Program Overview
Note: This is an in-person course that uses an online platform (D2L) for assignments or supplemental materials. Reliable access to the internet and a computer is required.
Certification: Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician in their state and take the PTCB or NHA exams.
Important: This is a non-credit program, and federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, does not apply.
Complete the WCE Short Form
All students must complete the WCE Short Form, even if they have previously attended a WCE course or are a current Temple College student. This is the first required step in the application process and cannot be skipped.
Complete Short FormPrepare All Required Documents
Refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist for a list of all required documents. Ensure all documents are complete and up to date. If any are missing or expired, update or obtain them before proceeding. Health records must show your name, date of birth, and the administering provider.
Purchase Screening Package
Once all required documents are gathered, purchase the screening package (Background Check and Document Tracker).
Purchase Screening PackageUpload All Required Documents
Upload all the required documents to your document tracker in Complio. Once all documents are approved, proceed to the next step.
If you need the American Heart Association BLS Certificate, you can register for a course here: tinyurl.com/wce-bls. If the available dates don't work for you, visit templecpr.com for other options. Note: If you are a DYD Scholarship recipient, do not register for the BLS course through these links.
- If you have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine or cannot provide proof, request the Heplisav-B series (a two-dose series, completed in one month). The first dose must be administered by January 10, 2026. Note: If you receive the three-dose series, you will not be eligible for this cohort, as it takes six months to complete.
- The Tdap, Influenza (Flu) vaccines, TB test, and BLS Certification must remain valid throughout the program.
- If you need the Varicella or MMR vaccines (two-dose series), start the first dose no later than January 10, 2026.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- 18 years of age or older
- A valid driver's license or state-issued ID
- A Social Security number and the ability to provide proof of it upon request
Background Check Requirements
- Must pass a criminal background check with no infractions that would prohibit employment
Clinical Compliance Requirements
- Must upload documentation of all clinical requirements in Complio
- All documentation must be approved in Complio
- Please refer to the Clinical Requirements Checklist on what must be submitted
Post-Acceptance Requirements
- Pass a drug test
You will receive further instructions on how to complete your drug test 30 days before your clinical start date. Please do not order the drug test without prompt.
Includes: Textbook, Certification Exam, and Drug Test
Additional Costs:
- Royal blue scrubs
- Document tracker and background check
- AHA BLS Certification course
- Finger printing
- Tech Trainee License
Multiple funding sources may be available to help reduce your program costs
Schedule
- Due at Registration: $536.80
- 1st Month After Registration: $506.80
- 2nd Month After Registration: $506.80
- 3rd Month After Registration: $506.80
- 4th Month After Registration: $506.80
Important: Your tuition must be paid in full at least two weeks before the program ends to receive the exam voucher and Certificate of Completion.
Notification of Acceptance
You will receive an official acceptance email within a week of submitting your application, provided all requirements are completed and spots are available. The email will include payment instructions and orientation details.
Orientation
Your program has a mandatory orientation. The orientation will typically cover: Program expectations, Course schedules, Issuance of textbooks, Q&A with the instructor, clinical coordinator, and/or WCE staff.
Prepare for Class
Before your program begins, ensure you are able to log into the following: Your Temple College Student Email, Your Online Learning Platform (D2L).
Clinicals
Students who are eligible for clinicals are required to complete a drug test at least 14 days before clinicals begin. We will issue the drug test order. You will receive more information closer to the clinical start date.
Program Completion
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion and become eligible to sit for your program's certification exam or start the licensure process for your program.
If your account has an outstanding balance, the Certificate of Completion and any applicable exam vouchers will not be issued until the balance is paid in full.
Description
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare provider who performs pharmacy-related functions, generally working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. As a pharmacy technician, you will help the pharmacist package or mix prescriptions, maintain client records, refer clients to the pharmacist for counseling, assist with inventory control and purchasing, as well as collect payments and coordinate billing. This course meets for 200 hours of in-person instruction. Students may be eligible to complete an off-site externship of 120 hours, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for registration as a pharmacy technician in their state and be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcareers Association (NHA) examinations.
Course Objectives
- Design a study plan that fits their learning style and personal commitments
- Assist the pharmacist in collecting, organizing, and evaluating information for direct client care, medication use review, and departmental management
- Receive and screen prescription/medication orders for completeness and authenticity
- Prepare medications for distribution
- Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians
- Distribute medications
- Assist the pharmacist in the identification of clients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices
- Initiate, verify, collect payment for, and initiate billing for pharmacy services or goods
- Purchase pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies according to an established plan
- Control the inventory of medications, equipment, and devices according to an established plan
- Assist the pharmacist in monitoring the practice site and/or service area for compliance with state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards
- Maintain the pharmacy equipment and facilities
- Assist the pharmacist in preparing, storing, and distributing investigational medication products
- Assist the pharmacist in monitoring medication therapy
- Participate in the pharmacy department’s process for preventing medication errors
- Demonstrate their skills in a lab setting
- Be aware that background checks are mandatory to become a state-registered PT
- Use communication strategies associated with quality customer service
- Draft a resume that clearly communicates their value to an employer
- Utilize networking, informational interviews, and other resources to generate job interviews
- Orally express their goals, skills, and personal qualities in a manner that makes them desirable employees
- Contrast effective communication approaches for dealing with people of various personal styles/temperaments
- Use active listening, mirroring, and parameter-setting to participate effectively in difficult conversations
- Describe and apply several strategies for managing stress on the job, at school, and at home
- Complete a PTCB examination practice test
Course Codes
- PHRA 1001 Introduction to Pharmacy: 64 contact hours (6.4 CEUs)
- PHRA 1005 Drug Classification: 96 contact hours (9.6 CEUs)
- PHRA 1009 Pharmaceutical Mathematics I: 40 contact hours (4.0 CEUs)
- PHRA 1060 Clinical – Pharmacy Technician: 120 contact hours (12.0 CEUs)
Attendance Policy
The Pharmacy Technician program requires 85% attendance to successfully complete. Attendance will be taken at each meeting.
Student Handbook
The Medical Careers Student Handbook outlines important program policies. We encourage you to read the handbook before applying. Visit https://tinyurl.com/medical-careers-handbook to view it.
Do I need to take the TSIA to register for this program?
You do not need to take the TSIA to register for this program.
Can I use FAFSA for to pay for this program's tuition?
At this time, students are unable to use federal financial aid to pay for this program's tuition.
Do I need to pass the drug test in order to register?
No, the drug test is a clinical requirement typically completed before you begin clinicals/externships.
Workforce and Continuing Education (WCE) Department
Email: wce@templecollege.edu
Phone: 254.298.8625
Office Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed on Fridays
Information in this packet may change. Make sure to bookmark this page to review possible updates or contact us directly.