Program Overview

Program Overview

The City College of New York offers a comprehensive program in Pharmacy Technician, designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for entry-level positions in both community and health-system pharmacy settings.

Course Description

This 75-hour online course introduces students to the fundamental principles of pharmacy practice, including patient care, pharmacy law and regulations, basic pharmacology, and foundational concepts in anatomy and pathophysiology. The course prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), a nationally recognized credential administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Course Objectives

The student will learn applied and practical information on pharmacy technician skills necessary to pass the PTCB national certification examination and to function effectively in the workplace. Successful completion of the course will enable students to register for the PTCB certification exam.

National Certification

As certification is increasingly required by hospitals and employers, this course prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE), a nationally recognized certification administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and valid for two years. Practice exams are included to help students build confidence and readiness for the in-person, computer-based certification exam.

Course Delivery

This course is fully online via Zoom and using Brightspace.

Eligibility Requirements

To enroll, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have a good command of Basic Math and PreAlgebra skills
• Be able to work legally in the U.S.

Required Language and Computer Competency

• English Language Proficiency: Students must be able to communicate effectively in English and demonstrate the ability to understand and follow both written materials and live lectures presented in English.
• Computer, Digital, and Online Proficiency: Students must possess basic computer literacy and be comfortable using various digital tools and platforms, including Zoom, Brightspace, Microsoft Word, PDF files, and PowerPoint.

Required Textbook

There are two instructors for Pharmacy Technician, each using a different textbook. Students should check with the instructor before purchasing a book.

• Danny Roman: The Pharmacy Technician, Eighth Edition Perspective Press
• Elone Winston: Mosby's Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice 7th ed

Tuition

• Tuition: $775
• Registration Fee: $25
• Total: $800
• Note: Textbooks and PTCE exam fees are not included in the tuition cost.

Instructor

• Danny Roman: Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) with teaching experience at City College and Hostos Community College.
• Elone Winston: Doctorate in Health Sciences, pharmacy education leader, and healthcare workforce development strategist with experience in pharmacy practice, health-system operations, and pharmacy technician education.

Career Outlook

Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in today's expanding healthcare system, supporting pharmacists in preparing medications, managing prescriptions, and ensuring patient safety. Employment for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by an aging population, the expansion of retail and hospital pharmacy services, and increased need for skilled support staff in medication management.

Pharm Tech Fast Facts

• Median annual wage for pharmacy technicians nationally: $43,460
• Projected employment growth for pharmacy technicians from 2024 to 2034: 6%
• Number of pharmacy technician jobs in 2024: 490,400
• Annual average job openings projected over the next decade: 49,000