Pharmacy Technician

  • Certificate
  • AAS
Female pharmacist using digital tablet, while standing near the shelves with medicines in modern pharmacy during drugs inventory.

Interested in healthcare and comfortable with math and technology? A career as a pharmacy technician could be a strong fit.

Students take part in hands-on classes learning how to measure, label, mix and dispense prescription medications while working under licensed pharmacists. The program is nationally accredited through the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Application Deadline

Next Apply Date

3/10/26

Next Start Date

8/20/26

Apply Now

Degrees & Certificates

Level One Certificate – Pharmacy Technician

Certificate
The COM Pharmacy Technician Certification program prepares students to pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and launch a successful career.

Length

30 Credit Hours
2 semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $1,155 per semester for 15 credit hours

Mode

In Person

Prerequisites:

This is where optional prerequisite information could go. Placeholder information is here for now.

Associate of Applied Science

AAS
The Associate of Applied Science Pharmacy Technician degree gives pharmacy technicians further job opportunities such as management and teaching positions.

Length

60 Credit Hours
4 semesters on average

Costs

In District Tuition: $1,155 per semester for 15 credit hours

Mode

In-Person

Accreditation

The Pharmacy Technician program at College of the Mainland is accredited by The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The program is also a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) recognized program.

How Certificates Stack

Our stackable certificates allow you to learn and add to your educational and professional careers while working toward your associate degree. Complete a certificate along with the A.A.S. degree requirements, and have your associates completed in two years.

Level One Certificate - Pharmacy Technician

Certificate
Start your path in pharmacy care with foundational skills that can apply toward an associate degree in Pharmacy Technology.
30 credits | 2 semesters

Associate of Applied Science

AAS
Build on your pharmacy technology certificate with advanced training that prepares you for expanded opportunities in pharmacy and healthcare settings.
Pharmacy Technician Certificate + 30 credits | 2 semesters
Pharmacy Tech student Misty in lab.Play Video
I really enjoyed my time at COM. The instructors were fantastic and very knowledgeable. We did externships, 80 hours in retail and 80 hours in hospital. COM really did prepare me.
Misty Fagerstone
Pharmacy Technician

Careers & Outcomes

Pharmacy technicians find full or part-time employment in grocery and drug store pharmacies, mail-order facilities, hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Reach Out To Us

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about admissions or want to speak to someone in the program, our enrollment team is ready to help.
Advisor with student in commons

Additional Program Information

  • High school diploma or High School Equivalency (HSE)
    • Individuals without a GED are encouraged to contact Adult Education to get started.
  • Certified Background Check
  • Negative Drug Screen
  • Required Immunization Records

Program Outcomes

Outcome Rate
PTCE National Certification Pass Rates for Program 86%*
Program Completion Rate 39%
Job Placement Rate 33%

* The national average PTCE National Certification Exam pass rate is 70%.

Steps to Get Started

Each fall, the college accepts 24 students, and openings fill rapidly.

  1. Apply to COM and submit the necessary documents (transcripts, meningitis vaccination if under 22 and proof of Texas residency).
  2. Complete the Pharmacy Technician Program Application 
  3. Interview with Program Director
  4. Approved Criminal Background Check
  5. Approved Drug Screen

For more information call Lisa Homburg, R. Ph. at 409-933-8685

Costs/Financial Aid

Tuition, fees, books, a background check, drug screens and licensing fees total around $2,500. Financial aid, however, may cover tuition, fees and books. For financial aid information, call 409-933-8274 or visit the Financial Aid page.

Student Forms