: 956-872-3100
MSU Texas
The 100 percent online pharmacy technician program offered by MSU prepares students for success on the PTCB National Certification Exam. Students will develop the knowledge and skills to excel as a pharmacy technician and perform all related tasks and responsibilities with confidence, learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, and have a practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures. Course topics are medical terminology, pharmacy technician practice, pharmacy law and regulations, workplace safety, controlled substances, pharmacy ethics, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and career development. Graduates may be eligible to participate in a 100+ hour practicum at a leading pharmacy chain. Access to the online modules will be available for one year.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a computer and access to the internet
The program cost of $2,995 includes a voucher for the PTCB exam.
- Website: https://msutexas.edu/
- Address: 3410 Taft Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX 76308
- Phone: (940) 397-4000
Texas Tech University
The 100 percent online pharmacy technician program at Texas Tech University prepares students for national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. There are no set start dates so students can start the program at any time. Course topics include orientation to pharmacy, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, communication skills, insurance and inventory procedures, lab module, clinical rotations, and final exam. Students will complete a virtual externship in the retail and hospital setting. Upon successful completion of the comprehensive final exam, students may qualify for an externship. The 100+ hour externship will be conducted at a local retail chain.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old to take the PTCB exam
- Must have a computer and access to the internet
The program cost of $3,095 includes 12 months’ access to the course, materials, and a voucher for the PTCB exam.
- Website: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/continuingeducation/
- Address: 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409
- Phone: (806) 742-4049