This program prepares students for entry-level positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Students learn prescription processing, work with pharmacy software, perform compounding techniques, inventory management, record-keeping, billing, legislative requirements and practice therapeutic communications.

This five-month program, including 160 hours of clinical experience, is approved by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and for VA Benefit. Successful completion prepares graduates for the Maryland state certification and prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCE) for national certification.

Job Outlook

According to the Department of Labor, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow five percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 22,400 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in Prince George’s County, MD is 39,759. 

Prerequisites and Entrance Requirements
  • Minimum 17 years old
  • COVID 19 vaccinations
  • Health Insurance
  • Reliable Transportation
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Have a computer with internet access
  • Successfully complete the Accuplacer Arithmetic placement test with a score of 276 or higher or HES 577- Medical Math, or proof of college credits (within 2 years of completion)
  • Successfully complete the Accuplacer Reading Placement Test with a score of 243 or higher; or
    • Provide proof of college credits, or
    • Proof of attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for recent high school graduates
Scheduled Information Sessions

Pharmacy Technician Orientation

Join us for a FREE Pharmacy Technician Orientation on the second Monday of each month from 3-4 p.m.

This is a must-attend event is for those interested in learning more about the Pharmacy Technician Program, program requirements, certifications, and job environment.

To receive the most current information, attendance is required immediately prior to program participation.

Sessions are conveniently conducted via Zoom. Click here to access the event. If participating by telephone, please dial 1-301-715-8592 (Wash. DC); 1-929-205-6099 (NY) or 1-312-626-6799 (Chicago).

Session dates are as follows. Attendance to only one of these sessions is required. 

  • Monday, July 24.
  • Monday, August 14.
  • Monday, September 11.
  • Monday, October 9.
  • Monday, November 13.
  • Monday, December 11.
  • Monday, January 8, 2024.
CastleBranch Information
  • You will be prompted to create a CastleBranch myCB account. In myCB, you will be able to view order results, management requirements, complete tasks, upload documents, and place additional orders.
  • Please review the CastleBranch Requirements Rubric.
  • CastleBranch's FAQ library covers various topics designed to answer students' most frequently asked questions, such as obtaining package codes and placing orders.
  • For additional support, contact CastleBranch's help desk via email or call their help line at 1-888-666-7788.
Required Courses
  • HES 332 Pharmacy Technician
  • HES 529 Pharmacy Technician Clinical, Part One
  • HES 530 Pharmacy Technician Clinical, Part Two

HES 332: Pharmacy Technician Program Schedule

Dates:
August 22, 2023-December 7, 2023

HES 529 & HES 530: Pharmacy Technician Clinical Schedule

Dates:
January 8, 2024-February 17, 2024

Schedule

HES 332-03323 | 8/22/23 - 12/7/23 | Tue, Thu |  6:30-9:30 p.m. (CHS 2101)
HES 529/HES 530 | Pharmacy Technician Clinicals | 1/8/24 - 2/17/24

For information on the Pharmacy Technician Program for the spring semester, please contact Adrienne Crowell at wdcehealthcare@pgcc.edu. 

Workforce Certifications
Contact Information

Students interested in this program must contact the Program Coordinator for registration instructions.

Program Coordinator: Adrienne Crowell
Email: crowelam@pgcc.edu