Pharmacy Technician is a Diploma program offered by Chester Career College in Chester, VA. The program takes 45 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $15,890.
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Program will prepare graduates to work under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist in the dispensing of prescription medication. In addition, the Pharmacy Technician assists in the control of pharmacy inventory, patient education regarding prescription medications, and inpatient record maintenance. A key role of the Pharmacy Technician is direct customer contact, requiring excellent customer service and communication skills. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination and earn the credentials of Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Pharmacy Technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to the patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles, to help prepare prescribed medication for patients. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.
Admission Requirements and Process
It is the policy of Chester Career College to recruit and admit only those students who can demonstrate a sincere desire to succeed in life with new career skills and those who have a positive attitude toward learning. To be considered for enrollment all students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Upon completion of the admissions steps, the candidate's application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and submitted to the School Director for approval. Notification of acceptance and/or denial is made on a continuing basis. Individuals will be notified in writing as soon as possible, generally within three school days. Chester Career College admits applicants without regard to race, religion, color, disability, sex, age or national origin.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentTo be considered for enrollment all students must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Admissions application and feeComplete an admissions application and pay the $25 application fee.
- Background checkComplete background check paperwork.
- Official transcriptsComplete and submit a request for official transcripts from high school, GED program, professional school and all colleges attended.
- Enrollment agreementComplete and sign an enrollment agreement.
- Physical and immunizations for clinicalsTo be eligible for externship/clinical assignments, students must provide the school with a completed physical and required inoculation report including HBV and PPD (TB skin test)…
- Clinical facility vaccination requirementsAll students enrolling in classes understand that if a clinical facility requires vaccination, they are expected to meet the requirement to attend clinicals or they will be…
Application Process
- 1Meet with an Admissions RepresentativeContact an Admissions Representative and schedule an appointment to tour the college; the Admissions team will help you develop a career plan and a timeline for reaching your career goals.
- 2Submit your applicationComplete an admissions application and pay the $25 non-refundable application fee.
- 3Background check and transcriptsComplete background check paperwork and submit a request for official transcripts from high school, GED program, professional school and all colleges attended.
- 4Apply for financial aidCreate your FSA ID, gather proof of income, complete the FAFSA (school code 034095), then call Chester Career College to set a financial aid appointment for eligibility.FAFSA Code for Chester Campus: 034095
- 5Sign your enrollment agreementComplete and sign an enrollment agreement; the Admissions Committee and School Director review your application, and accepted applicants receive an Acceptance Letter, generally within three school days.
- 6Attend orientationOrientation is held at the beginning of each new program start and covers school policies and expectations, financial assistance procedures, job placement assistance, educational programs and the school facilities.
Program Schedule
The Pharmacy Technician Program is offered both day and evening. Day classes are held Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Evening classes are held Monday through Thursday between 5:30 pm and 10:30 pm. Classes missed due to holidays or other scheduled cancellations are made up on assigned Fridays or by extending regular class hours. Clinical assignments may not coincide with normal school hours or days. This in-depth training is a combination of classroom, interactive lab, and externship.
Start dates. Diploma programs are divided into modules, and students may enter the program in any of the modules. Upcoming module start dates are November 9 and December 14, 2026, and February 1, March 8, April 12, May 17, June 21, July 26, August 30, October 4, November 8 and December 13, 2027.
- November 09th, 2026
- December 14th, 2026
- February 01st, 2027
- March 08th, 2027
- April 12th, 2027
- May 17th, 2027
- June 21st, 2027
- July 26th, 2027
- August 30th, 2027
- October 04th, 2027
- November 08th, 2027
- December 13th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Tuition. Tuition for this program is $15,890. Cost includes actual tuition, program core textbook cost, training supplies, and clinical/externship uniform (where applicable). General Education textbooks will remain the property of Chester Career College.
Fees. All students will be charged a non-refundable application fee of $25.00. Should a student be required to repeat a course, he/she will be charged a per credit hour fee. A Returned Item fee of $50.00 will be charged for any payment method not honored by the fiduciary institution. Graduates receive their first transcript free; additional transcripts are $5.00 per request.
Paying for school. Tuition for the program selected is billed upon the first day of active enrollment. Any portion of the bill which will not be met by Federal Financial Aid, or scholarships must be paid at the beginning of the semester. Flexible payment plans make Chester Career College rates even more affordable.
Federal financial aid. Chester Career College is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal financial aid to its students. The types of financial aid available includes: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. Students interested in applying for financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); Chester Career College's federal school code is 034095.
Veterans and other assistance. Chester Career College is approved to offer training to eligible veterans under Chapter 31, 33, or 35 of the GI Bill®, and is approved to offer programs for the training of eligible individuals by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Rehabilitative Services.
Net Price Calculator. Estimate your net price with Chester Career College's net price calculator: https://www.chestercareercollege.edu/net-price-calculator
Curriculum
The Pharmacy Technician diploma program is 900 clock hours, with a minimum of 45 weeks of instruction (maximum satisfactory time frame completion, 67.5 weeks), including two 160-hour pharmacy externships.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination and earn the credentials of Certified Pharmacy Technician. Pharmacy Technicians will assume responsibility for additional routine tasks previously performed by the pharmacists, and will need to learn and master new pharmacy technology as it surfaces.
Program certification pass rate. 2023 – 0%; 2024 – 33%; 2025 – 67%.
Student outcomes (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 Consumer Information Report). Pharmacy Technician: 5 total graduates; placement rate 100%; graduation rate 100%; licensure rate 100% (first-time test takers).
What to expect as a Chester Career College student
Facilities. This campus is conveniently located in the Phoenix Building Complex on West Hundred Road (Route 10) between I-95 and I-295 near Rivers Bend. This facility provides approximately 17,526 square feet of space. The campus includes a Nursing Laboratory, Library, Medical and Phlebotomy/EKG Laboratories, Computer Laboratories, Surgical and Sterile Processing Laboratories, and Pharmacy Laboratories, Massage Rooms, Media Center, Student Lounge, Faculty Work Room, Staff and Faculty Lounge, Administrative Offices, Restrooms and Visitor and Reception areas. The Computer Labs and Media Center are fully networked with internet access. Maximum class sizes are 20-25 students.
Library. Media Centers are available in each core classroom which consist of a collection of books, periodicals, and reference materials to support the programs offered. Chester Career College is also a member of the Library Information and Resources Network (LIRN). Through this online network, students have 24/7 access to electronic textbooks, journals, videos, demonstrations, etc.
Career Services. Our services are offered to both current students as well as to graduates. Our services include but are not limited to: Resume and Cover Letter Review, Job Interview preparation, and Career Development sessions. In addition to this, we also provide Externship assignments and Job Placement assistance.
Housing. Housing facilities are not provided by the school.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Chester Career College is accredited with the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE). It holds a certificate to operate from the Commonwealth of Virginia, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), and is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Chester Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
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