Pharmacy Technology
Edward Coleman MS, CPhT
Director of Health Science - Pharmacy Technology
Mission Statement
The Pharmacy Technology Program at Malcolm X College supports students from the communities of Chicago to acquire a standard of academic knowledge in pharmacy which will allow them to practice in the profession as a certified pharmacy technician and/or acquire a level of understanding in pharmacy giving them the opportunity to also pursue the position as a pharmacist.
The Pharmacy Technician Profession
Licensed/Certified pharmacy technicians work in hospitals, community pharmacies, and other medical facilities. They perform a variety of functions under the direct supervision of a pharmacist including but not limited to preparing intravenous medications, filling prescriptions, data entry, and non-sterile compounding. Whether you are an outgoing person who likes interacting with patients or someone who is introverted, there is a place for you in this profession. Remember, if there is a medical facility that dispenses medication chances are the medication was prepared by a pharmacy technician!
About the Program and Financial Obligation
The Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate Program is a short 3 semester program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Graduates of this program are prepared to sit for industry certification exams including PTCE, ExCPT, and CSPT exams, and obtain jobs as pharmacy technicians. This is a low cost financial aid eligible program with tuition being only $5,402 for In-District City of Chicago, $14,208 for Out-of-District and $17,797 for Out-of-State and International students total for the entire program. Please Note: This is an estimate based on the 3 semester 37 credit hour program. Please click here for information on the CCC tuition structure. Students must pass a criminal background check. No felony convictions permitted.
Accreditation
Licensure and Certification
State licensure is required to work as a pharmacy technician-in-training in the state of Illinois. One must obtain national certification as a pharmacy technician within two years of obtaining the initial state license. A state license is maintained by renewal every year and by meeting the requirement to maintain national certification every two years. Criminal disclosure is required for state licensure and certification.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are eligible to apply online after the following is completed:
- Submit proof of graduation in the form of an official high school or GED transcript to the MXC Office of Registrar Services.
- Submit official college transcripts from all accredited colleges attended outside of City Colleges of Chicago.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 recommended
- Eligible for English 101
- Eligible for Math 118 or college-level Math
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Interview with Medical Director
To Apply to Program
- Complete program prerequisite courses.
- Submit official college transcripts.
- Calculate admissions cumulative GPA.
- Apply to Program in Student Portal [my.ccc.edu]
- Interview
Submitting Application within Student Portal
- Under “My Academic Plan”
- Within “Academic Planning”
- Click “Selective Application”