Program at a Glance
Start your career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician and play a critical role in helping people access safe and effective medications.
Pharmacy Technician Program
The Germanna Pharmacy Technician Career Studies Certificate program is approved by the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and is designed to meet the requirements leading to entry level certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Germanna’s Pharmacy Technician Program is proudly accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), ensuring the highest standards in pharmacy technician education. Our program fully complies with all ASHP requirements, giving students the confidence that their training meets nationally recognized quality and professional benchmarks. At Germanna, you’ll gain the knowledge, hands-on skills, and credentials needed to launch a successful career in today’s growing pharmacy field.
As a program graduate, you will be prepared and eligible to sit for the pharmacy technician certification exam. This program is being offered at the Kevin L. Dillard Health Sciences Building at the Stafford County Center.
Courses may vary from semester to semester. Please consult the college catalog for the most up-to-date information.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
In this 2-semester program, you'll learn the skills and knowledge needed to take the test to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician in Virginia.
Class Locations
- Stafford County Center & online
How to get started
1. Become a Germanna student
2. Register for courses
3. Questions? Meet with a pharmacy tech advisor
4. Prepare for your first day of class
Plan to bring your laptop or other note-taking device.
5. Complete a background check
Pharmacy Technician Student Outcomes
Program Pathway
First Semester
- HLT 143: Medical Terminology I (3 cr)
- HLT 250: General Pharmacology (3 cr)
- HLT 261: Basic Pharmacy I (3 cr)
- HLT 262: Basic Pharmacy II (3 cr)
- HLT 263: Basic Pharmacy I Lab (3 cr)
Second Semester
- HLT 290: Coordinated Internship (4 cr)
Career Options
Graduates of Germanna’s Pharmacy Technician program are prepared for a wide range of employment settings, including:
- Retail and community pharmacies
- Hospital and health-system pharmacies
- Long-term care and assisted-living facilities
- Mail-order and specialty pharmacies
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Insurance companies
- Government or military pharmacies
With experience and certification, pharmacy technicians may advance into roles such as:
- Lead technician
- Inventory specialist
- Compounding pharmacy technician
- Medication reconciliation technician
- Pharmacy technician supervisor
- Positions with pharmacy benefit managers and clinical research organizations
Entry-level wages typically range from $21 to $30 per hour.
Hands-On Experience With Real Pharmacy Software
PioneerRx is a pharmacy-management software used to simulate real pharmacy operations. It allows students to practice prescription entry, dispensing, billing, and inventory tasks in a realistic setting. At Germanna Community College, it helps train pharmacy students by giving hands-on experience with the same tools used in community pharmacies.
Questions?
Do you have questions about the Pharmacy Technician Certificate? Don't hesitate to get in touch.
Priscilla Pelzer
Pharmacy Technician Program Director
ppelzer@germanna.edu
