Pharmacy Technician Program

ALTIERUS CAREER COLLEGE IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS OR ENROLLING NEW STUDENTS. CLASSES WILL CONTINUE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS, AND THE CAMPUS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT RESOURCES AND CAREER SERVICES THROUGH GRADUATION AND FOR A PERIOD OF TIME THEREAFTER. FORMER STUDENTS MAY REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS ABOVE AND REACH OUT TO THEIR CAMPUS FOR ONGOING CAREER ASSISTANCE.

The ECMC Group Board of Directors, representing the parent organization of Altierus Career College, has made the decision to teach out the three remaining Altierus Career College (ACC) campuses. A teach out means that we will provide the education and support services for our current students and gradually wind down the school’s operations. New students will no longer be accepted. We will continue to provide career services for a period beyond the teach-out to ensure that the program is as successful as possible for students. Altierus Career College will engage in an orderly closure, with campuses remaining open until all current students that are following their academic plans graduate or an acceptable completion plan is identified for remaining degree students

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On campus 1 day per week

To help balance life and school, you’ll take most of your courses at home through virtual instruction and come to campus for labs once a week.

8 Months
Diploma

Certification Preparation

Career Summary

As a pharmacy technician, you play an essential role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Partner with pharmacists to process and fill prescriptions, manage pharmaceutical inventory accurately, and process insurance claims. Check out these frequently asked questions about pharmacy technician careers.

2020 annual national salary for jobs in this occupation*

$35,100

Median Salary

Lowest 10%: $25,400 or less

2020-30 projected growth*

16,600

New Jobs

+4% Growth

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm (visited September 8, 2021).

Program Highlights

This pharmacy technician program aligns with the guidelines of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). It’s designed to prepare you to play a major role in pharmacy operations. You'll gain knowledge in pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems, and preparation of sterile dosage forms.

You’ll receive preparation to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the ExPCT exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Click here to see specific PTCB Guidelines

Click here to learn about ExPCT certification

For additional, state-specific information, please see the “Important Consumer and Disclosures” section at the bottom of this page.

  • 8-month diploma program
  • 1 day per week on campus + online coursework
  • 48 credits
  • 280 classroom hours + 280 lab hours
  • 200-hour externship

You’ll get the feel of what it’s like to work in a pharmacy as you practice hands-on training for a career as a pharmacy technician. Train with modern tools and technology that mimics working in hospital and retail pharmacies.

Lab equipment includes professional tools such as:

  • Incubation and sterilization equipment
  • Medication compounding instruments
  • Retail pharmacy counter and equipment
  • Professional ventilation systems

Course software includes:

  • Paradigm Navigator+
  • PioneerRX pharmacy software system
  • Cengage MindTap (videos, readings, assessments, and simulations)
  • MOSS (Medical Office Simulation System)

Paying for school shouldn’t be an obstacle to achieving your career goals. At Altierus, you’ll have access to a range of financial aid options from Federal loans and grants to other unique programs of our own. For example, the Altierus Student Grant is a multimillion-dollar institutional grant program awarded to students of Altierus schools — owned by ECMC Education — who demonstrate financial need.

All-inclusive tuition—before qualifying financial aid—for the Pharmacy Technician program is $14,976, which includes a laptop you can keep, professional gear, eBooks, certification fees, and more. The vast majority of our students qualify for financial aid, which can significantly defray tuition. Qualification depends on each individual’s unique circumstances.

Our financial aid specialists can help you navigate the entire financial aid process and help with the following information:

  • Answers to your federal student loan questions
  • Information on scholarships and grants
  • Clear explanations of all your federal student loan repayment options
  • Information on how to reduce or postpone your monthly payment
  • Information on your loan servicer

This and other financial aid is available for those who qualify. Give us a call to see what your financial aid options are and we can help you get started (888) 223-8556.

Click Here to Explore Our Lab

Swipe Video to Explore Our Lab

Step into our lab and have a look around. This 360-degree video allows you to see what it’s like to train in a modern environment set up like working retail and hospital pharmacies. Click and drag your mouse around the screen to change your view.

Flexible Blended Learning to Help Balance Life and School

This program features a blend of online and on-campus learning to help make going to school work with your busy schedule. Typically, you will spend 1 day per week on campus and complete the rest of your coursework online at home, at your own pace. This allows you to spend more time receiving guidance from instructors and gaining confidence while on campus.

All-Inclusive Tuition Has You Covered

As a pharmacy technician student, you’ll receive a laptop to help you with your online coursework, which is yours to keep after graduating. All-inclusive tuition also covers your books, Altierus branded backpack, coursework and school scrubs, as well as test preparation and fees for your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB) as well as the Exam for Certification Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Professional Skills Development

Your coursework integrates professional skills development into this program so you’ll have the soft skills employers look for. Gain proficiency in communication, interpersonal skills, self-management, emotional intelligence, and career-building competencies. You’ll also prepare to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB) as well as the Exam for Certification Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).

Available at:

What You'll Learn

  • Analyze, process and prepare prescriptions
  • Manage pharmaceutical inventory accurately
  • Apply problem-solving techniques and critical thinking skills
  • Employ effective communication skills to provide patient care
  • Understand professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues related to pharmacy

Sample Courses

  • History and Ethics of Pharmacy
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy Law and Administration for Pharmacy Technicians
  • Pharmacy Operations in the Retail and Hospital Settings
  • Medical Calculations and Non-Sterile Compounding
  • Medical Calculations and Sterile Compounding

Included in this module is an overview and historical development of pharmacy. Subjects covered include a history and changing roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

This module is designed to provide you with an overall understanding of anatomy and physiology as it relates to disease medication and treatment for common diseases.

This module is designed to educate you on medication safety, billing of medications, national organizations, and pharmacy laws, regulations, and standards.

This module is designed to provide you with an overall understanding of the administrative aspects and hands-on applications involved in working in a pharmacy.

This module is designed to provide you with an overall understanding of medical calculations and non-sterile compounding.

This module is designed to provide you with an overall understanding of medical calculations and sterile compounding.

A Pharmacy Technician Instructor Demonstrates in an Altierus Classroom

Important Consumer Information and Disclosures


GA - Atlanta

For information on graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete this program and more, please view the Atlanta Program Disclosures.