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Looking for the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Houston TX?
This guide highlights top-rated options, accredited programs, and unique features to help you make an informed decision.
From flexible online courses to hands-on externships, explore the best pathways to jumpstart your pharmacy technician career in Houston.
Houston Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Houston Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Program is one of the premier options available in Houston, TX. Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education, this program ensures students receive nationally recognized training. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for advanced roles in various settings such as community, hospital, home care, and long-term care.
Graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, which is a critical step for entering the workforce as a certified pharmacy technician. The program includes specialized training in areas such as IV certification, adding value to the skill set of each student.
Key Features:
- Mandatory Registration: Students must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee and undergo a background check.
- Support Services: HCC offers academic advising, career coaching, and tutoring.
- Program Costs: The program cost includes tuition and expenses for clinic requirements, such as physical exams and vaccinations.
Overall, Houston Community College provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for the growing demands of pharmacy technician roles.
University of Houston – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program
For those who value flexibility, the University of Houston offers a 100% online Pharmacy Technician Certification Program. This course is perfect for students who need to balance other commitments while pursuing their certification.
The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, communication skills, and insurance procedures.
Key Features:
- Duration: The program can be completed in one year or less.
- Externship: Eligibility for a 100+ hour externship at a leading pharmacy chain.
- Market Demand: The program aims to meet the growing demand for pharmacy technicians, who earn an average annual salary of $32,700.
Graduates are thoroughly prepared for the PTCB National Certification Exam, making this a flexible yet comprehensive option for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Houston.
University of Houston-Downtown – Pharmacy Technician Program
The University of Houston-Downtown offers an adaptable Pharmacy Technician Program. Students can choose to attend on-campus or online classes, which provides flexibility according to their schedules.
Key topics in the program include pharmacy calculations, medical terminology, prescription interpretation, drug identification, dosage calculations, compounding, inventory control, and billing. An 80-hour clinical externship provides hands-on experience, essential for skill development.
Program Costs:
- On-Campus: $1,399
- Online: $1,199
The program prepares students for the PTCB exam and combines theoretical learning with practical application, making it a great choice for those seeking comprehensive education in pharmacy technology.
Alvin Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
At Alvin Community College, students can choose between a two-year degree and a one-year certificate program. The curriculum is a blend of online courses, hybrid classes, laboratory work, and clinical internships offered in both community and institutional pharmacy settings.
Key aspects include preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and real-world experience through clinical internships.
Costs:
- In-District Students: $2,100
- Out-of-District Students: $3,600
- Non-Residents: $7,600
ACC’s program is tailored to meet the growing demand for pharmacy technicians. Graduates come out with well-rounded knowledge and practical experience.
The College of Health Care Professions – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The College of Health Care Professions offers a 36-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program that is comprehensive yet intensive. The curriculum includes essential courses on HIPAA/OSHA, pharmacy ethics, community and institutional pharmacy practices, pharmacy calculations, and practical techniques.
The program’s externship component gives students real-world working experience. This hands-on training is crucial for mastering pharmacy operations, including sterile compounding and medication preparation.
Key Features:
- Certification Exam Preparedness: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
- Admission Requirements: Requires a high school diploma or GED and passing a background check.
- Flexibility: Multiple campus locations and blended learning options.
This program is ideal for those looking for a rigorous training environment that covers all essential areas of pharmacy technology.
San Jacinto College – Pharmacy Technician Program
San Jacinto College provides versatile options with a 32-credit certificate and a 60-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Pharmacy Technology. The program prepares students for the National Certification Exam and includes real-world clinical rotations for hands-on experience.
Key curriculum areas include drug classification, pharmaceutical calculations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and pharmacy law. Graduates can pursue various career opportunities, from hospitals to retail pharmacies and insurance companies.
Notable Alumni Spotlight:
- Adilene Ambriz Ayala, a successful graduate, is now an intern at Walgreens.
Pima Medical Institute – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Pima Medical Institute offers a nationally accredited Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. It prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT).
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics essential for a successful career, including pharmacy math, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, and pharmacy laws and ethics. The hands-on lab training allows students to practice medication preparation, prescription order entry, and patient transactions.
Key Features:
- Real-World Roles: Graduates can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and assisted-living facilities.
- Texas-Specific Compliance: Relocating outside Texas may impact program completion.
The program focuses on practical skills and meets licensure requirements in Texas, setting students up for success.
The Pharmacy – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The Pharmacy offers a six-month comprehensive training program aimed at those seeking entry-level employment as pharmacy technicians. The curriculum is diverse, covering critical areas such as pharmacology, pharmacy math, medication safety, and pharmacy billing.
Highlights of the program:
- Curriculum Focus: Topics include drug classifications, FDA regulations, prescription interpretation, and over-the-counter medications.
- Hands-on Experience: Students gain practical skills by engaging in tasks like counting tablets, labeling bottles, and preparing sterile and non-sterile compounds.
- Certification Preparation: The program readies students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT), enhancing job prospects upon graduation.
- Interactive Schedule: Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with additional sessions on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Students interested in joining can contact The Pharmacy directly at 713-266-5425 or via email at [email protected].
Smithwood Medical Institute – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The Smithwood Medical Institute provides a robust 16-week, 190-hour Pharmacy Technician Training Program. The curriculum ensures students are well-versed in essential tasks such as mixing intravenous solutions, counting tablets, and receiving electronic prescriptions.
Distinct Features:
- Curriculum Scope: The training emphasizes sterile product preparation, along with comprehensive modules on medical terminology, anatomy, pharmacology, and regulatory aspects.
- Externship: The program includes an externship that allows students to gain real-world experience and transition smoothly into the work environment.
- Certification: Graduates receive a certified Pharmacy Technician Certification, qualifying them for diverse roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare settings.
Smithwood Medical Institute’s training program equips students with practical and theoretical knowledge essential for a successful career as a pharmacy technician.
Lone Star College – Pharmacy Technology Program
Lone Star College offers an accredited Associate of Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology. The program builds on the Pharmacy Technology Certificate Level I and includes multiple campuses in Houston.
Key Elements:
- Transferable Credits: Credits from the certificate program are transferable, making it easier for students to pursue the associate degree.
- Comprehensive Skills Development: The program includes technical and behavioral skills necessary for the pharmacy field.
- Support Services: Students have access to extensive support services, including libraries, academic advising, and tutoring.
- Financial Assistance: Costs cover tuition, financial aid opportunities, and career services, helping students manage their educational expenses.
Graduates are well-prepared for industry certification and a fulfilling career as pharmacy technicians.
HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division – StaRx Pharmacy Tech Program
The HCA Healthcare Gulf Coast Division’s StaRx Pharmacy Tech Program offers a 12-week training course specifically designed for hospital pharmacy roles. The program consists of six weeks of classroom learning followed by a six-week preceptorship at an HCA hospital.
Program Features:
- Eligibility: Open to high school graduates, making it accessible to a broader range of students.
- Practical Learning: Focuses on practical skills and clinical documentation, essential for hospital pharmacy settings.
- Hands-on Experience: The preceptorship provides valuable hands-on experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world tasks.
- Cost-effective: Participation in the program is cost-free, emphasizing HCA’s commitment to accessible healthcare career pathways.
Graduates of this program gain hands-on experience and are prepared for entry-level pharmacy technician roles.
Northeast Texas Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Northeast Texas Community College offers a cost-efficient online Pharmacy Technician program. The 16-week program includes 288 contact hours of lecture, lab, and internship training.
Program Highlights:
- Affordable Tuition: The program costs $1,485, with financial assistance options available.
- Hands-on Software Training: Utilizes PioneerRX pharmacy software for practical learning experiences.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Focuses on pharmaceutical terminology, dosage preparation, inventory management, and customer service.
- Financial Aid: Options like the Texas Public Education Grant can cover up to half of the tuition, making it accessible to more students.
Graduates earn a certificate of completion and are ready for diverse roles in pharmacy settings.
Tips for Choosing the Best Pharmacy Technician Program in Houston TX
When selecting a pharmacy technician program in Houston, considering key factors can help ensure you make a decision that aligns with your professional goals and personal circumstances.
- Accreditation: Verify that the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists or the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education. Accreditation assures that the program meets national educational standards.
- Program Length: Decide between a shorter certificate program or a longer degree program based on your career goals and the time you can commit.
- Curriculum Content: Ensure the curriculum covers essential subjects, including pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, ethics, and law. Look for programs that offer hands-on training and externship opportunities.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition fees and additional expenses. Explore financial aid options to make the program more affordable.
- Job Placement Rates: Research programs with high job placement rates. Schools that offer career services like resume building and interview preparation can significantly enhance your employment prospects.
- Support Services: Choose programs that provide robust support services, including academic advising, career coaching, and tutoring. These services can greatly enhance your educational experience and career outcomes.
- Flexibility: If you have other personal or professional commitments, look for programs that offer online or hybrid courses. Flexible scheduling can help you balance your studies with other responsibilities.
Summary and Recommendations
Houston offers a variety of pharmacy technician programs tailored to fit different needs and schedules. Whether you prefer the flexibility of online learning, the rigor of a longer associate degree, or the affordability of state community colleges, there’s a program for you.
Remember to consider crucial factors like accreditation, cost, and job placement rates. By evaluating these aspects, you can choose a pharmacy technician program in Houston that aligns best with your career aspirations and lifestyle.
Ready to start your journey? Explore your options, enroll in a program, and take the first step towards a rewarding pharmacy technician career today.