Outpatient Pharmacy Technology, Basic Certificate

College(s):

Malcolm X

Program Code: 0420

Program Requirements

Required Program Core
PHAR TC 131Pharmacology I2
PHAR TC 132Pharmacology II2
PHAR TC 133Pharmacology Lab1
PHAR TC 134Pharmacy Practice2
PHAR TC 135Pharmacy Calculations3
PHAR TC 136Prescription Processing1
PHAR TC 137Pharmacy Communication2
PHAR TC 138Intro To Pharmacy Law1
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
PHAR TC 204Retail/Outpatient Clinical4
Total Hours18

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in Outpatient Pharmacy Technology. This does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If this pathway is followed as outlined, you will earn a Basic Certificate (BC) in Outpatient Pharmacy Technology.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students by adding more semesters.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
First 8 weeks  
PHAR TC 131 Pharmacology I 2
PHAR TC 134 Pharmacy Practice 2
PHAR TC 135 Pharmacy Calculations 3
PHAR TC 136 Prescription Processing 1
PHAR TC 137 Pharmacy Communication 2
PHAR TC 138 Intro To Pharmacy Law 1
Second 8 weeks  
PHAR TC 132 Pharmacology II 2
PHAR TC 133 Pharmacology Lab 1
PHAR TC 204 Retail/Outpatient Clinical 4
 Hours18
 Total Hours18

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Program Admission Requirements 

Applicants are eligible to apply online after the following is completed:         

  • Submit proof of graduation in the form of an official high school or GED transcript to the MXC Office of Registrar Services.
  • Submit official college transcripts from all accredited colleges attended outside of City Colleges of Chicago.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
  • Eligible for ENGLISH 101 Composition
  • Eligible for college-level Math

For more information on admissions requirements and the application process, visit the Pharmacy Technology webpage.

Careers

This program can prepare students for the jobs listed below. Click on each one to learn more, including average earnings, annual job openings, and how much education people in that field have. For additional guidance and resources on career options, current City Colleges students and alumni can contact the Career Services Office.

Pharmacy Technicians

Job Description

Prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. May measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders.

Salary Based on Experience Level

Take a look at the average hourly/annual earnings for this career in Cook County

Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES data from the BLS and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$33,335
Median 50th Percentile$39,624
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$51,560

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile$16
Median 50th Percentile$19
Senior-Level 90th Percentile$25

Annual Job Openings

841 annual openings in Cook County

National Education Attainment

Here, you can see the level of education that people in this career complete.

Degree Program% of Jobs
A high school diploma or less35.73%
A certificate41.97%
Some college14.63%
An Associate degree3.83%
A Bachelor's degree3.84%
A Master's or Professional degree0.00%
A Doctoral degree or more0.00%

3.84% continue their education beyond an associate degree