Pharmacy Technology
Edward Coleman MS, CPhT
Director of Health Science - Pharmacy Technology
Pharmacy Technology Virtual Open House
- February 25, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. https://cccedu.zoom.us/j/93404045418
- March 11, 2026 @ 3:00 p.m. https://cccedu.zoom.us/j/93404045418
Program Pathways:
· Direct Entry Basic Certificate – Outpatient/Retail/Community focus
· Direct Entry Advanced Certificate – Inpatient/Hospital
· Certified Technician Direct Entry Advanced Certificate
· Pharmacy Technician/Community Health Worker Dual Certificate Program
Career Fields with Certificate Type
|
Career Type |
Description |
Certificate Type |
|
Retail pharmacy |
Technicians at Community Pharmacy dispense drugs from provider prescriptions |
Basic Certificate |
|
Hospital pharmacy |
Technicians in Hospital pharmacies dispense drugs for patients admitted to hospitals |
Advance Certificate |
|
Long-term care (LTC) |
Technicians serve the residents of nursing homes, assisted-care facilities, extended-care facilities, and/or retirement homes |
Basic or Advanced Certificate |
|
Managed care |
Technicians monitor Health insurance plans and work as pharmacy benefit managers |
Basic Certificate |
|
Nuclear pharmacy |
Technicians are trained and certified in handling and preparing radioactive medications. |
Advance Certificate |
|
Infusion Pharmacy |
Technicians help patients who receive an infused pharmaceutical at home from an infusion provider or by visiting an infusion site. |
Advance Certificate |
|
Veterinary clinics/hospitals. |
Veterinary pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies at animal clinics, animal hospitals, at university veterinary teaching hospitals and other workplaces |
Advance Certificate |
|
Specialty pharmacies |
Technicians in Compound pharmacies dispense specialty drugs that are specific to individual patients, are not readily available, are cheaper being made as a generic medication |
Advance Certificate |
|
Community Health Worker/ Pharmacy Technician |
Technicians work in a specialty pharmacy that specializes in mental health and substance use. |
Advance Certificate |
Mission Statement
The Pharmacy Technology Program at Malcolm X College supports students from the communities of Chicago to acquire a standard of academic knowledge in pharmacy which will allow them to practice in the profession as a certified pharmacy technician and/or acquire a level of understanding in pharmacy giving them the opportunity to also pursue the position as a pharmacist.
The Pharmacy Technician Profession
Licensed/Certified pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and other medical facilities. They perform a variety of functions under the direct supervision of a pharmacist including but not limited to preparing intravenous medications, filling prescriptions, data entry, and non-sterile compounding. Whether you are an outgoing person who likes interacting with patients or someone who is introverted, there is a place for you in this profession. Remember, if there is a medical facility that dispenses medication chances are the medication was prepared by a pharmacy technician!
About the Program and Financial Obligation
The Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate Program is a short 3 semester program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for industry certification exams including PTCE, ExCPT, and CSPT exams, and obtain jobs as pharmacy technicians. This is a low cost financial aid eligible program with tuition being only $5,402 for In-District City of Chicago, $14,208 for Out-of-District and $17,797 for Out-of-State and International students total for the entire program. Please Note: This is an estimate based on the 3 semester 37 credit hour program. Please click here for information on the CCC tuition structure. Students must pass a criminal background check. No felony convictions permitted.
Accreditation
Licensure and Certification
State licensure is required to work as a pharmacy technician-in-training in the state of Illinois. One must obtain national certification as a pharmacy technician within two years of obtaining the initial state license. A state license is maintained by renewal every year and by meeting the requirement to maintain national certification every two years. Criminal disclosure is required for state licensure and certification.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are eligible to apply online after the following is completed:
- Submit official college transcripts from all accredited colleges attended outside of City Colleges of Chicago
- Eligible for English 101
- Eligible for Math 118 or college-level Math
- Must be at least 16 years of age (18 years of age for CERTIFIED designation)
- Must attend the mandatory orientation
To Apply to Program
- Submit official college transcripts
- Apply to Program in Student Portal [my.ccc.edu]
- Must attend the mandatory orientation
Submitting Application within Student Portal
- Under “My Academic Plan”
- Within “Academic Planning”
- Click “Selective Application”
