Pharmacy technicians are paraprofessionals who work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to assist with activities that do not require the professional judgment of the pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians assist with maintaining records, filling and dispensing routine prescriptions and medication orders, stocking supplies of patient care areas, maintaining inventories of drug supplies, preparing sterile compound products, accepting prescriptions and refill requests, and providing assistance to the customers and patients specific to the pharmacy practice setting. Exciting careers are available in traditional pharmacy settings, such as retail and hospital pharmacies, and non-traditional pharmacy settings, such as compounding and nuclear pharmacies.

The pharmacy technology certificate program is a program that provides an excellent introduction to the pharmacy profession.  Students begin the traditional 10-month daytime program in the fall semester with the application period beginning in April. A 12-month evening program is also available in the spring semester with the application period beginning in November.

LSC-North Harris also offers a an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Pharmacy Management.  Students interested in ultimately becoming pharmacists can benefit from the knowledge gained in the classroom and internship experiences.  Program credit hours will not transfer into a professional sequence for pharmacy school.

The pharmacy technology certificate program prepares graduates to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, to become a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).  As of January 1, 2001, pharmacy technicians in the State of Texas were required to be certified.  The Texas State Board of Pharmacy also requires certified pharmacy technicians to register with the board as of June 2004.  Those technicians not certified are restricted on duties and must be certified by examination within the year allotted.

Before a student can begin their clinical courses, the student must be registered with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and must obtain a background check clearance through the State.  Links to the TSBP and their FAST Fingerprint background check process can be found at the left side of your screen.

Tuition is paid each semester based upon the number of hours being attempted in the semester. Below are the estimated costs of the program:

In addition, students will pay $129 for the national pharmacy technician certification exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) once they complete the program.

 Interested in this program and want to get more information. Please view the following power point presentation.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. Nancy Lim
Program Director, Professor
Phone: 281.618.5727
Office: Health Professions Bldg., Ste. 200

Alice E. Venier
Associate Professor
Phone: 281.765.7921
Office: Health Professions Bldg., Ste. 200

Juanita Garcia
Academic Advisor
Phone: 281-795-7896
Office: WNSP 174F