Pharmacy Technician
Develop Essential Pharmacy Technician Skills
Prepare for a rewarding career in pharmacy with our Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. Designed to build the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level pharmacy practice, the program also prepares students for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (ExCPT). Through coursework in foundational pharmacy concepts, pharmacology, medication safety, compounding techniques and clinical applications, students gain practical insight into community, hospital and retail pharmacy settings.
Explore the Required Courses
Foundations of Pharmacy Practice and Operations (XH-251)
This course introduces students to the role of the pharmacy technician, pharmacy law and ethics, medication safety, prescription processing, pharmacy calculations, inventory management, and customer service in pharmacy settings.
Pharmacology, Compounding, and Clinical Application (XH-252)
This course builds on foundational knowledge through the study of pharmacology, medication classifications, sterile and non-sterile compounding, drug interactions, dosage forms, and clinical applications used in contemporary pharmacy practice.
Upon completion, students will be equipped with the essential competencies needed to support pharmacists in delivering safe, effective patient care and pursue national certification as a pharmacy technician.
Course Prerequisites
To earn a Pharmacy Technician certificate, students must complete both courses and meet the following requirements:
- Be 18 years or older
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Complete all clinical eligibility requirements, including a background check, proof of medical insurance, and required health forms (additional fees may apply)
- Students without a prior degree or English 121 must take the Accuplacer Assessment and score a minimum of 240
For course and prerequisite information, please email NonCreditAlliedHealth@HowardCC.edu. Digital badge eligible (DB).
This comprehensive pharmacy technician program prepares students for entry-level employment, advanced pharmacy practice, and national certification readiness through an NHA-aligned curriculum. Students develop knowledge and skills in pharmacy operations, pharmacology, medication safety, pharmaceutical calculations, medication management, compounding, aseptic technique, regulatory compliance, patient communication, and professional workforce competencies. The program also includes focused certification exam preparation through content reviews, practice assessments, case-based exercises, and test-taking strategies designed to strengthen exam readiness, build confidence, and support successful entry into professional pharmacy technician practice.
Students must complete XH-251 (FOUNDATIONS), XH-252 (PHARMACOLOGY), and XH-253 (ExCPT REVIEW) to receive certification.
Contact NoncreditAlliedHealth@HowardCC.edu for additional information. No refund seven days prior to course start date. Digital badge eligible (DB). 24 CEUs.