Before you begin, you’ll need to meet key health and safety requirements set by our clinical partners. See what’s required and take your next step.
Pharmacy Technician
To begin, connect with an advisor who can guide you through program options and next steps, including the application process.
The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for entry-level pharmacy practice in retail, hospital, and institutional settings. Students will process and prepare medications, dispense medications, and learn inventory and quality control practices. The program includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, legal and regulatory standard, customer service, prescription analysis and interpretation, mathematical calculations for dosing and solution preparation, safety procedures, and billing practices. The curriculum for this program includes a 200-hour practicum and meets the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requirement for students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
This program is designed to meet education requirements for licensure or certification in the State of Arizona. Granting licensure and certification is the sole responsibility of the state board or approval agency. This program is only offered and available to students located in the State of Arizona. The Maricopa County Community College District and colleges define student location within Administrative Regulation 2.2.3(7).
Details
Field of Interest
Health Sciences
Degree Type
Certificate of Competency (CCT)
Academic Plan
Pharmacy Technician (CER)
Academic Plan Code
1405
Total Clock Hours Required
602
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Admission criteria
1. Background Check Requirements:
Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Supplemental Background Check policy. Program applications will not be accepted without a copy of an Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card. Students must maintain current fingerprint clearance throughout the practicums(s). Upon conditional program admission, the student must comply with all requirements of the current MCCCD background check policy.
2. Submit current CPR/BLS Provider card (American Heart Association approved) and maintain current status throughout the practicum(s).
3. Complete and submit the Allied Health Student Health and Safety Documentation Checklist, with included documentation, signed by a licensed healthcare provider.
4. Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.
5. 18 years of age at time of practicum. Must be 17 years and 9 months to enroll in the program.
Notes
Students are required to apply and receive their temporary pharmacy technician trainee registration through the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. This program has a 200-hour clinical practicum requirement with a scheduled meeting pattern that varies from the class schedule. Clinical practicum is off campus at an industry partner (hospital or retail pharmacy). Students are responsible for their own travel. Clinical practicum is unpaid. Students must complete all 200 hours of clinical practicum and pass each course with a grade of 75% or greater to pass the program.
What You'll Learn
- Describe the role of the pharmacy technician in retail, hospital, and institutional settings.
- Apply all legal, regulatory, professional, and ethical standards applicable to the role of pharmacy technicians.
- Employ proper customer service procedures related to professional communication, appearance, and knowledge of allowed duties when working under a licensed pharmacist in a variety of settings.
- Demonstrate familiarity with brand and generic drug names, appearance, manufacturer, dosage forms(s), and route of administration for at least the top 200 drugs.
- Analyze a prescription for accuracy.
- Perform mathematical calculations for dosage determinations and solution preparations.
- Demonstrate safe medication preparation.
- Practice safe and appropriate dispensing principles.
- Prepare for the national pharmacy technician certification and licensure as required by State of Arizona Regulations.
Career Statistics
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this certificate. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
Course Sequence by Term
The following is the suggested course sequence by block. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with a navigator to discuss their academic and career goals.
- The course sequence is laid out by block and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- This is a cohort program in which students progress through their course of study together in the required course sequence.
Courses Sequence
Block 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHC150 | Introduction to Pharmacy Practice | 90 | ||
| PHC153 | Basic Pharmacy Practice | 132 | ||
| PHC155 | Advanced Pharmacy Practice | 150 |
Block 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHC122 | Pharmacy Tech Certification Review | 30 | ||
| PHC243DC | Pharmacy Technician Practicum | 200 |
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of ‘P’ or ‘C’ or better (depending on the course grading scale) for all courses required within the program.
Weekly hour requirements vary by program. Students should meet with a navigator to discuss these requirements further. Actual completion times may vary. A separate $15 Registration Fee will be charged per academic year.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm12?id=16454770.
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
Previous Catalog Years
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Pharmacy Technician
While you’re on the waitlist, take time to explore courses, short-term programs, and scholarships that can help you reach your goals and keep you moving forward.
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