Program Details
| Time Commitment: | 6 months |
| Schedule: | Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00pm - 9:30pm |
| Course Sections: | PHRA 1001, PHRA 1005, PHRA 1009, PHRA 1060, CE 8512 (if CPR is needed) |
| Tuition: | $2534 (includes textbook, drug screen, and exam voucher) |
| Course Type: | In Person |
A pharmacy technician is a healthcare provider who performs pharmacy-related functions, typically working under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. In this role, you will assist the pharmacist with packaging or mixing prescriptions, maintaining client records, referring clients to the pharmacist for counseling, helping with inventory control and purchasing, as well as collecting payments and coordinating billing.
The course consists of 200 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours at an off-site externship, providing a comprehensive learning experience totaling 320 hours. Externships are scheduled from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
You will need a computer/laptop and access to the internet for this class.
Certification/Licensure: 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.
| Semester | Start Date | Orientation | Registration Period |
Spring 2025 |
February 25 | February 19 5pm | November 06 - February 24 |
Spring 2026 |
February | February | November - February |
- Access to a computer and Internet
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Drivers License/State ID and Social Security card
- Clean background check without any infractions
- Documentation of all required documents
- Passing a pre-clinical/externship drug screening test
Please Remember
- You must have all the required documents uploaded and approved on CastleBranch before you can register for the program.
- At registration, you must make an initial payment on the payment plan, pay in full, or provide proof of funding.
- Incomplete trackers and non-payment will result in being dropped from the program.
1. Complete the WCE Short Form |
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Complete the Workforce & Continuing Education short form. |
2. Complete a FAFSA Application |
| If you would like to apply for the Texas Public Educational Grant, which covers 50% of the program's tuition, please complete a free FAFSA application at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. |
3. Purchase Background Check and Document Tracker |
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Please use an active, personal email when purchasing the background check and document tracker.
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4.Upload Requirements to Document Tracker |
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Documentation must have your full name, date of birth, and the name of the clinic/provide who administered the vaccine/test.
*Important: If you have not received the Hep-B vaccine, please request for the Heplisav-B series (2 doses) from your healthcare provider. For technical issues with CastleBranch, please call their customer service team at 1.888.723.4263. For questions regarding the requirements, please contact us at 254.298.8625 or wce@templecollege.edu.
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5. Register for the Program |
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Reminder: You cannot join the program until all required documents are submitted and approved on CastleBranch. Students who register before completing their trackers will be dropped from the program.
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6. Pay for the Program |
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Payment is required within 24 hours of registration to secure your spot in the program. Students who do not meet the payment deadline will be removed from the program. Students may reregister when they are ready to make a payment. |
Student Handbook
Additional Information
- Set of royal blue scrubs
- CastleBranch document tracker and background check ($85.99)
- CPR course ($70 through WCE)
- Surgical masks
- Fingerprinting ($42)
- Tech Trainee License ($55)
| Payment Plan |
$2534 + $30 one-time payment plan fee
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| Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) |
Eligible students may receive financial aid for 50% of the tuition provided funding is available. Requirements
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| DYD Scholarship | For Bell County Residents: Students may be eligible for the Direct Your Destiny (DYD) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Scholarship. For more information: https://www.templecollege.edu/workforce/ael/career-pathways |
| Workforce Solutions | Students may qualify for the Education and Training Grant through Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. For more information: https://workforcesolutionsctx.com/training-and-education/ |
| VA Education Benefits | Please get in touch with Magen McCauley at 254.298.8310 or email her at magen.mccauley@templecollege.edu for questions about using your GI Bill (Chapter 33) or DEA (Chapter 35) benefits to pay for this program’s tuition. |
| Hazlewood | If you have questions about using your Hazlewood benefits to pay for this program’s tuition, please contact Kelly Czapnik at 254.298.8320 or email her at kelly.czapnik@templecollege.edu. |
| Tuition Waiver |
The Texas State College Tuition Waiver program exempts or waives payment of tuition and fees at state-supported colleges or universities for foster youth currently or formerly in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and for those adopted from DFPS. |
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- 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.
FAQs
The Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) is a state-funded program designed to assist Texas residents with financial need in covering the costs of higher education at public colleges and universities in Texas. Students must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. If approved, TPEG will cover 50% of the tuition for eligible WCE programs.
Eligible Programs
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified Nurse Aide
- Community Health Worker
- CompTIA A+ Computer Technician
- CompTIA ITF+ IT Fundamentals
- EKG Technician
- Medical Coding
- Non-Certified Radiologic Technician
- Patient Care Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Project Management for Information Technology
- SHRM Certification Prep
- Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician