Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program are prepared for an entry-level position as a Pharmacy Technician in retail and institutional settings. They may find employment with local community pharmacies, hospitals, retail pharmacies, mail-order drug companies as well as insurance companies. Students learn to prepare standard and specialized prescription/medication orders under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, perform pharmacy calculations, comply with federal, state and local regulations and provide excellent customer service. They learn how to prepare medications given by intravenous, epidural and subcutaneous routes of administration, which are utilized extensively in hospital settings and home care agencies. Students will practice aseptic techniques, complete pharmacy IV calculations, check drug compatibilities and stabilities, practice IV therapy management and learn to use specialized equipment. Lecture and laboratory classes are closely correlated. In the laboratory, students learn to use laminar flow hoods, vertical flow hoods and how to work aseptically with needles and syringes. They will be able to list the 9-core aseptic techniques and will discuss Compounded Sterile techniques. They will learn to prepare Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), antibiotics and other sterile products in accordance with USP 797 (United States Pharmacopeia) guidelines. Students will recall and practice lab safety considerations as related to IV therapy. They will prepare to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Passing the PTCE and receiving the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) designation is required in order to work as a Pharmacy Technician in Texas. Additionally, training received in sterile products preparation and administration will allow the graduate to work as an Intravenous (IV) Admixture Pharmacy Technician as well. Once graduates receive their CPhT designation, they have two-years from the date they began their training to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a CPhT.
After completing this program, graduates will be able to:
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Course Syllabus
Total Program Hours: 610 (410 coursework, 200 externship)
Program Duration: 26 Weeks
Week-by-Week Outline:
Weeks 1–4: Introduction to Pharmacy & Healthcare Fundamentals (60 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Overview of pharmacy practice and the role of a pharmacy technician
• Healthcare systems and the role of pharmacy in healthcare
• Medical terminology specific to pharmacy
• Legal and ethical standards in pharmacy (Texas and federal laws)
• HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality
Weeks 5–8: Pharmacology Basics (60 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Introduction to pharmacology and drug classifications
• Common drugs, brand vs. generic names, and therapeutic uses
• Dosage forms, routes of administration, and drug interactions
• Basic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
• Side effects, contraindications, and adverse drug reactions
Weeks 9–12: Pharmacy Calculations & Dosage Forms (60 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Basic math skills required in pharmacy calculations
• Dosage calculations, including pediatric and geriatric dosing
• Compounding calculations and conversions
• Units of measurement and conversions
• Preparing and interpreting prescriptions
Weeks 13–15: Pharmacy Law and Ethics (45 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Detailed study of Texas Pharmacy Law
• Federal pharmacy regulations (e.g., FDA, DEA regulations)
• Controlled substances and record-keeping
• Risk management and quality assurance
• Ethics in pharmacy practice
Weeks 16–18: Community and Institutional Pharmacy (45 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Procedures in community pharmacy settings
• Role of the technician in hospital and institutional settings
• Prescription processing and drug storage
• Inventory management, billing, and insurance processing
• Automated dispensing systems
Weeks 19–21: Compounding and Aseptic Techniques (45 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Introduction to pharmaceutical compounding
• Aseptic techniques and sterile compounding standards
• Handling and preparation of IV medications
• Compounding for specific populations (pediatric, oncology)
• Cleanroom standards and practices (USP <797> guidelines)
Weeks 22–24: Patient Safety and Communication (45 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Medication error prevention and reporting
• Quality control and assurance in pharmacy practice
• Communication skills with patients and healthcare professionals
• Cultural competency and patient-centered care
• Customer service in community and institutional settings
Weeks 25–26: Certification Exam Preparation (30 Hours)
• Contact Hours: 15 hours per week
• Topics:
• Review of core topics and key knowledge areas
• Practice exams and timed simulations
• Test-taking strategies and tips for the PTCB or ExCPT exam
• Final review and Q&A sessions
Externship: Weeks 19–26 (200 Hours)
• Contact Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week
• Activities:
• Hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed pharmacists
• Shadowing and assisting in filling prescriptions, patient consultations, and compounding
• Applying learned skills in a real-world setting (inventory management, aseptic technique, etc.)
• Exposure to community, retail, and hospital pharmacy environments, as available
This structure ensures coverage of essential topics, compliance with Texas regulations, and adequate preparation for the certification exam. The 410 instructional hours span 26 weeks, with the 200-hour externship starting in Week 19. This schedule allows students to reinforce skills in the field as they approach program completion.
