North Carolina Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), located in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a prominent institution known for its comprehensive academic and vocational programs. Established in 1958, CFCC serves a diverse student population, offering a wide range of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Its emphasis on community engagement and workforce development has made it a vital educational resource in the region.

CFCC’s Pharmacy Technician Program is offered in both diploma and certificate formats, accommodating varying levels of study. The program spans three semesters (approximately 12 months) and features in-person classes on CFCC’s campus. It is designed for individuals seeking to build practical skills and enter pharmacy-related fields efficiently.

The program’s curriculum includes foundational topics such as pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety, along with hands-on skills like prescription processing and inventory management. A required externship provides students with real-world experience in pharmacy settings, ensuring they graduate with both knowledge and practical expertise. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, positioning them for roles in diverse pharmacy environments.

Established in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is a public institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Renowned for its commitment to workforce development and affordable education, CPCC serves a diverse student body across multiple campuses in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

CPCC offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology, delivered through in-person classes. The program spans approximately two years, targeting individuals aiming to become proficient pharmacy technicians in various healthcare settings.

The curriculum covers subjects such as pharmaceutical principles, pharmacy law, and pharmacology. Students gain practical experience in preparing prescription medications, mixing intravenous solutions, and managing inventories. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, enhancing their employment prospects in retail, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

Notably, CPCC’s Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). In 2023, the program reported an 88% graduation rate, an 80% certification exam pass rate, and a 100% job placement rate for graduates, reflecting its effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.

Established in 1965, Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC) is a public institution located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Serving a diverse student body, CCCC is recognized for its commitment to accessible education and workforce development, particularly within the healthcare sector.

CCCC offers a 200-hour Pharmacy Technician program conducted through in-person classes. This program is tailored for individuals aiming to work under pharmacists in retail or institutional settings, providing comprehensive training over a concise period.

The curriculum encompasses topics such as medication management, federal regulations, patient safety, quality assurance, and order entry processing. Students develop practical skills in pharmaceutical calculations and the dispensing process, essential for daily pharmacy operations. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for national certification exams, enhancing their employment prospects in the pharmacy field.

With campuses in Elizabeth City, Manteo, Barco, and Edenton, COA is recognized for its commitment to accessible education and workforce development, catering to a diverse student population across seven counties.

COA offers an in-person Pharmacy Technician course through its Workforce Development & Career Readiness program. This noncredit course is structured to provide comprehensive training in technical procedures for preparing and dispensing medications in both hospital and retail pharmacy settings under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

The curriculum covers essential topics, including drug packaging and labeling, outpatient and hospital dispensing procedures, controlled substance protocols, inventory control, and non-sterile compounding. Upon completion, students are equipped to perform supervised dispensing techniques across various pharmacy environments, enhancing their employability in the healthcare sector.

The DUHS Pharmacy Technology Training Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes didactic lectures, simulations, and experiential rotations. The program is designed to provide flexibility through distance learning, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace within the program’s timeline. This structure enables students to gain practical experience across multiple pharmacy sites within the health system.

Key features of the program include simulated rotations that mimic real-world pharmacy processes, enabling students to develop and practice essential skills. Experiential rotations provide opportunities to work alongside healthcare professionals, applying classroom and simulation training in actual patient care settings.

Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), meeting the requirements for certification with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Admission criteria for the program include a high school diploma or equivalent, successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screen, and passing scores on pre-enrollment math and English competency assessments. Tuition is $3,300, with reimbursement available for students who meet specific academic and employment criteria within DUHS.

Established in 1961, Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) is a public institution located in Durham, North Carolina. Serving a diverse student body, Durham Tech is recognized for its commitment to accessible education and workforce development, particularly within the healthcare sector.

Durham Tech offers a Pharmacy Technician program through its Continuing Education department. This non-credit course comprises 144 contact hours and is delivered in a hybrid format, combining online instruction with in-person classes held on the Main Campus. The program is designed for individuals seeking to acquire the competencies necessary for pharmacy technician roles in various settings.

The curriculum covers essential topics, including the study of drugs, quality assurance, order processing, pharmacy law, and the preparation of intravenous and other sterile products. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.

Serving over 38,000 students annually, FTCC is recognized for its comprehensive educational programs and commitment to workforce development, particularly in healthcare.

FTCC offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology, spanning four semesters. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experiences, preparing students to assist pharmacists in various settings. Admission is competitive, requiring completion of prerequisites and a point-based application process.

The curriculum includes courses on data gathering for drug therapy monitoring, inventory maintenance, mixing intravenous solutions, medication packaging, and prescription preparation. Students gain practical skills essential for pharmacy operations. Graduates are eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).

FTCC’s Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (ASHP/ACPE), ensuring adherence to high educational standards. The program’s recognized status aligns with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) 2020 education and training eligibility requirements for CPhT certification.

Forsyth Tech offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Pharmacy Technology, designed to be completed over two years. The program combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experiences, preparing students to assist pharmacists in various settings. A maximum of 20 new students are accepted each year, with the program commencing in the summer term.

The curriculum encompasses courses such as Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacy Calculations, Sterile Products, Pharmacology, and Trends in Pharmacy. Students gain hands-on experience in preparing prescription medications, mixing intravenous solutions, updating patient profiles, maintaining inventories, and packaging medications. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become certified pharmacy technicians.

Forsyth Tech’s Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring adherence to high educational standards. The program’s recognized status aligns with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) education and training eligibility requirements for certification.

Established in 1958, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) is a public institution located in Jamestown, North Carolina. Serving over 40,000 students annually, GTCC is recognized for its comprehensive educational programs and commitment to workforce development, particularly in healthcare.

GTCC offers both a Pharmacy Technology Diploma and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. The diploma program spans three semesters, while the AAS degree extends over five semesters. Both programs are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with on-campus labs and clinical rotations, accommodating students seeking flexibility in their education.

The curriculum encompasses courses such as Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacy Calculations, Sterile Products, and Pharmacology. Students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment, including Pioneer Rx software, a modular clean room with a laminar flow hood, and a Med Dispense machine in a fully functional simulation lab environment. Graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).

GTCC’s Pharmacy Technology Program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program boasts impressive outcomes, with recent years showing completion rates above 88%, employment rates at 100%, and national certification pass rates at 100%. This accreditation and these outcomes underscore the program’s commitment to excellence in pharmacy technician education.

NCCU is renowned for its strong emphasis on community engagement and its comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, serving a diverse student population.

NCCU offers a 100% online Pharmacy Technician training program through its Division of Extended Studies. This self-paced course is designed to be completed in one year or less, providing flexibility for individuals seeking to enter the pharmacy field. The program prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

The curriculum covers essential topics, including federal and state pharmacy laws, ethics of pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, and medication preparation and distribution. Students also have the opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship with a leading pharmacy chain, offering practical experience in a real-world setting.

Established in 1970, Piedmont Community College (PCC) is a public institution serving Person and Caswell counties in North Carolina. With campuses in Roxboro and Yanceyville, PCC is dedicated to providing accessible education and fostering community engagement.

PCC offers a 15-week, 192-hour Pharmacy Technician program conducted entirely online. This asynchronous course allows students to learn at their own pace, making it suitable for individuals seeking flexibility while pursuing a career in pharmacy technology. The program includes an initial in-person meeting at the Caswell County Campus, with a virtual option for non-local students, and additional in-person support sessions throughout the course.

The curriculum covers topics such as pharmacy law, medication preparation, inventory management, and pharmaceutical calculations. Students gain the knowledge required to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and managing pharmacy operations. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).

The program requires a registration fee of $180, with additional costs for textbooks and the national board exam. Scholarships are available for residents of Person or Caswell County to cover the registration fee. Prospective students should possess strong math skills and basic knowledge of algebra, as these are essential for the coursework. Out-of-state students are advised to verify that the program meets their state’s Board of Pharmacy requirements.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is a public institution serving Rowan and Cabarrus counties in North Carolina. With campuses in Salisbury and Kannapolis, RCCC is dedicated to providing accessible education and fostering community engagement.

RCCC offers a Pharmacy Technician Training Program through its Health Occupations division. This hybrid course combines online instruction with in-person classes, accommodating students seeking flexibility in their education. The program prepares students to assist licensed pharmacists in both retail and hospital settings.

The curriculum includes lectures, multimedia presentations, discussions, and assignments, covering essential topics such as medication preparation, inventory management, and pharmacy law. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

Established in 1963, Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is North Carolina’s largest community college, serving over 70,000 students annually. Located in Raleigh, Wake Tech is renowned for its comprehensive educational programs and commitment to workforce development, particularly in health sciences.

Wake Tech offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diploma in Pharmacy Technology. The AAS program spans five semesters, while the Diploma can be completed in three semesters. Both programs are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with on-campus laboratory sessions and clinical experiences, catering to individuals aiming to become proficient pharmacy technicians.

The curriculum encompasses topics such as pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy law, and medication therapy management. Students gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment, including PioneerRx pharmacy software, in simulated pharmacy settings. Clinical rotations in hospital, community, and specialty pharmacies provide real-world exposure. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT).

Wake Tech’s Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), ensuring adherence to high educational standards. The program boasts impressive outcomes, with recent years showing PTCE pass rates above the national average.