Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician
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New in 2026–2027: Program-specific course content will be weighted as Honors-level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.
Prerequisites: Pharmacy Technician Program
- Must be a Junior or Senior
- Biology: Grade “C” or better
- Algebra I: Grade “C” or better
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The Pharmacy program prepares students for continued education and entry-level roles in pharmacy and healthcare settings through a structured combination of academic instruction and applied learning. Coursework emphasizes pharmaceutical terminology, medication handling, safety procedures, and professional standards used in real-world pharmacy environments. Students should expect a detail-oriented course that requires accuracy, organization, and consistent study.
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This is a hands-on, skill-focused course. Students gain experience using industry-standard equipment and practices aligned with pharmacy operations. Instruction emphasizes proper procedures, attention to detail, and following protocols exactly, as accuracy is critical in all pharmacy settings. Students must be comfortable working carefully, methodically, and under supervision.
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Pharmacy work requires a high level of responsibility. Students are expected to follow all safety guidelines, procedures, and instructor directions precisely. Errors in medication-related environments can have serious consequences, and students must approach all tasks with focus, integrity, and accountability. Confidentiality and professional conduct are essential components of daily instruction.
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Students are expected to participate in HOSA – Future Health Professionals, a national student organization focused on leadership development, teamwork, and healthcare career readiness.In addition to earning course credit, students are eligible to work toward industry-recognized credentials, including:
- CPR/AED/First Aid Heart-Saver
- Workplace Readiness Skills
- Qualification to sit for the National Healthcare Association ExCPT Pharmacy Technician certification exam.
These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.
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This program operates with expectations aligned to professional pharmacy and healthcare environments. Students are expected to:
- Purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending ACE classes and events
- Display a visible ID badge at all times
- Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication
Pharmacy is a profession built on trust, precision, and responsibility. Students are expected to meet these standards consistently throughout the course.
Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below

Program Coursework
1 year – 3 HS credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage
This program is designed to be completed in one year during the 11th or 12th grades.
Pharmacy Technician I - 1 credit (Honors): This certificate program is designed for students to explore and apply the fundamentals of pharmacy practice, pharmacy law, regulations and ethics, prescription interpretation, and pharmacy calculations. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to enroll in Pharmacy Technician II to complete the program sequence and fulfill the requirements of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and prepare students to take the national examinations, the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Examination from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Trained, experienced pharmacy technicians who can demonstrate clinical skills and knowledge have many exciting and respected career options and are well-positioned to pursue postsecondary study in the pharmacy field.
Pharmacy Technician II - 2 credits (Honors): This certificate program is designed for students to apply advanced pharmacy practice, sterile compounding, non-sterile compounding, and inventory management. Successful completion of Pharmacy Technician I qualifies students to apply to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy for a clinical pharmacy technician trainee license. The coursework will fulfill the requirements of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and prepare students to take national examinations, the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Examination from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Examination for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Trained, experienced pharmacy technicians who can demonstrate clinical skills and knowledge have many exciting and respected career options and are well-positioned to pursue postsecondary study in the pharmacy field.
