Pharmacy Technician Training Program
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a health care professional who works in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their primary role is to assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications. They are an essential pharmacy team member who works with many different health care professionals. Some responsibilities may include medication compounding and dispensing, prescription processing, inventory management, customer service and insurance processing.
About the Training Program
Our goals are to provide comprehensive training to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and produce job-ready pharmacy technicians to serve the community with the highest standards for safety and patient care. Enrolled students will be employees of University Health as paid Registered Pharmacy Technician Trainees.
This 480—hour training will include the education to confidently perform high-quality patient care and medication safety. The program is separated into four sections that generally occur Monday - Friday during daytime hours.
12-week Program Overview
Didactic Education
Week 1-3
40 hrs/week
Remote
Exam Preparation
Weeks 4-6
40 hrs/week
On-site
Experiential Training
Weeks 7-11
40 hrs/week
On-site
Simulated Training
Weeks 4-6
40 hrs/week
On-site
Graduation Rates
Program Pass Rate
National Certification Pass Rate
Benefits of being a Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Opportunity to build a career as a health care professional
- Demand for pharmacy technicians exceeds the current supply
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% projected growth in pharmacy technician jobs from 2021 to 2031
- Upon successful program completion, graduates have the potential opportunity to work at University Health
- Last several years have seen consistent increase in workforce demand and hourly wage
- Hourly wage in 2021: $17.66 per hour and $36,740 annually
- Hourly wage in 2022: $19.35 per hour and $40,260 annually
Program Admission Requirements
The applicant must submit the following application materials to PharmTech@uhtx.com by deadline
- Completed application
- Essay/letter of interest
- 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Summarize why you are interested in pursuing a career as a certified pharmacy technician.
Additional Program Requirements (do not need to submit documentation):
- U.S. social security number
- Must be at least 18 years old and have a copy of high school diploma or GED
- Personal email address
- Home address
- Access to computer and internet from home
- Pass background check and drug screen
- Participation in on-site interview and complete a reading and math assessment
Student Financial Obligation
| Student Financial Obligation | Cost |
| Program Tuition | FREE |
| State registration Technician Trainee | $84 |
| Certification pre-exam | $19 |
| Certification exam | $129 |
| Textbook | $70 |
| Scrubs (median price) | $70 |
| Approximate Total | $477 |
Application Deadlines
| Class Start | Application Submission Deadline |
| May 2024 | February 5, 2024 |
| September 2024 | June 3, 2024 |
| January 2025 | September 16, 2024 |
Professional Requirements/Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Requirements
University Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program provides education and experience to students to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and to be successful certified pharmacy technicians.
Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements (to be completed by the end of the program):
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Achieve a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician, Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or disciplinary actions
- Compliance with all applicable PTCB certification policies
No, any individual can apply for the program regardless of their current employer.
The tuition is free; however, the student is required to pay for registrations and supplies that totals approximately $500. Students are hired as University Health Technician Trainees and will have a competitive, hourly wage.
Certified pharmacy technician positions at University Health are not guaranteed and depend on available open positions. To be eligible, students must:
- Successfully complete the program
- Pass the pharmacy technician certification exam
- Undergo a formal interview
Students are not required to be U.S. citizens but must have a social security number and permanent residency. Additionally, they must fulfill all HR requirements set by University Health.
Student Testimonials
"I love the University Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program! My instructors were amazing and they were always available when I needed any help.” - Crystal H., RPhT
“I am very grateful for the opportunities this program provided to me. All the instructors provided extra help when I needed it and put in the time to help me get to where I needed to be at in the course. It is a great course to receive your License through as well as gain on the job experience.”- Angel R., RPhT
“The instructors are flexible and creative; always coming up with new activities to challenge the students’ knowledge. I’d highly recommend the program to anyone looking to start a new career.” - Carah S., RPhT
Direct questions to: PharmTech@uhtx.com
Program Director
Rebecca Brady, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA
Program Instructors
Adrian O’Prey, B.S, CPhT
Eve Preciado, CPhT-Adv
Before applying, be sure to review the:
- Program Overview
- Application Requirements
- Application Deadlines