While the Texas Board of Pharmacy does not mandate formal education for pharmacy technicians, it is highly recommended. The Board recommends completion of an ASHP accredited program to all candidates who decide to pursue formal training. All pharmacy technicians and trainees within Texas must register with the board before assuming employment within the state. An individual who goes beyond the state’s minimum requirements and pursue higher education get better opportunities and earn higher incomes. Furthermore, pharmacy technicians with certifications and degrees find it easier to make the step toward becoming registered pharmacists. Accredited pharmacy technician programs cover vital practical training in a community and institutional pharmacy, giving students the opportunity to prepare for employment in both workplaces.
Houston Community College
Houston Community College aims to provide workforce training through its pharmacy technician program. There are three program levels – the Retail – Occupational Skills Award, the Certificate Level 2, and the Pharmacy Technician Specialization – AAS.
Retail – Occupational Skills is a fast-track training that prepares students for entry-level employment in just 13 weeks. Lecture and lab will cover the first 8 weeks of the program and the pharmacy technician externship comprising of 160 contact hours of practical training will take in the final 5 weeks. Topics covered include Pharmaceutical Mathematics I, Community Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacy Technician Certification Review, Clinical – Pharmacy Technician/Assistant, and Professional Practices for Pharmacy Technicians.
Pharmacy Technician – Certificate Level 2 covers 38 credit hours of instruction in three semesters. Course topics include Drug Classification, Pharmaceutical Mathematics I, Community Pharmacy Practice, Professional Practices for Pharmacy Technicians, Institutional Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacotherapy & Disease Process, Compounding Sterile Preparations, Pharmaceutical Mathematics II, Clinical Pharmacy Technician/Assistant I, II and Capstone, and Pharmacy Technician Certification Review. Candidates must complete the prerequisite courses Introduction to Health Professions and Introduction to Pharmacy.
Pharmacy Technician – Specialization – AAS is open to candidates who have complete the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program. The covers 60 credit hours specifically designed for health science professionals to meet continuing education goals and gain entry to advanced level clinical posts. The duration of the program is 2 years – 5 semesters. Courses include Drug Classification, Pharmaceutical Mathematics I, Community Pharmacy Practice, Professional Practices for Pharmacy Technicians, Institutional Pharmacy Practice, Compounding Sterile Preparations, Pharmaceutical Mathematics II, Pharmaceutical Mathematics II, Pharmacotherapy and Disease Process, Clinical – Pharmacy Technician/Assistant I, II, and Capstone and Pharmacy Technician Certification Review. Final years courses include Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective, Composition I, Math/Natural Science Elective, Humanities/ Fine Arts Elective, General Education Elective, Composition II, and General Education Elective.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C (GPA 2.0) or higher
- Complete a placement test – for applicants who did not attend high school
- Complete a background check
- Complete a physical exam on the HCC physical exam form
- Provide proof of medical insurance
- Take and pass a 21-panel drug screen
- Provide record of immunizations – Tetanus, MMR, Varicella, Seasonal Flu, TB Skin test, and Hepatitis B
- Must have current CPR (BLS) certification
The program cost for the Level II program is $4,487. It includes tuition, PTCB exam, uniforms, books, medical insurance, physical exam, vaccinations, background check, drug screen, TSBP Technician Trainee Registration, and parking.
- Website: https://www.hccs.edu/
- Address: 3100 Main St., Houston TX 77002
- Phone: (713) 718-2000
Lone Star College – North Harris
The pharmacy technology certificate program at Lone Star College is a three-semester program that prepares students to enter the pharmacy profession. The Certificate program can be stacked and credits earned (32 credits) can be applied toward the Pharmacy Management AAS Degree. Course topics include Community Pharmacy Practice, Learning Framework: 1st Year Experience, Pharmaceutical Mathematics I, Drug Classification, Pharmacy Law, Clinical I Community Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Mathematics II, Pharmacotherapy & Disease Process, Compounding Sterile Preparations & Aseptic Technique, Clinical II Institutional Pharmacy, Institutional Pharmacy Practice, and Pharmacy Technician Certificate Review. Students enter the program in the fall and complete the training in the next fall. The huge demand for training at the North Harris campus may extend the course duration to one year for evening students. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists-accredited program helps students succeed at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination to obtain national certification.
Admission criteria:
- Demonstrate college readiness
- Submit high school transcript and transcripts of any college courses completed
- Must have a high school diploma or GED before applying to the program
- Complete a satisfactory drug screen before commencing the pharmacy technician externship
- Complete the Hepatitis B immunization series
- Complete a physical exam through a licensed physician
- Must have student liability insurance
- Provide an updated immunization record – TB skin test, MMR, and varicella
- Current CPR certification
The rate of tuition based on residency is $1,152 per semester for full-time students. Additional cost for textbooks, supplies and college fees and not included.
- Website: http://www.lonestar.edu/
- Address: 2700 West W Thorne Drive Houston, TX, United States
- Phone: (281) 618-5400
University of Houston Downtown
University of Houston Downtown campus facilitates a certificate pharmacy technician program that provides 50 hours of classroom instruction and skills practice. Optional online course delivery is also available. Course topics include the history of pharmacy and healthcare, drug regulation and control, parenterals and compounding, aseptic technique and handling of sterile products, routes and formulations, pharmaceutical terminology and anatomy, pharmacy technician certification review and registration, basic biopharmaceutics, Total Parenteral Nutrition, factors affecting drug activity, brand names and generic drugs, inventory management and financial issues, and drug names and classes. Students will participate in an 80-hour pharmacy externship after completing the requirements in the classroom. At the end of the program, graduates will know how to dispense medication, compound a prescription order, receive and screen prescriptions, manage billing, maintain pharmacy equipment, purchase pharmaceuticals, control inventory and assist pharmacist in serving customers. Students meet from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm two days a week.
Admission criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Background check, physical and drug screen may be required to participate in the pharmacy externship
Tuition is $1399 inclusive of course materials and externship. The online option costs $1,199 and includes an externship.
- Website: https://www.uhd.edu/Pages/home.aspx
- Address: 2700 Bay Area Boulevard Houston, TX 77058
- Phone: (713) 221-8032
San Jacinto College
The Pharmacy Technician Program at San Jacinto College is a certificate program that students complete in 3 months. The 32-credit program equips students with skills and knowledge to qualify for a job as an entry-level pharmacy technician. The course structure is also designed to prepare students for national certification. Course modules include essentials of medical terminology, drug classifications, pharmacy math, introduction to pharmacy, community pharmacy practice, pharmacy drug therapy, compounding medications, institutional pharmacy practice. In the final semester, students must complete clinical externships at institutional and community pharmacies. The program admits students twice a year – the full-time day program begins in the Fall and a full-time evening program begins in the Spring.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Obtain admission to San Jacinto College
- Complete and submit TSAI scores
- Must undergo a background check
- Pass a 10-panel drug screen
- Submit immunization records – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza, TB Skin Test
- Must have a Pharmacy Technician Trainee License through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy
The program cost is $3,211 inclusive of textbooks, lab fee, insurance, immunizations, uniform, college fees and Texas State Board Registration.
- Website: https://www.sanjac.edu/
- Address: 5800 Uvalde Road Houston, Texas 77049-4599
- Phone: (281) 459-7155
- Email: North.PharmTech@sjcd.edu
PIMA Medical Institute
The pharmacy technician program at PIMA Medical Institute is designed to prepare student for entry-level employment as pharmacy technicians. Theory and practical instructions aim to support the development of critical skills such as customer care, management, and prescription preparation. Students will learn sterile products and aseptic techniques. Course topics include anatomy, physiology, and terminology, math fundamentals, pharmacy law and ethics, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, principles of customer service, pharmacology, pharmacy lab skills, fundamentals of chemistry, and pharmacy computer applications. The curriculum will cover 350 hours of theory, 250 lab hours, and 240 hours of clinical externship. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to take a national exam to become a certified pharmacy technician. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm for 36 weeks. A hybrid program is also available.
Admission criteria:
- Submit a completed application
- submit proof fo completing high school or GED
- Must meet with a PMI admissions representative
- Must pass the required entrance exam
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- must meet the vaccination requirements
The program cost of $17,018 includes tuition, registration fee, textbooks, supplies, uniform, and technology fee.
- Website: https://pmi.edu/
- Address: 11125 Equity Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041
- Phone: 1-800-477-PIMA
The Pharmacy
The pharmacy technician program offered by The Pharmacy provides students with didactic and clinical training to prepare them for entry-level employment. Students will develop professional skills in customer service, prescription preparation, patient profiling, and drug inventory maintenance. Course topics include pharmacology, pharmacy math, pharmacy process of drug dispensing, medication safety and quality assurance, and pharmacy billing and reimbursement. The approved program will prepare students for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT), administered by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or by National Healthcare Association (NHA). The duration of the program is 6 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must pass an admissions assessment
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
Contact The Pharmacy for more details on the cost of training.
- Website: http://www.pharmacyhouston.com/
- Address: 6630 Southwest Freeway, Houston, Texas 77074
- Phone: 713-266-5425
College of Health Care Professions
The pharmacy technician program at the College of Health Care Professions is delivered as fully on-campus option or via blended learning. Students enrolled in the blended classes will complete the theory online and receive hands-on training in person. Course topics include intro to pharmacy, ethics, and patient safety, institutional pharmacy, community pharmacy, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy techniques and practice, sterile compounds, parenterals and IV admixtures, customer service, certification prep for pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy technician externship. Graduates will be eligible to take national certification exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. The duration of the program is 36 weeks.
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must pass the Wonderlic SLE with a minimum score of 14
- Must be able to read and write in English
- Must have good coordination
- Must be neat and professional at all times
- Must pass a criminal background check
The program cost of $17,400 includes registration fee, technology fee, textbooks, and tuition.
- Website: https://www.chcp.edu/
- Address: 7322 Southwest Fwy, Suite 110 Houston, TX 77074
- Phone: 713-470-2427
Alvin Community College
The Pharmacy Technician program at ACC leads to an Associate Degree or a certificate. The program is delivered in hybrid format with some of the theory offered online. Students will meet on campus to develop their hands-on skills. The certificate program is a 33 credit program. Course topics include introduction to pharmacy, drug classification, pharmaceutical math, community pharmacy practice, pharmacy terminology, pharmacy drug therapy and treatment, institutional pharmacy, pharmacy technician certification review, pharmacy technician retail, and compounding, sterile preparation. The program is designed to be completed in three semesters. Upon completion of our program, you will be prepared to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must apply for admission to Alvin Community College
- Must not be on suspension or academic probation at any college
- Must apply for admission to the Pharmacy Technician program online
- Must attend an interview with the Program Director
- Must pass a background check and drug screen
- Must make a C or greater for all pharmacy technician courses
- Must obtain a “technician in training” through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy before taking the clinical
- Must meet the current immunization requirement for Clinical I
- Must have current CPR certification
The yearly cost of the certificate program is $2,100 for in-district students and $3,600 for those out of district. Books and supplies cost an additional $515.
How Do I Get Free Pharmacy Technician Training in Houston
There is no private pharmacy technician schools that offer free training in Houston. You can search out employer-sponsored programs or apply to a pharmacy for a paid apprenticeship. There is no requirement for formal training from the Board of Pharmacy, so many pharmacy employers may be willing to train new pharmacy technicians on the job. You will need to apply for a pharmacy technician trainee license before you begin the on-the-job training.
How Long Does It Take to Become A Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
The normal completion time for a pharmacy technician certificate program is 24 to 36 weeks.
How Do I Become A Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
Pharmacy technicians in Texas must obtain a license from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
Formal training is not mandatory in Texas. The Board issues two types of pharmacy technician registrations, as follows:
- 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.
To apply for the pharmacy technician registration you must:
- Have a high school diploma, or GED or be working to achieve a high school diploma
- Have current certification from a Board-approved pharmacy technician certification exam – these include the PTCB exam or the NHA exam
- Provide your full name, address, date of birth, social security number, PTCB or ExCPT number and expiration date
- Complete the requirements for the Board to access criminal history record (i.e. submitting fingerprints).
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 the requirements for the Board to process a criminal background check
If you have a current/active PTCB or ExCPT certification or been previously registered with TSBP as a pharmacy technician or a pharmacy technician registration, DO NOT apply for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee.
Full details on the Texas Pharmacy Technician Registration Requirements available here.
What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in Texas?
Pharmacy technicians working in community and institutional pharmacies in Texas must have current registration from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Make in Houston?
Certified pharmacy technicians in Houston earn an annual median wage of $39,300. Experienced pharmacy technicians in some organizations earn as much as $47,400 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.