Pharmacy technician reviews medications

Pharmacy Technician

Prepare for an exciting career in the fast-growing pharmacy field. Learn real-world skills and pursue a rewarding career in less than a year. 

Program Highlights

  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Recognized Education/Training Program
  • Aligned with the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) standards
  • Experiential learning opportunity in various pharmacy settings
  • Holistic curriculum to enhance understanding in personal and interpersonal knowledge and skills while addressing the soft skills gap in Pharmacy Technician training 
  • Hybrid, a blend of in-person, online and asynchronous course work

Upcoming Classes

Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first served basis until a cohort is filled provided students meet minimum admission requirements. We are now accepting applications for the January 2024 cohort. Start by completing the screening form.

Registration Information

Information Session

Get an overview of curriculum, course logistics, and expectations. Register and attend the next free information session. Students are required to attend an information session or schedule a meeting with the Enrollment Coordinator before enrolling in the program. To schedule an appointment, contact healthcare@cod.edu. 

Licensure and Certification

State licensure is required to work as a pharmacy technician-in-training in the state of Illinois, then one must obtain national certification as a pharmacy technician within a two-year period to renew their license. Upon program completion and earning a passing score, students are eligible to sit for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Criminal disclosure is required for state licensure and certification. A drug screening is required for the completion of the program.

Accreditation and Recognition

The Pharmacy Technician program at COD, Continuing Education has gained the candidate status from American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accreditation.

The Pharmacy Technician program at COD, Continuing Education has earned the recognition by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Education/Training Program.

Job and Salary Outlook

According to Career Coach, there are an average of 1,496 regional openings for Pharmacy Technicians annually. The National Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 6% job growth - twice the average rate. The 2023 national median wage is $39,845 or $19.16 per hour. 

Prerequisites

Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English and Math, and hold a high school diploma or equivalency.

Due to the inherent requirements of the profession as a pharmacy technician, students must possess additional non-academic skills. Psychomotor skills (hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity), visual acuity (normal or corrected vision) sufficient for safe practice of pharmacy technician duties and communication skills (ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with patients, doctors and other personnel, and the ability to follow written and verbal directions).

Essential Functions are generally required for all College of DuPage Health Career Programs. If the ability to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations result in the inability to meet identified student learning outcomes, the student may be at risk of not successfully completing the course and/or program.

Tuition and Fees

  • Tuition: $2,199 each semester includes externship 
  • Fees and materials: $840
  • Payment is due at registration. A payment plan is available.
  • Eligible students may attain support for additional out-of-pocket costs through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH).
  • This program is approved for funding by the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). Check with workNet DuPage for eligibility requirements. Explore financial options for Continuing Education programs.

PATH Grant

The Illinois Community College Board has allocated funds through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce Program (PATH) for select health science programs at COD. The PATH grant may give students enrolled in eligible programs money to assist pay for essential program out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about the grant and apply now.


Contact Information

Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Fax: (630) 942-3785
Email: CE@cod.edu

Front Desk Hours
  • Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Office hours may vary due to holidays and staff coverage.