About the Pharmacy Technician Course

This comprehensive 50-hour program will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Course content includes pharmacy medical terminology, the history of pharmacy, the pharmacy practice in multiple environments, pharmacy calculations and measurements, reading and interpreting prescriptions, and defining drugs by generic and brand names.

Through classroom lectures and hands-on labs, students will review dosage calculations, drug classifications, the “top 200 drugs”, I.V. flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parental nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement. In addition to classroom lectures and labs, this program includes a clinical externship through a local pharmacy.

Please review the Alabama Board of Pharmacy’s eligibility requirements for employment as a Pharmacy Technician.

Clinical Externship

Upon successful completion of this Pharmacy Technician program, students are eligible to participate in an 80-hour clinical externship with a local Retail Pharmacy. Students may be asked to submit to a thorough background check, drug screening, and meet other requirements at their expense.

Course Options

Option #1 – Self-Directed Online Classes

Students may start the self-directed online class at any time and have full access to the website. E Textbooks are included in the fee. Students have up to 6 months to complete the program. No on-campus attendance is required for this program. Students who successfully complete the program may participate in the Optional Externship.

Cost: $1,299 (includes e-textbooks)

There are no refunds offered for the self-directed, online program.

Option #2 – Traditional, In-person Class on Campus

The program will be held in person on Calhoun Community College’s campus in the evenings with live instruction. Class size is limited to 20 participants.

Duration: 50 Hours
Dates: October 14 – December 14, 2026
Days: Monday and Wednesday nights
Times: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Huntsville Research-Park Site
Optional Externship: 40 hours (included in fee)
Cost: $999 (includes textbook)
The program fee does not include the cost of the PTCB exam.
The PTCB National Certification Exam is proctored at Pearson Vue sites.
*Eligible for WIOA Funding
Pharmacy Technician Schedule

Course Funding Options

WIOA Approved Program

For information concerning the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding to cover the cost of this program, please contact the Alabama Career Center:

Huntsville – 256-851-0537
Decatur – 256-355-0142 x225

If you are approved for WIOA funding, please contact our office at 256-306-2515 to complete your registration.

Paths for Success Scholarship

Students may qualify for and apply for the Paths for Success scholarship if they need financial assistance to cover costs like tuition, transportation, or childcare while pursuing a credential or certification that leads to employment.

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The ELM Foundation Scholarship

A student can apply for a workforce scholarship from the ELM Foundation in Huntsville, AL if they need financial support to pursue career training or certification programs that lead to sustainable employment and long-term self-sufficiency.

Note: The ELM Foundation accepts grant applications for in-person or hybrid Healthcare Programs. Online programs are not considered for funding at this time.

Inquiry Form

PEO Sisterhood Chapter AJ Scholarship

Female students can apply for a scholarship from the PEO Sisterhood if they need financial support to pursue career training or certification programs that lead to sustainable employment and long-term self-sufficiency.

Application

Interested in a personal student loan from Sallie Mae®? Students must be certified/authorized for Sallie Mae® loans at least 30 days prior to the class start date.

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Refund Policy (Instructor-Led Courses Only)

All refund requests must be received in writing before September 28, 2026. Email diane.peck@calhoun.edu with your request and then call 256-306-2515 to confirm receipt of the request. Calhoun Community College is not responsible for emails that are not delivered/received.