Pharmacy Technician Training Program
What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is a health care professional who works in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their primary role is to assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications. They are an essential pharmacy team member who works with many different health care professionals. Some responsibilities may include medication compounding and dispensing, prescription processing, inventory management, customer service and insurance processing.
About the Training Program
The goals of this ASHP/ACPE pre-accreditation status program are to provide comprehensive training to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and produce job-ready pharmacy technicians to serve the community with the highest standards for safety and patient care. Enrolled students will be employees of University Health as paid Registered Pharmacy Technician Trainees.
This 480—hour training will include the education to confidently perform high-quality patient care and medication safety. The program is separated into four sections that generally occur Monday - Friday during daytime hours.
Graduation Rates
Program Pass Rate
National Certification Pass Rate
Benefits of being a Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Opportunity to build a career as a health care professional
- Demand for pharmacy technicians exceeds the current supply
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% projected growth in pharmacy technician jobs from 2021 to 2031
- Upon successful program completion, graduates have the potential opportunity to work at University Health
- Last several years have seen consistent increase in workforce demand and hourly wage
- Hourly wage in 2021: $17.66 per hour and $36,740 annually
- Hourly wage in 2022: $19.35 per hour and $40,260 annually
Program Admission Requirements
The applicant must submit the following application materials to PharmTech@uhtx.com by deadline
- Completed application
- Essay/letter of interest
- 1-2 pages, double-spaced
- Summarize why you are interested in pursuing a career as a certified pharmacy technician.
Additional Program Requirements (do not need to submit documentation):
- U.S. social security number
- Must be at least 18 years old and have a copy of high school diploma or GED
- Personal email address
- Home address
- Access to computer and internet from home
- Pass background check and drug screen
- Participation in on-site interview and complete a reading and math assessment
Student Financial Obligation
| Student Financial Obligation | Cost |
| Program Tuition | FREE |
| State registration Technician Trainee | $105 |
| State registration Registered Trainee | $84 |
| Certification pre-exam & practice bundle | $84 |
| Certification exam | $129 |
| Scrubs (median price) | $70 |
| Approximate Total | $472 |
Financial aid for program fees is unavailable.
Application Deadlines
| Class Start | Application Submission Deadline |
| May 2025 | January 27, 2025 |
| September 2025 | May 23, 2025 |
| January 2026 | September 26, 2025 |
Professional Requirements/Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Requirements
University Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program provides education and experience to students to prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and to be successful certified pharmacy technicians.
Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements (to be completed by the end of the program):
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Achieve a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician, Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Full disclosure of all criminal and State Board of Pharmacy registration or disciplinary actions
- Compliance with all applicable PTCB certification policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a current employee of University Health to be considered for this program?
No, any individual can apply for the program regardless of their current employer.
Does submitting my application and essay mean I am accepted into the program?
No, submitting your application and essay is just the first step. To be considered for acceptance, you must also participate in the in-person interview process. Once all interview components are completed and reviewed, we will select candidates based on their interview components and alignment with the Program’s Mission and Vision. Please note, this is a highly competitive program, and we carefully assess each candidate's complete application and results.
How much does the program cost?
The tuition is free; however, the student is required to pay for registrations and supplies that totals approximately $500. Students are hired as University Health Technician Trainees and will have a competitive, hourly wage.
Will I have a job at University Health after completing the program?
Certified pharmacy technician positions at University Health are not guaranteed and depend on available open positions. To be eligible, students must:
- Successfully complete the program
- Pass the pharmacy technician certification exam
- Undergo a formal interview
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?
Students are not required to be U.S. citizens but must have a social security number and permanent residency. Additionally, they must fulfill all HR requirements set by University Health.
Student Testimonials
"This program has provided me with wonderful opportunities to work within such a great company. The instructors found ways to make learning fun and engaging throughout the program. Everyone was extremely friendly and easy to talk to as well if you ever need help. I would highly recommend the program." – Lauren A., RPhT (Class of September 2024)
"I love the University Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program! My instructors were amazing and they were always available when I needed any help.” – Crystal H., RPhT
“I am very grateful for the opportunities this program provided to me. All the instructors provided extra help when I needed it and put in the time to help me get to where I needed to be at in the course. It is a great course to receive your License through as well as gain on the job experience.” – Angel R., RPhT
“The instructors are flexible and creative; always coming up with new activities to challenge the students’ knowledge. I’d highly recommend the program to anyone looking to start a new career.” – Carah S., RPhT
Direct questions to: PharmTech@uhtx.com
Program Director
Adrian O’Prey, BS, CPhT-Adv
Program Instructors
Omar Lara, CPhT
Alia Trevino, CPhT
Before applying, be sure to review the:
- Program Overview
- Application Requirements
- Application Deadlines