The state of Texas requires all pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Employers must check the status of the candidate’s registration before extending an offer of employment. The State Board of Pharmacy serves as the governing body for the licensing and registration of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies in the state. It is the employers’ responsibility to ensure that technicians and trainees have the knowledge and skills to execute their assigned duties. Therefore, they must provide informal training from the onset. While the state doesn’t mandate formal training for technicians and trainees, many individuals enroll in pharmacy technician classes across the state in order to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and increase their chances of employment and higher incomes.
Northwest Vista College
The certificate Pharmacy Technology program at Northwest Vista College may be completed in three semesters. The training provides students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to perform entry-level duties at community and hospital pharmacies. Over the course of 624 contact hours, students cover topics such as medical terminology, institutional pharmacy practice, drug classification, introduction to pharmacy, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical math, community pharmacy practice, intravenous admixture and sterile compounding, pharmacy drug therapy and treatment and practicum. At the end of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) accredited program, graduates will earn 31 credits.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission to Northwest Vista College
- Complete the required NVC assessment tests
- Complete the Pharmacy Technician Application form
- Complete a one-page, double-spaced, typed essay
- Sign and submit the Statement of Understanding, the HIPAA Confidentiality Agreement, and Consent for Drug Screening
- Complete a background check and drug test
- Submit documentation of vaccination – Varicella, Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, and Influenza
Tuition is $109 per semester credit for in-district students and $225 per credit hour for those out of district.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/
- Address: 3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78251
- Phone: (210) 486-4000
Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute facilitates the pharmacy technician program at both the San Antonio North and South campuses. The course structure is designed to give graduates the confidence to take a vital role in patient care. Students acquire skills and technical knowledge through hands-on training and interactive discussions. The curriculum will cover 848 contact hours – 510 hours in the classroom, 170 hours in the lab, and 168 extern hours. Graduates will have completed 65 quarter credit hours. Course topics include Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Word Processing, Customer Service, Career Readiness, Pharmacy Technician Externship, Communication, Medical Terminology, Diseases of the Human Body, Medical Law & Ethics, Introduction to Pharmacy Management, Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacy Technician I-III, Pharmacy Computer Applications, Math for Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy Certification Prep. The course duration is 33 weeks for full-time students.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 16 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must provide criminal history information
- Must be registered with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a trainee
- Must complete a fingerprint session
Tuition is $18,450 including expenses for books and supplies.
- Website: https://scitexas.edu/
- Address: 6963 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78238
- Phone: (210) 802-2226
UIW School of Pharmacy
The School of Extended Studies at UIW pharmacy technician program prepares students to pass the Pharmacy Technician Board Exam and enter the field of pharmacy in an entry-level position. Throughout the training, students learn via a mix of classroom instruction, audio-visual demonstrations and hands-on learning. The experienced, licensed pharmacist instructors teach topics such as law and ethics, compounding, pharmacology, medical terminology, communication, aseptic IV preparation, pharmaceutical calculations, anatomy, over-the-counter medications, reading and interpreting prescriptions and professionalism in the workplace. Apart from the required hours in the classroom, students must complete 80 hours of clinical externship. The duration of the program is 45 weeks for the entry-level program and 65 weeks for the advanced program. Graduates may earn 27 to 41 credit hours by the completion of the program.
Admission criteria:
- Must possess a high school diploma or GED
- Have no history of felony misdemeanors
- Submit a history of vaccinations
- Must be committed to a 14-week schedule
- Undergo fingerprint and background screening
Tuition is $13,325 for the entry-level program and $19,975 for the advanced program.
- Website: https://pharmacy.uiw.edu/index.html
- Address: 4301 Broadway CPO #294 San Antonio, TX 78209
- Phone: (210) 829-2704 or (210) 805-3042
Palo Alto College
The pharmacy technician program at Palo Alto College covers the technical knowledge and practical skills adults need to qualify for an entry-level position in a community or hospital pharmacy. The comprehensive curriculum includes didactic as well as hands-on training in inventory management, patient profiling, prescription filling, pharmacy calculations, and sterile product preparation. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. Course modules include Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Mathematics I and II, Pharmacy Drug Therapy & Treatment, Community Pharmacy Practice, Ethics and Texas Pharmacy Law, Intravenous Admixture & Sterile Compounding, and Certification Review. The program is delivered fully online. The program duration is six months.
Admission criteria:
- Take and pass a math assessment or equivalent college coursework
- Pass a criminal background check
- Complete a reading assessment or equivalent college coursework
- Submit documentation of current immunizations
- Medical professional liability insurance is recommended
Tuition for the program is $4,388.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/home/
- Address: 1400 W. Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78224
- Phone: 210-485-0000
Good Careers Academy
The pharmacy technician program at Good Careers Academy covers topics like infection control, fundamentals of emergencies, safety and hazardous materials, trade and generic medications, pharmacy law and record-keeping, and inventory control to prepare adults for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician. The program will include 720 hours of classroom theory and a pharmacy externship that will provide the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the classroom. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the State Board of Pharmacy exam. The duration of the program is 30 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- Provide proof of high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid Texas ID or driver’s license
- Submit documentation of immunization
- Pay the registration fee of $50
Tuition for the program is $3,150.
- Website: https://www.goodwillsa.org/
- Address: 12332 I-10 West at De Zavala, San Antonio
- Phone: 210-570-7GCA (7422)
PIMA Medical Institute
The pharmacy technician program at PIMA prepares students for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician through the development of professional skills in prescription preparation, inventory management, and customer service. Students are expected to take and pass the sterile products certification course through the National Pharmacy Technician Association as part of the requirements for graduation. The curriculum covers 840 contact hours theory and practical training. Course topics include Study Skills, Anatomy, Physiology and Terminology, Math Fundamentals, CPR & First Aid, Pharmacy Math, Inventory Maintenance, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Pharmacy Technician Duties, Principles of Customer Service, Pharmacy Laboratory Skills, Fundamentals of Chemistry, and Pharmacy Externship. Classes meet Monday through Friday for 36 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application for admission
- Provide documentation of completing high school or equivalent
- Take and pass the Wonderlic SLE with a satisfactory score
- Pass a background check and drug screen
The program cost of $16,981 includes tuition, registration fee, books, uniform, and technology fee.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 6550 First Park Ten Boulevard, San Antonio, Texas 78213
- Phone: 800-477-PIMA
North East ISD
The pharmacy technician program at North East ISD will prepare students to take the PTCB certification exam to practice a Certified Pharmacy Technician in community and institutional pharmacies. Course topics covered are pharmacy calculations, medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, identifying drugs by generic and brand names, dosage calculations, drug compounding, IV flow rates, dispensing prescriptions, billing and reimbursement, and inventory control. Students will also participate in a pharmacy externship to apply the concepts learned in the classroom. The curriculum covers 50 hours in the classroom and 80 hours for the pharmacy externship.
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED – required to take the PTCB exam
Tuition for the program is $1,399 including the course textbook.
- Website: https://www.neisd.net/
- Address: 8961 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, TX 78217
- Phone: 210-407-0000
The College of Health Care Professions
CHCP’s pharmacy technician program delivers technical and practical training students need to assist a licensed pharmacist in various health care settings. Graduates will be prepared to take the PTCB exam for national certification. Students will demonstrate skills to perform aseptic techniques, sterile and non-sterile compounding, handle hazardous products, inventory and billing, and medication preparation. The program covers a total of 900 contact hours or 41.5-semester credits. Areas of study include HIPAA/OSHA, Infection Control, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Introduction to Pharmacy, Ethics and Patient Safety, Institutional Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Pharmacy Calculations, Sterile Compounds, Parenteral and IV Admixtures, Pharmacy Techniques and Practice, Customer Service, Professionalism and Career Preparation, Cert Prep for Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy Externship. The externship accounts for 180 hours of the total program hours. The program is delivered in a blended format. The duration of the program is 36 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Take and pass the Scholastic Level Exam with a minimum score of 14
- Must be able to read and write English
- Submit to a third-party criminal background check
- Complete fingerprinting within the first 30 days of class
- Register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician
The total program cost is $17,400. It includes tuition, registration, technology fee, and textbooks.
- Website: https://www.chcp.edu/
- Address: 1964 SW Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78221
- Phone: 800-487-6728
Southwest Schools
Graduates of the pharmacy technician program at Southwest Schools will have knowledge and skills to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. Students will learn pharmacy operations, pharmacological skills, reading and interpreting prescriptions, preparing medications for dispensing, communication and drug product selection. The program delivers a total of 775 contact hours (55 quarter credit hours) – 430 hours in the classroom, 220 in the lab, and 125 hours for the pharmacy externship. Course topics include Business Communications, Computer, Job Readiness, Keyboarding, Office Procedures, Professional Development, Introduction to Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Anti-infectives and Pharmacy Law and Regulations, Dose Forms and Routes of Drug Administration, Chemotherapy and Nutrition, Certification Preparation Review, Calculation, and Pharmacy Externship. Day and night classes are available. Day classes meet Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm for 33 weeks. Night classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:45 pm to 9:55 pm for 49 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must be at least 17 years of age
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must submit a completed application for admission
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must submit record of immunization
- Must pass a drug screen
The tuition for the program is $14,560 for resident students. Books and supplies cost an additional $340.
- Website: https://sws.edu/
- Address: 229 SW Military Drive, San Antonio, TX 78221
- Phone: (210) 921-0951
Are The Any Free Pharmacy Technician Training in San Antonio?
Good Careers Academy facilitates an affordable pharmacy technician. There is the option for full financial sponsorship for eligible students.
How Long Does It Take to Become A Pharmacy Technician in San Antonio?
Pharmacy technician programs leading to a certificate of completion can be completed in 6 to 8 months in San Antonio.
How Do I Become A Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
A license issued by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy is required to practice as a pharmacy technician in Texas.
There are two types of pharmacy technician registrations issued by the Board:
- A Pharmacy Technician registration is one which allows the individual to provide technical services that do not require professional judgment regarding preparing and distributing drugs. The technician will work under the direct supervision of and is responsible to a pharmacist.
- A Pharmacy Technician Trainee registration allows the individual to participate in a pharmacy’s technician training program and work towards certification from an approved national certification organization. The trainee registration is valid for two years and is NOT renewable or extendable for ANY reason.
Complete the following steps to register as a pharmacy technician:
- Submit documentation of completing high school or equivalent
- Provide documentation of current certification from a recognized certifying body – these include the PTCB exam or the NHA exam
- Provide personal data include full name, address, date of birth, social security number, PTCB or ExCPT number and expiration date
- Submit details for fingerprinting and criminal history check
To apply for the pharmacy technician trainee registration you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED or be working to complete a high school diploma
- Provide your full legal name, mailing address, date of birth, and social security number
- Provide details for the Board to process a criminal background check
The trainee registration is available only for candidates who have not been previously registered with the TSBP and held certification from the PTCB or ExCPT.
Full details on the Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements available here.
Do You Have to Go to School to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
Formal training is not required to become a pharmacy technician in Texas. However, since national certification is required for full pharmacy technician registration, formal training may be a necessary step to success on the exam. Additionally, some employers prefer formally trained technicians.
How Much Does a Certified Pharmacy Technician Make in San Antonio?
Certified pharmacy technicians in San Antonio earn an annual median wage of $36,540. Experienced pharmacy technicians in hospital pharmacies earn as much as $46,200 annually.
Which Pharmacy Technician Certification is Best?
The Texas Board of Pharmacy recognizes national certification from both the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association.