Pharmacy Technician Programs in Charlotte, NC

The pharmacy technician plays a critical role in satisfying patients and easing the workload on pharmacists. Pharmacy technician programs prepare you to be a pharmacy tech - a position that introduces you to an array of health care possibilities.

In May 2019, the Bureau for Labor Statistics reported that over 15000 pharmacy technician jobs will be created between 2019 to 2029. This rapid increase in jobs is attributed to higher demands for prescription medication, which requires more pharmaceutical services.

If you are ready to do your research, here is a list of the top pharmacy technician schools in Charlotte, NC that you can pursue your training to better your future as well job data and salary expectations for recent graduates.

Pharmacy Tech Salary and Job Outlook in Charlotte

The employment outlook for pharmacy technicians in Charlotte is promising due to the increased demand for prescription medication. More than 15,000 new pharmacy technician jobs will be created by 2029 and some of that employment will be in Charlotte. Already, there are some 3000 pharmacy technicians in Charlotte out of the 13,560 in the entire state, making Charlotte one of the regions with the most number of pharmacy technicians in the state.

The average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in Charlotte is $15.60 and $32,440 average annual wage. While these figures are slightly above the state’s average, they fall well below the national average. That Charlotte is among the regions with the least pay for pharmacy technicians. 10% of pharmacy technicians in Charlotte earn $22,400 or less, and another 10% earn $44,060 or more annually.

The average hourly wage of pharmacy technicians in North Carolina is $14.17 and workers also make an average of $32,090 each year, only slightly lower than the yearly average for Charlotte. In North Carolina, 10% of workers earn $22,680 or less, with another 10% making $44,560 or more a year.

In the United States, pharmacy technicians on average earn $33,950 yearly. This is higher than the average earnings in Charlotte and North Carolina by more than $1000. 10% of workers in the U.S earn $24,120 or less, and another 10% earn $49,130 or more.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Charlotte

You can become a qualified pharmacy technician in Charlotte by attending one of the training programs and meeting other requirements by the state.

Technician programs offer a combination of didactic, laboratory practice and clinical experiences to equip students to function as pharmacy technicians under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. 

Courses can take between anywhere from a few weeks to 2 years to complete. Shorter certificate programs may not allow students to register with the Board Pharmacy however they'll be prepared to sit the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam which will quality them for registration as a North Carolina pharmacy technician. 

Below are schools offering pharmacy technician programs in Charlotte, NC.

A: P.O. Box 35009, Charlotte, NC 28235-5009 |T: 704 330 4223

The Central Piedmont Pharmacy Technology program aims to assist students acquire the skills to help pharmacists serve patients better. Students will learn to prepare prescription medications, mix intravenous solutions and other complex medications, build and keep patient records, handle inventories, package medication, and collect data for pharmacists to use is monitoring drug therapy.

The college offers an Associates Science (70-72 credit hours) which runs over 2 years (five semesters) for those who want more in-depth training. CCPC also offers a diploma in pharmacy technology (42-45 credit hours) run over three semesters. Graduates of both programs are eligible to apply to take the certification exam with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). A pharmacy externship must also be completed by students as part of their training. 

Both programs are accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. Estimated tuition for the AAS is $7,117.90 and $4,758.70 for the diploma. These include the text books, uniforms, background check, lab supply fee, drug test, insurance, graduation fee etc. 

Admission into the program is competitive and to improve your chances of securing place you should consider the following in addition to being a graduate from a high school or completed GED: 

• attend a pharmacy technology information seminar (required)
• points are awarded for either
  • prior pharmacy tech work including having passed the PTCB exam and being certified, 
  • graduate of a certificate program, or
  • 40 hours of work experience as a pharmacy technician.
• complete pre-pharmacy technology general education courses before application (this isn't obligatory) such as writing and inquiry, quantitative literacy, medical terminology (I), introduction to communication etc. 

A: 207 Regency Executive Park Drive, Charlotte, NC | T: 704 527 4979

The Certificate in Pharmacy Technology at Southeastern Institute prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technologist. The curriculum combines hands-on learning with theoretical instructions in the classroom. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to assists pharmacists serve patients better.

This Certificate program has a total of 7.5 credit hours (284 Clock Hours) and can be completed in 3 months for full-time students or in 5 months for part-time students.

The program is delivered from the Charlotte campus.

Graduates can find entry-level positions in hospitals (private and government), nursing care facilities, private and chain drug stores, health maintenance organizations, drug manufacturers, wholesale drug houses, and many more. 

A Certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of this program. Outside work required. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certifying Board Examination.

In addition, students are also eligible to have their names submitted to the Board of Pharmacy to register as a North Carolina Pharmacy Technician.

To qualify students must have: 

• a High School Diploma or a GED
• pass the entrance examination
• pass a background check and drug screening.

A: 8401 University Executive Park Dr., Suite 111, Charlotte, NC 28262 | T: 704 547 1988

This pharmacy technician course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in healthcare. Students are trained to assist the pharmacists in preparing and dispensing medication, order processing, inventory management, compounding, packaging and use of prescription balance, and much more.

It prepares graduates to take the NHA certification exam for pharmacy technicians and occupy entry-level positions in pharmacies across a wide range of settings.

This training program spans 10 weeks, 240 course hours, 100 hours of classes, and 140 lab hours. Classes run every Tuesday and Thursday between 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. 

The program costs $1450 including a $50 non-refundable registration fee. Textbooks cost $100. 

There are certain requirements to meet before a student can register or be admitted.

• be of 18 years or older at the time of enrollment
• have a high school diploma or GED
• proof of citizenship through a driver’s license or any government-issued ID
• non-laminated Social Security Card
• pass a physical exam
• submit a criminal background check
• TB test 
• copy of a drug test not older than one year.

A: 5801 Executive Center Drive, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28212 | T: 704 531 1100

This pharmacy technology program by the Umanah Healthcare Institute is designed to train students to work as pharmacy technicians across a wide range of pharmaceutical settings.

Students will learn to prepare and dispense medication, process orders, manage inventories, and much more. The program spans 150 classroom and laboratory hours. There is an additional 120 hours for externship.

The program not only prepares students to work as pharmacy technicians, but also be ready to sit any certification examination for entry-level pharmacy technicians. The tuition fee for this program is $1750 and covers the cost of textbooks, exam prep book, handouts, and student's insurance.

Requirements include a drug test, criminal background check, TB skin test, lab supply, and fee and uniform. The program lasts 10 weeks, with classes being held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Rowan Cabarrus Community College

A: 1531 Trinity Church Rd. Concord, NC 28027 | T: 704 216 7222

This pharmacy technician training program by Rowan Cabarrus Community College provides the technical and practical training that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at pharmacy technician jobs. Students obtain the qualification to work in across a wide range of pharmaceutical settings.

Additionally, the course prepares the student to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam given by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board successfully.

This 102-hour hybrid course combines lectures both online and in classroom, multimedia, discussion, text and workbook assignments, independent research, and testing student's competence and understanding of everything learnt in the classroom or hands-on.  Classes are held Mondays from 6 – 9 p.m and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

The tuition is $180, significantly less than most other schools on this list. Registration and payment is done online, and the process of registration is described step by step on the website.

To enroll you must have:

• a high school diploma or GED
• basic computer literacy
• strong math skills
• access to Powerpoint
• Career Readiness Certification at Gold Level (Level 5) (this is not a requirement).

A: 5633 Monroe Road Charlotte, NC 28212 | T: 704 566 2955

The pharmacy technology program offered at Divine Health Academy in Charlotte  aims to train pharmacy technicians to pass certification examinations and work legally and competently in any pharmaceutical setting.

The program spans 90 classroom hours and 60 homework hours, which makes a total of 150 study hours. There is also 240 hours of externship in an approved pharmacy.

Tuition costs $1485 and does not cover textbooks, study material, handout, computer support, liability insurance fees, and also excludes the $135 fee for the Pharmacy Board Exam.

There are certain requirements to meet before a student qualifies to join the program. These include:

• Criminal background check
• Drug/alcohol test
• Confidentiality agreement
• Personal reference and release form
• Willingness to comply with the college's policies