HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TEXAS

Pharmacy technicians work under licensed pharmacists and play a supportive role in helping patients get their needed medications. As a tech in a pharmacy, you will be responsible for communicating with patients, taking inventory, preparing prescriptions for patients, cashing out customers, and answering phones by pharmacy practice.

Becoming a pharmacy tech in Texas does not require extensiveautom education or a big cost. It’s fairly easy to get started, but you do have to pass an exam and be registered with the state. [Leer en español]

REQUIREMENTS TO WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TEXAS

To start working as a pharmacy tech in the state you must be registered through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). The TSBP registers both technician trainees and technicians. You must go through the trainee license process first, which includes on-the-job training under a pharmacist before you can be registered as a technician.

You must also pass a national exam before your registration through the TSPB will be approved. The two acceptable exam options are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), and the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

You do not need to pass one of these exams until you have completed your trainee work. You can also choose to take an exam during the training period. When registering, you must provide a fee and your fingerprints for a background check.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMS

In Texas, you do not need to complete a post-secondary program to become a pharmacy technician. However, many choose to study this career before beginning work as a pharmacy technician trainee to have important background information.

To search pharmacy technician programs, The TSBP encourages you to choose taught pharmacy technician programs that are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Some accredited programs in Texas include:

Northwest Vista College, San Antonio

This branch of the Alamo Colleges District offers a level one certificate in pharmacy technology. The program includes 31 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed over three semesters. After completing semester one, you must apply and interview to continue the program. Request enrollment information on the school website.

Austin Community College, Austin, and Round Rock

ACC offers a certificate and an associate’s degree program in pharmacy technology. The certificate program currently costs about $3,700 for in-district students, while the degree program costs around $7,100. The certification rate for graduates is 100 percent.

Amarillo College, Amarillo

This is the only accredited pharmacy tech program in the panhandle region of Texas. The certificate program includes 33 credits of courses that can be completed in two or three semesters.

Pima Medical Institute, Houston, El Paso, San Antonio

Pima offers a certificate program in three Texas locations. There are 35.5 credits of classes, including a five-credit externship working in a real pharmacy.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster offers an affordable, ASHP Accredited online Pharmacy Technician training program. More information.

Although you do not need to complete an educational program to become a registered pharmacy tech, Texas does require that once working, you complete continuing education credits. You must complete 20 hours in three years to renew your registration.

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PHARMACY TECHNICIAN REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION IN TEXAS

To register as a pharmacy technician in Texas you do need to become a certified pharmacy technician through one of the two main national organizations that offer exams: the pharmacy technician certification board or the NHA. The costs for taking the exams are $129 for the PTCB and $117 for the NHA. Once you have passed an exam, you will be considered a certified pharmacy technician and you can then register through the TSBP.

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SALARY AND CAREER OUTLOOK IN TEXAS

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average pharmacy technician earns $36,740 per year or $17.66 per hour across the U.S. In Texas, the average is higher at $36,900 per year and $17.74 per hour. If you work up to a leadership role, have more education, or have more years of experience, you may earn more. The top earners in the state in this career make more than $46,600 per year.

Across all states, the growth in pharmacy technology careers is strong. From 2020 to 2030, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 5 percent. In Texas, demand is even greater with a growth of 24 percent and an estimated 3,660 new pharmacy tech jobs being created.

WHERE TO WORK AS A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN TEXAS

As a pharmacy technician, you will work in a pharmacy, which may be in drug stores, grocery stores, independent and hospital settings, or general merchandise stores. Other locations of pharmacies that need pharmacy technicians are hospitals, nursing homes, and other types of residential health centers.

Pharmacies are found throughout the state from the biggest cities to rural areas, and all of these need good pharmacy technicians. You’ll find most job opportunities in larger population areas, including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and El Paso.

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FAQS

What are the best pharmacy technician schools in Texas?

Remington College, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Webster
CCI Training Center, Arlington
Houston Community College, Houston
Pima Medical Institute, Houston and El Paso
National American University, Austin
El Paso Community College, El Paso

How do you become a pharmacy technician in Texas?

You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a high school diploma or GED
Pass a criminal record check
Pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Register through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP)

How much do pharmacy technicians make in Texas?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians in the state of Texas made an average of $36,900 per year in 2020. Entry-level pharm techs earned around $29,080 and some experienced professionals earned as much as $47,150.

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ALL SCHOOL LISTINGS

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Alvin Community College

3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, Texas 77511-4898Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Alvin Community College is offered at their campus in Alvin in Brazoria County, TX. This public college has around 5,118 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $1,510 and are $2,566 and $3,670 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,710, although this varies from program to program.

Amarillo, TX Area

Amarillo College

2011 S. Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79109Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Amarillo College is offered at their campus in the city of Amarillo. The college has an order of 10,873 students in total, with most of the students on 2-year programs. Amarillo College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $1,914 and is $2,898 and $4,362 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,592, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited.

Eastern Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Angelina College

3500 South First, Lufkin, Texas 75902-1768Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

Angelina College’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the town of Lufkin, Texas. This public college has around 5,490 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Angelina College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $2,040 and are $3,240 and $4,560 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,410, although this varies from program to program.

This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers start dates in September. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: full-time, daytime (evening for (1) practicum).

Acceptance Requirements: 18 yrs of age, attend an information session, HS transcription/GED, TASP or Accuplacer testing, Keyboarding course, Transcripts (HS/College), Interview.

General Location Training Sites: Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Diboll, Crocket, Livingston, Jaster, Texas. Academic award: Certificate of Completion.

They say: CPR training, skills laboratory used for hands-on practice of skills for pill counting, telephone etiquette, compounding, IV prep, and cash register skills. Computer experience includes internet research, virtual tour, classroom presentations, CAI, math tutoring, and report research and development. Financial aid is available through the college financial aid department. Interview preparation and assistance in writing resumes on the computer. Review before the certification exam.

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Area

Austin Community College District

5930 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, Texas 78752Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Austin Community College District’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Austin, TX. The college has roughly 41,627 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Austin Community College District has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly $2,490 and are $7,860 and $9,870 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.

Study materials can cost roughly $1,200, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers starting dates in August and January.

Class scheduling: Daytime, evening, distance learning with weekend labs.

Acceptance Requirements: High school diploma or GED, transcript, assessment testing.

General Location Training Sites: Austin and surrounding areas.. Academic award: Certificate program.

They say: ACC’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a two-semester certificate program that can be completed through college credit or continuing education. Students taking the program through college credit are eligible for financial aid. The program offers hands-on laboratory training, including computer experience, in addition to 256 externship hours.

Externship sites are available throughout Austin and the surrounding area and offer the flexibility of day, evening, and weekend rotations. The program is offered in a morning or evening format with classes Monday through Thursday.

Distance learning classes are available with weekend labs. Students have the option of obtaining sterile product preparation certification. Students are prepared to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division Area

CCI Training Center-Arlington

770 E. Road To Six Flags # 140, Arlington, Texas 76011Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at CCI Training Center can be taken at their Arlington campus in the city of Arlington. This private, for-profit college has about 199 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is in the order of $10,776 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,433. Typically, the program is completed in 7 months.

Northwestern Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Cisco College

101 College Heights, Cisco, Texas 76437Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Cisco College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Cisco in Eastland County. This public college has about 3,617 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs.

Cisco College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $3,060 and is $3,960 and $3,960 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,600, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 3 technicians, and a lab/clerical support member. The school offers starting dates in August.

Class scheduling: Full-time, part-time, daytime, evening.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. Diploma, GED, Pharmacy Entrance Exam

General Location Training Sites: Abilene, Anson, Cisco, Clyde, Eastland, Sweetwater. Academic award: Certificate.

They say: Hands-on skill development, computer experience, lab, financial aid, assistance with state registration, preparation for the certification exam, ACPE Sterile Compounding, and Aseptic Technique.

Gulf Coast Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Coastal Bend College

3800 Charco Rd, Beeville, Texas 78102Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Coastal Bend College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the town of Beeville. The majority of the school’s 3,533 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Tuition fees are usually around $2,752 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $2,000, depending on the program.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

College of the Mainland

1200 Amburn Road, Texas City, Texas 77591-2499Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at College of the Mainland is based at their campus in Texas City in Galveston County, TX. The majority of the school’s 4,188 students are on 2-year programs.

College of the Mainland has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $1,494 and are $2,454 and $3,174 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively.

Study materials can cost roughly $1,666, depending on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 2 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist.

The school offers starting dates at the beginning of each semester (9-month day and 12-month night program).

Class scheduling: full-time day and night.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED, 18 years of age, a passing grade in math 305 or equivalent, 12-grade reading level.

General Location Training Sites: Community around College of Mainland. Academic award: None-Certification program of 25 credit hours.

They say: Walgreen’s Pharmacy built a miniature pharmacy into our classroom. Mainland hospital donated a laminar flow hood and I.V. preparations. Our students use hands-on skills to compound products, fill prescriptions, and make I.V.s, Our program uses state-of-the-art lab tools and instructional aids. COM provides financial aid where applicable. We have an extensive internship program in both hospital and retail pharmacies. I help our students register with the State Board of Texas to get a 2-year trainee card and I prepare them for the certification exam. High pass rate. Our students practice interviews and most of them are working when they graduate.

Corpus Christi, TX Area

Del Mar College

101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas 78404-3897Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Del Mar College’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at its campus in the city of Corpus Christi, TX. The college has about 10,502 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs.

Del Mar College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is likely to be in the order of $2,520 and are $3,820 and $4,860 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost about $1,215, although this varies from program to program.

This program is ASHP accredited. Staff in the program includes a technician, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in the Fall semester. An interview is required.

Class scheduling: Daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: All students must have been admitted into Del Mar College and applied for admission to the Pharmacy Technology Program. Transcripts and interviews make up part of the admission process. Academic award: AAS in Pharmacy Technology.

They say: All students receive on hands experience in sterile and non-sterile compounding, computer experience, financial aid, assistance with state registration at the start of the program, and a capstone review for the pharmacy technician certification exam.

El Paso, TX Area

El Paso Community College

9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, Texas 79925Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

El Paso Community College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of El Paso, TX. Most of the school’s 30,468 students are on 2-year programs.

El Paso Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs themselves are accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is in the order of $2,094 and for students from outside the state in the order of $3,654 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,026, depending on the program chosen.

This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 3 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in August and January. An interview is required.

Class scheduling: Full-time, part-time, daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: The following is required of all students enrolling in this program:? Applicants must be fully accepted by EPCC as academic credit students. Attend a Health Careers Orientation Session. ? Submit a Specialized Admissions Application form. Pay the Specialized Admissions Fee. ? Submit all previous college/university official transcripts (transliteration of all foreign coursework required) to the Admissions Office. ? Must have a High School Diploma or GED. Submit official transcripts to the Admissions Office. EPCC Cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required. ? Applicants must take ACCUPLACER (Placement Exam) and attain the minimum required scores. ?Applicant must attend a Program Orientation.

General Location Training Sites: Training sites are located throughout El Paso, Texas. Academic award: Certificate of Completion, and AAS.

They say: EPCC’s Pharmacy Technology Program is the only ASHP program accredited in El Paso and East of New Mexico. The program offers two- a semester Certificate of completion and also two years of AAS.

Second-year courses are concentrated on Pharmacy school pre-requisite requirements. The program offers hands-on laboratory training, in addition to 256 retail and institutional externship hours. The program also offers sterile product preparation certification. Coursework includes a didactic online and traditional class component, hands-on training in a lab facility, and externships. Hybrid courses give more flexibility to students. Financial Aid is available.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Houston Community College’s Certificate program is imparted at their campus in the city of Houston. This public college has about 57,978 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

Houston Community College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $1,630 and is $3,358 and $3,754 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost in the order of $2,400, depending on the program chosen.

This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 6 technicians, a lab/clerical support member, and a pharmacist. The school offers starting dates in August and January. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: FT & PT Daytime only.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED equivalent, college placement test for English, reading, and math with minimum scores, admission assessment with a math test, typing test, essay, and personal interview. A minimum grade of “C” or better on HPRS 1201 and PHRA 1301 before acceptance.

General Location Training Sites: Harris and Fort Bend Counties. Academic award: Certificate of Completion.

They say: 9,000 sq ft facility with 3 state-of-the-art labs: (1) Retail lab (1) USP/797 Sterile Products and Chemo labs and (1) Hospital lab. Software and technology including Pyxis 4000 Meditation/RemoteManager/Refrigerator, QS1-QDM Automated pill counter dispenser, Carousel Inventory Technology, Cadet Oral Packaging Technology, 3D-Scanners, Repeater Pumps, Computers in every lab, Laptops, and Smartboard Technology. Job Fairs for graduates.

El Paso, TX Area

International Business College-El Paso

1155 N Zaragosa Rd Suite 100, El Paso, Texas 79907Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

International Business College offers various Certificate Pharmacy Technician program options. Classes are taken at their El Paso campus in the city of El Paso. The majority of the school’s 195 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.* The cost of tuition is, as a rough guide, in the order of $31,800 yearly.

Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Area

Lamar Institute of Technology

855 E Lavaca, Beaumont, Texas 77705Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Lamar Institute of Technology is based at their campus in the city of Beaumont, TX. This public college has around 2,995 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* The cost of tuition for in-state students is usually in the order of $4,065 and for students from outside the state in the order of $12,489 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,102, depending on the program chosen.

Lamar State College-Orange

410 Front St, Orange, Texas 77630Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Lamar State College can be taken at their Orange campus in Orange Orange County, TX. This public college has in the order of 2,426 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs.

Lamar State College-Orange has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Commission on Colleges, and the program are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Tuition fees for in-state students are about $3,496 and for students from outside the state in the order of $11,992 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $800, depending on the program chosen. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers starting dates in January and August.

Class scheduling: full-time, part-time, daytime.

Acceptance Requirements: High school education or GED, admissions testing, transcripts.

General Location Training Sites: Orange, Jefferson, and Newton counties, Texas.

They say: A nine-month certificate program emphasizing hospital, retail, and long-term care settings. State-of-the-are computer training. Preparation for national certification exam and assistance with job placement. “Hands-on” experience in lab settings in compounding, prepackaging, prescription filling, computer entry, inventory control, profile maintenance, and IV admixture preparation. Clinical rotations in hospital, retail, and long-term care settings.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Lone Star College System

5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4399Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program, Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

Lone Star College System offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of The Woodlands, Texas. The college has roughly 64,072 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $1,408 and are $3,088 and $3,448 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $750, depending on the program.

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Area

Medical Education and Training Campus

3018 William Hardee Road, Bldg 895, Joint Base San Antonio, TX 78234Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Joint Base San Antonio. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 29 technicians, 2 lab/clerical support, and 4 pharmacists.

Class scheduling: Full-Time.

Acceptance Requirements: Basic military training and various other requirements based on service affiliation.

General Location Training Sites: Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX Brooke Army Medical Center, Ft Sam Houston, TX. Academic award: Certificate of Completion.

They say: This is a military /federal-only program designed to prepare students for service in military/federal pharmacies in the U.S. and overseas. The program has an advanced phase focused on preparing students for independent duty in operational settings within the military. 40-computer-based-training modules were developed in partnership with the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs, and are utilized as blended learning throughout the curriculum. Training facilities were completed in 2010, incorporating state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories. The faculty is composed of pharmacists and technicians representing all military services.

Amarillo, TX Area

Milan Institute-Amarillo

7001 I-40 West, Amarillo, Texas 79106Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Milan Institute is based at their Amarillo campus in the city of Amarillo, Texas. The majority of the school’s 162 students are on short programs of under two years. Milan Institute-Amarillo has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for the Pharmacy Technician program is about $12,024 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $956. The typical program completion time is 9 months. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes a technician and a pharmacist. The school practices continuous enrollment. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: full-time, daytime, evening.

Acceptance Requirements: HS. Diploma or GED., admission testing – SLE, interview with admissions, 2nd interview with School Director, transcript, must pass a background check and must be eligible to obtain a Pharmacy Technician Trainee License in the State of Texas.

General Location Training Sites: Amarillo and the surrounding Texas Panhandle.

They say: We offer hands-on training, computer experience/prescription processing, financial aid, Retail and IV/Compounding lab, job placement assistance, assistance with state registration, and preparation for the national certification exam.

Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Area

National American University-Austin

13801 Burnet Road, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78727-1208Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

National American University’s Associate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Austin campus in the city of Austin, Texas. The majority of the school’s 254 students are on 4-year programs. National American University-Austin is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $12,891 per year. Study materials can cost in the order of $1,350, depending on the program chosen.

North Central Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Navarro College

3200 W 7th Avenue, Corsicana, Texas 75110Pharmacy Technician – Associate Program

The Associate’s degree program at Navarro College is based at their campus in the town of Corsicana. This public college has around 10,256 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Navarro College is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $1,702 and are $2,752 and $4,252 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $1,521, depending on the program.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Northwest Educational Center

2910 Antoine B-100, Houston, Texas 77092Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Northwest Educational Center’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in the city of Houston. Most of the school’s 169 students are on short programs of under two years. Northwest Educational Center has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $8,500 per year. Program completion is usually 8 months.

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Area

Northwest Vista College

3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78251Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Northwest Vista College is based at their campus in the city of San Antonio, TX. This public college has around 15,965 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. Northwest Vista College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $2,038 and are $5,500 and $10,822 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,996, depending on the program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program faculty includes 2 technicians, a Doctor, a lab/clerical support member, and 2 pharmacists. The school offers starting dates in January and August. Candidates can expect to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time, Part-Time, Daytime, Evening.

Acceptance Requirements: GED or high school diploma, transcripts, and interview.

General Location Training Sites: Northwest, downtown San Antonio. Academic award: Certificate.

They say: The program is designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary for an entry-level technician in both outpatient and inpatient pharmacy settings. This certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum of didactic as well as hands-on experience in prescription filling, inventory packaging, patient profiling, unit dose cassette filling, sterile product preparation, and computerized technology. In addition, the coursework prepares the individual for the national certification examination. New facilities and a state-of-the-art pharmaceutics laboratory.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Pima Medical Institute-Houston

10201 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Pima Medical Institute’s Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Houston campus in the city of Houston, TX. Most of the school’s 898 students are on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* Tuition fees are around $11,397 for each academic year. Study materials can cost roughly $562, depending on the program.

Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Platt College-Dallas

2974 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75234Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Platt College is based at their Dallas campus in the city of Dallas, TX. This private, for-profit college has in the region of 88 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.* Tuition fees are usually around $32,020 for each academic year.

Remington College-Dallas Campus

1800 Eastgate Dr, Garland, Texas 75041Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Remington College can be taken at their Dallas Campus campus in Garland in Dallas County, TX. The college has in the order of 904 students in total, with most of the students on 4-year programs. Remington College-Dallas Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, and the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are generally about $15,995 annually. This program is ASHP accredited.

Acceptance Requirements: H.S. diploma or GED, admissions test, background check Academic award: Diploma/Certification.

They say: Hand-on training, financial aid, job placement, assistance with state registration, preparation for certification exams

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Remington College-Fort Worth Campus

300 E. Loop 820, Fort Worth, Texas 76112-1225Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Remington College is based at their Fort Worth Campus campus in the city of Fort Worth, TX. Most of the school’s 408 students are on 2-year programs. Remington College-Fort Worth Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are about $16,380 annually. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

Remington College-Houston Campus

11310 Greens Crossing Blvd, Ste 300, Houston, Texas 77067Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Remington College’s Certificate program is imparted at their Houston Campus campus in the city of Houston. The majority of the school’s 474 students are on 2-year programs. Remington College-Houston Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* tuition fees are about $15,995 annually. This program has AHSP candidate status.

Remington College-Webster Campus

20985 Interstate 45 South, Webster, Texas 77598Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Remington College’s Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their Webster Campus campus in the city of Webster, TX. Most of the school’s 354 students are on 2-year programs. Remington College-Webster Campus has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition is in the order of $15,995 per year. This program has AHSP candidate status.

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Area

RGV Careers

1200 West Polk Avenue, Pharr, Texas 78577-2106Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

RGV Careers’ Certificate-level Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their campus in Pharr in Hidalgo County. This private, for-profit college has about 223 students in total, with most students on < 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.* The college’s retention rate for full-time students is 100%. Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are likely to be in the order of $12,355 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $665. Program completion is usually 9 months.

Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Richland College

12800 Abrams Road, Dallas, TX 75243-2199Pharmacy Technician – Program

The program is taught at their location in Dallas. The majority of the school’s 19,343 students are on 2-year programs. Richland College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Commission on Colleges, and the program is separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $1,665 and is $3,015 and $4,695 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $2,000, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited. The school offers starting dates in January, June, and August. An interview is required.

Class scheduling: daytime; evening; full-time; part-time.

Acceptance Requirements: High school or GED. Admissions testing, interview, transcript, letter of recommendation.

General Location Training Sites: Dallas County, Collin County, and Tarrant County, Texas. Academic award: No certificate.

They say: Program features hands-on skills in Sterile Pharmaceutical Compounding and the use of Automix Compounder, use of Pyxis, and pumps in class before the internship. Up-to-date computers in the computer lab with internet capabilities for the students to research medications and other paper-works. State-of-the-art pharmacy lab that gives the students the feel of Institution and Community settings. State financial assistance and Pharmacy Foundation Scholarship are available for the students in need. Job placement and certification examination preparation are available. Program graduates have a 100% pass rate on the PTCB exams and a 100% employment rate.

Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Area

San Jacinto Community College

8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, Texas 77501-2007Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at San Jacinto Community College can be taken at their campus in Pasadena in Harris County, TX. This public college has about 28,385 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $1,312 and are $2,296 and $3,496 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,490, depending on the program.

McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Area

South Texas College

3201 W Pecan, McAllen, Texas 78502-9701Pharmacy Technology – Associate Program, Pharmacy Technology – Certificate Program

South Texas College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are offered at their campus in the city of McAllen. This public college has about 31,232 students in total, with most students in 4-year programs. South Texas College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the programs are separately accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* The cost of tuition for in-district students is usually in the order of $3,246 and is $3,530 and $7,260 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,200, as necessitated by the chosen program. This program is ASHP accredited.

San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Area

Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers-San Antonio

602 W. Southcross, San Antonio, Texas 78221-0138Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

Southwest School of Business and Technical Careers’ Certificate Pharmacy Technician program is imparted at their San Antonio campus in the city of San Antonio, TX. The majority of the school’s 230 students are on short programs of under two years. The school has institutional accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education.* Tuition fees for the Medical Assisting program are in the order of $14,560 per year. Learning materials may cost the order of $290. Program completion is usually 9 months.

Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Division Area

Tarrant County College District

1500 Houston St, Fort Worth, Texas 76102-6524Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Tarrant County College District is taught at their campus in the city of Fort Worth, Texas. This public college has in the region of 50,771 students in total, with most students on 2-year programs. Tarrant County College District has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $1,320 and are $2,064 and $4,920 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $1,499, depending on the program.

Waco, TX Area

Texas State Technical College-Waco

3801 Campus Drive, Waco, Texas 76705Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Texas State Technical College can be taken at their Waco campus in the city of Waco, TX. Most of the school’s 3,988 students are on 2-year programs. The school has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.* Tuition fees for in-state students are about $3,342 and for students from other states approximately $7,200 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $991, depending on the program.

Northwestern Texas nonmetropolitan area Area

Vernon College

4400 College Dr., Vernon, Texas 76384-4092Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Program

The Certificate program at Vernon College is taught at their campus in Vernon in Wilbarger County. Most of the school’s 3,084 students are on 2-year programs. Vernon College has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, while the program itself is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.* Fees for tuition for in-district students are usually about $2,940 and are $4,200 and $6,300 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost in the order of $1,600, although this varies from program to program. This program is ASHP accredited. The program staff includes 3 technicians. The school offers starting dates in August (Day program) and January (Night program). You will be required to attend an interview.

Class scheduling: Full-time & daytime, Part-time & evening.

Acceptance Requirements: Students must be accepted by the college before applying to the program (includes a $10.00 fee and current transcripts or GED equivalency. Current registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician trainee (must be current, registration valid for only 2 years) $53 online processing fee and $49 fingerprinting fee, Accuplacer exam (or equivalent entrance exam) with 56 in reading, 49 in math, and 66 in writing, proof of immunizations (list on website), criminal background check, drug test for certain clinical rotations and interview with the program director.

General Location Training Sites: Wichita Falls and surrounding area (60-mile area). Academic award: Certificate of Completion.

They say: Vernon College Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a certificate program where students earn 24 college credits that can be completed in two semester day program or three semester night program. Students are eligible for financial aid, both state and local. “Hands-on” experience in lab settings in compounding, prepackaging, prescription filling, computer entry, inventory control, profile maintenance, insurance billing, customer service, and IV admixture preparation that prepares the student for the national certification examination.

* Accreditation status and tuition fees are correct at the time of the last update and are sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Confirm with the college or university before applying.

OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS

Students may also wish to review their options in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.