Pharmacy Technology Certification

Earn the skills needed to enter the pharmacy workforce quickly—and advance toward national certification.

Forsyth Tech’s Pharmacy Technology CE Pathway is a flexible, affordable training option designed for students seeking entry into the pharmacy profession without committing to a full curriculum program. This three-course sequence builds from foundational knowledge to hands-on clinical experience and prepares completers to challenge either the NHA ExCPT Certification Exam or the PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, depending on course progression.

The pathway mirrors the learning outcomes of the pharmacy technology diploma, supports career advancement, and may provide credit for prior learning toward the curriculum program for students who later continue their education.

Students completing all three courses will be prepared to:

• Work safely and effectively in retail, hospital, community, and specialty pharmacy settings
• Perform medication dispensing tasks under supervision
• Complete accurate pharmaceutical calculations
• Understand drug classifications, indications, and regulatory requirements
• Use pharmacy information systems and uphold medication safety standards
• Demonstrate professionalism, communication skills, and workplace readiness
• Challenge national certification exams (NHA or PTCB depending on course sequence)

Step 1: Pharmacy Assistant (PHM 3250)

Start your entry into pharmacy work.
This course introduces the role of pharmacy support personnel and prepares students for on-the-job training or further study in the Pharmacy Technology pathway. Topics include pharmaceutical terminology, medication classes and uses, drug regulation, and applied math.

• Format: In-person
• Schedule: Evenings
• Cost: $135 + textbook and basic supplies
  (Estimated total investment ~$298–$305)
• Eligibility: High school diploma or GED required

Step 2: Pharmacy Technician I (PHM 3250P1)

Build foundational skills for technician-level work.
Students learn core competencies including basic pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, medication dispensing, federal and state regulations, workplace readiness, and effective communication in pharmacy settings. Successful completers become eligible to challenge the NHA ExCPT exam.

• Format: Online with scheduled virtual sessions

• Cost: $745 (includes access to online platform + NHA exam fee)
  • estimated technology costs and required laptop (~$500)
    (Estimated total investment ~$1,390)
• Eligibility:
  • Completion of PHM 3250 with ≥ 80% OR
  • Current employment as a pharmacy technician with proof of employment

Step 3: Pharmacy Technician II (PHM 3250P2)

Apply your training in hands-on labs and real pharmacy environments.
This capstone course prepares students for advanced technician duties through simulation labs and 160 hours of supervised clinical rotations. Learners gain experience with sterile and non-sterile preparation, inventory management, medication safety, workflow processes, and patient interaction. Completers become eligible to challenge the PTCB national certification exam.

• Format: In-person labs + clinical rotations
• Cost: $258 + additional requirements (Complio, CPR, medical forms, scrubs, shoes, transportation, etc.)
  (Estimated total investment ~$621.50 + variable costs)
• Eligibility:
  • Completion of Pharm Tech I with ≥ 80% (“B”)
  • Background check, drug screen, vaccination records, medical forms, and CPR (AHA-BLS) completed PRIOR to course registration

To register, contact West Campus Customer Service at 336.734.7023

Rachel Hawkins, Program Coordinator, Pharmacy Technology Program.  rhawkins@forsythtech.edu / 336.757.3356