Illinois Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Oakton College's online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program equips students with comprehensive pharmaceutical knowledge, including drug interactions and pharmacy operations. Taught by registered pharmacists, it emphasizes practical clinical skills and prepares graduates for the PTCB Exam, enabling careers in retail, hospital, or managed care settings. As a low-cost community college option, it offers multiple career pathways without requiring entrance exams, making it accessible for those with healthcare backgrounds or pre-pharmacy interests.

• Prepares for PTCB Exam
• Taught by Registered Pharmacist
• Multiple career pathway options
• Clinical skills training
• Low-cost community college program

Lewis University's 12-month online Pharmacy Technician program offers flexible, self-paced training with 400 total course hours. Students develop essential skills in medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and medication handling while preparing for the PTCE certification exam, for which a voucher is included. The program features optional 130-hour clinical experience opportunities and provides a pharmacy lab kit along with digital and physical textbooks. With open enrollment and a cost of $2,995, this Roman Catholic-affiliated, military-friendly program equips graduates for entry-level roles in various pharmacy settings without requiring entrance exams.

• 12-month self-paced online program
• 400 total course hours
• Certification exam voucher included
• Optional 130-hour clinical experience
• Prepares for PTCE certification
• Cost: $2,995 (12% off)
• Open enrollment
• Medical terminology course
• Digital and physical textbooks
• Pharmacy lab kit provided

Eastern Illinois University's online Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for the PTCE with a self-paced, 12-month curriculum covering medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacy laws. It includes 400 course hours, an online lab module, and an optional 130-hour Clinical Experience. A PTCE exam voucher is provided, and no entrance exam is required for this certificate-level program. Open enrollment and financial assistance make it accessible for diverse learners aiming for CPhT certification and entry-level roles in the growing pharmacy technician field.

• Online self-paced format.
• Includes PTCE exam voucher.
• 12 months to complete.
• 400 course hours.
• Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience.
• Covers medical terminology.
• Teaches pharmaceutical calculations.
• Includes pharmacy laws and ethics.
• Open enrollment available.
• Prepares for CPhT credential.

The University of Illinois Springfield offers a 12-month, self-paced online Pharmacy Technician certification program that prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), with a voucher included. This comprehensive training covers medication processing, pharmaceutical calculations, medical terminology, and pharmacy regulations, supplemented by hands-on lab experiences. An optional 130-hour Clinical Experience enhances practical skills, and the program's 400 total course hours support career entry in hospitals or retail pharmacies. At a cost of $2,995, it focuses on high-demand skills without requiring entrance exams, ideal for those seeking flexible, certification-focused education.

• 12-month self-paced online program
• PTCB exam voucher included
• 400 total course hours
• Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience
• Comprehensive pharmacy technician training
• Preparation for certification exam
• Learn medical terminology
• Pharmaceutical calculations training
• Hands-on lab module included
• $2,995 total program cost

Lewis and Clark Community College's hybrid Pharmacy Technician certificate program delivers intensive, practical training in just one semester through its 17-credit-hour curriculum. The blendflex format offers flexibility with in-person or virtual attendance options. Accredited by ASHP and ACPE, the program covers essential skills like drug preparation, sterile product handling, and patient records management. Graduates are well-prepared for the PTCB certification exam and entry-level roles in various pharmacy settings, with training in ethical practices and third-party reimbursement communication. The program's partnership with PioneerRx Pharmacy Software ensures relevant, hands-on experience.

• 17-credit-hour program.
• Complete in one semester.
• Blendflex format available.
• Prepares for PTCB certification.
• Accredited by ASHP and ACPE.
• Hands-on drug preparation training.
• Covers patient records maintenance.
• Teaches ethical practice.
• Focuses on effective communication.
• Eligible for state licensure.

Chicago State University offers an affordable, self-paced online Pharmacy Technician certification program at $3,000, featuring 400 total course hours over 12 months. This comprehensive training emphasizes hands-on pharmacy skills, including medication processing, pharmaceutical calculations, and medical terminology, with an optional 130-hour Clinical Experience for practical application. Students receive a PTCE exam voucher and benefit from flexible scheduling, making it ideal for balancing education with other commitments. The program is military-friendly and requires no entrance exam, focusing on exam preparation and career readiness in healthcare settings.

• 12-month self-paced online program
• 400 total course hours
• PTCE exam voucher included
• Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience
• Comprehensive medical terminology training
• Preparation for pharmacy certification
• Affordable tuition at $3,000
• Hands-on pharmacy skills training
• Open enrollment availability

At Malcolm X College, the Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate offers an intensive three-semester pathway into medication management. Accredited by ASHP and ACPE, this program equips students for national certification, enabling roles in diverse pharmacy settings like hospitals and community pharmacies. With tuition between $5,402 and $17,797, it's an affordable option that includes practical training under pharmacist supervision. Requirements include a criminal background check, age 18 or older, and a recommended GPA of 2.0, focusing on hands-on skills for quick healthcare entry without entrance exams.

• 3-semester advanced certificate
• Fully ASHP and ACPE accredited
• Low-cost tuition options
• Prepares for certification exams
• Works under pharmacist supervision
• Multiple pharmacy work settings
• Requires criminal background check
• 18+ years age requirement
• Minimum 2.0 GPA recommended
• National certification required

Rend Lake College's Pharmacy Technician Short-Term Certificate program provides comprehensive training for aspiring pharmacy technicians through 16 credit hours of campus-based coursework. Students develop essential skills in pharmacology, medical calculations, and pharmacy practices while gaining hands-on clinical experience in both community and hospital settings under registered pharmacist supervision. The program emphasizes ethical behavior, communication, and understanding legal implications, preparing graduates to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. All courses require a minimum grade of 'C', ensuring high educational standards for entry into various pharmacy environments.

• 16 credit hours total.
• Campus-based program.
• Prepares for certification exam.
• Hands-on clinical experience.
• Courses require 'C' or better.
• Supervised by registered pharmacists.
• Focus on pharmacy settings.
• Includes pharmacology and medical calculations.
• Covers pharmacy technician practices.
• Teaches pharmacy drug distribution.

Southeastern Illinois College's campus-based Pharmacy Technician program equips students for entry-level roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and outpatient care centers. Students learn to assist pharmacists with dispensing medications, managing inventory, and processing insurance claims. The program emphasizes legal and ethical standards, patient confidentiality, and quality control, preparing graduates for the ExCPT exam to earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) title. Accredited by NCCA, it covers HIPAA principles, safety, and communication skills for career readiness in diverse pharmacy settings.

• Prepares for entry-level employment.
• Eligible for ExCPT certification.
• Accredited by NCCA.
• Focuses on legal and ethical standards.
• Teaches inventory management.
• Covers patient confidentiality.
• Emphasizes quality control.
• Available in hospital settings.
• Available in retail pharmacies.
• Available in outpatient care centers.

Joliet Junior College's hybrid Pharmacy Technician Training program delivers a 50-hour intensive curriculum blending classroom lectures with hands-on labs. Students master medical terminology, prescription interpretation, and drug classifications, preparing for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. The program includes an optional 80-hour clinical externship for real-world experience in retail and clinical settings. Offered at $1,499 with evening classes, it provides cost-effective, flexible training for a fast-track healthcare career.

• 50-hour comprehensive training
• Prepare for certification exam
• Optional 80-hour externship
• Evening class schedule
• Medical terminology focus
• Hands-on lab experience
• Cost-effective career training