Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing health care and medications to patients. They may perform many of the same duties as pharmacists, but all technicians’ work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication is dispensed. While pharmacy technicians can work everywhere pharmacists work, some state laws may limit the duties they perform. A special application is required for entry into the program. Upon acceptance into the program, students must provide proof of current health insurance and recent medical examination.

This selective admissions program requires students to submit a separate application or to take additional action before enrolling.

For more information on the Pharmacy Technology Program, visit the program webpage.

Related Degrees and Certificates

• Outpatient Pharmacy Technology, Basic Certificate
• Pharmacy Technology, Advanced Certificate

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Program Core
PHAR TC 131	Pharmacology I	2
PHAR TC 132	Pharmacology II	2
PHAR TC 133	Pharmacology Lab	1
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
PHAR TC 141	Sterile Processing	4
PHAR TC 142	Non-Sterile Processing	2
PHAR TC 143	Advanced Practice	2
Required Work-Based Learning Courses
PHAR TC 204	Retail/Outpatient Clinical	4
PHAR TC 205	Inpatient Clinical	4
Total Hours		30

Pathway

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

The Advanced Certificate program in Pharmacy Technology prepares students for employment as Pharmacy Technicians. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing health care and medications to patients. They may perform many of the same duties as pharmacists, but all technicians’ work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication is dispensed. While Pharmacy Technicians can work everywhere pharmacists work, some state laws may limit the duties they perform.

Prospective students must apply for admission into the Pharmacy Technology program.

For more information on the Pharmacy Technology Program, please call (312) 850-7385.

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 1		Hours
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
	Hours	18
Semester 2
First 8 weeks
PHAR TC 141	Sterile Processing	4
PHAR TC 142	Non-Sterile Processing	2
PHAR TC 143	Advanced Practice	2
Second 8 weeks
PHAR TC 205	Inpatient Clinical	4
	Hours	12
	Total Hours	30

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

Note: Students who have National Certification as a Pharmacy Technician can apply for Credit for Prior Learning (College Credit Opportunities at City Colleges of Chicago - CCC) for some of the courses in the Advanced Certificate.

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.

• View Annual Wages
• View Hourly Wages

Annual Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$27,213
Median 50th Percentile	$35,994
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$45,670

Hourly Wages

Entry-Level 10th Percentile	$13
Median 50th Percentile	$17
Senior-Level 90th Percentile	$22

Annual Job Openings

867 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 less	35.73%
A certificate	41.97%
Some college	14.63%
An Associate degree	3.83%
A Bachelor's degree	3.84%
A Master's or Professional degree	0.00%
A Doctoral degree or more	0.00%

3.84% continue their education beyond an associate degree