Pharmacy Technician is a Diploma program offered by Fortis College in Towson, MD. The program takes 36 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $15,957.
Program Overview
In today's healthcare field, the role of the pharmacist has expanded to include patient care and education as well as advice to health care providers. As a result, demand for formally educated pharmacy technicians has increased, and the role has evolved into one of knowledge and responsibility. The Pharmacy Technician program trains and develops qualified pharmacy technicians who value pharmacy standards and competently assist the pharmacist in direct patient care.
The program provides a solid foundation of pharmacy fundamentals and terminology. Students get hands-on practice in multiple pharmacy settings such as hospital, retail, compounding, mail-order, and long-term care, and study professionalism, state and federal laws, and ethical issues.
What sets this Program apart
- Earn a Pharmacy Technician diploma in 36 weeks.
- Hands-on practice across hospital, retail, compounding, mail-order, and long-term care settings.
- Includes a required externship in a pharmacy before graduation.
- Prepares graduates to sit for the NHA ExCPT pharmacy technician certification exam.
- Accredited by ABHES.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma or its recognised equivalent, with documentation. Foreign credentials must be translated into English and evaluated as equivalent or higher by a NACES-member service.
- You must be at least 17 years old when your program of study starts.
- Complete an applicant information form and interview with an admissions advisor or other administrative staff.
- Achieve the minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). For Pharmacy Technician at this campus the published minimum is 11. A passing score is valid for three years.
- Meet all financial obligations and complete the tuition payment requirements.
- Sign the Fortis enrollment agreement once accepted.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited program means your education has met independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
Fortis Institute in Towson holds institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Independently reviewed against published standards
- Recognised by employers in the field
Accreditations
Application Process
- 1Speak to an admissions advisorEvery applicant is assigned an admissions advisor who explains the curriculum and policies and books the interviews you need.
- 2Submit your documentationProvide proof of high school completion and complete the applicant information form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure Fortis receives every required document.
- 3Sit the Wonderlic SLETake the Scholastic Level Exam and reach this program’s published minimum. Accommodations must be requested under the catalog’s policy — campus staff cannot approve them.
- 4Financial aidFortis participates in federal student aid including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, PLUS Loans and Federal Work-Study. File the FAFSA and meet the campus financial aid office.FAFSA Code for Fortis Institute - Towson: 010319Complete FAFSA Application
- 5Sign the enrollment agreementAdmission decisions weigh your fulfilment of the requirements, your previous educational records and your career interests.
Program Schedule
Classes meet mornings, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Required externship hours may be scheduled outside of typical class sessions.
The program is 46 quarter credits (780 contact hours), completed in 36 weeks, delivered on-campus.
An externship is included so students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real pharmacy setting. Required externship hours must be completed before graduation. Students are not paid for work performed at the externship site.
- September 21st, 2026
- November 02nd, 2026
- December 14th, 2026
Curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| AHP101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 60 | 4 |
| AHP105 | Medical Terminology | 60 | 4 |
| AHP106 | Medical Anatomy and Physiology | 60 | 4 |
| PHT110 | Fundamentals of Pharmacy | 60 | 4 |
| PHT115 | Mathematics for Pharmacy Technicians | 60 | 4 |
| PHT120 | Drug Classification Systems | 60 | 4 |
| PHT125 | Pharmacy Practices and Principles | 60 | 4 |
| PHT130 | Pharmacology for Pharmacy Technicians | 60 | 4 |
| PHT135 | Intravenous Admixtures and Aseptic Compounding | 60 | 4 |
| PHT140 | Certification Preparation and Career Development | 60 | 4 |
| PHT190 | Externship | 180 | 6 |
| Total | 780 | 46 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
The total program cost of $18,302 covers tuition plus the required fees and materials below:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $15,957 |
| Administrative & technology fee | $178 |
| Books & materials | $1,000 |
| Laptop computer | $941 |
| Certification / licensure exam | $120 |
| Background check | $66 |
| Drug screen | $40 |
| Total program cost | $18,302 |
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Fortis participates in federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans for parents, and Federal Work-Study. Complete the FAFSA and speak with the campus financial aid office to learn what you are eligible for.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment in positions such as pharmacy technician and pharmaceutical care associate. After passing certification exams, and where applicable, graduates may pursue roles such as Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and IV Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Students in their final quarter are eligible to take the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) ExCPT certification exam.
What to expect as a Fortis student
Fortis is a career-focused college. The Pharmacy Technician program follows a set schedule and a fixed course sequence, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training in pharmacy calculations, compounding, and practice.
The program concludes with an externship in a pharmacy setting, where you apply your training in a real-world environment. Required externship hours must be completed before graduation, and students are not paid for work performed at the externship site.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited program means your education has met independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
Fortis Institute in Towson holds institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Independently reviewed against published standards
- Recognised by employers in the field