Pharmacy Technician FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission to enroll in pharmacy technician courses?
No. After completing all of the prerequisite coursework, simply enroll for the first semester pharmacy classes.
Can prerequisite courses be taken at the same time as the pharmacy technician courses?
No. The prerequisite courses must be completed prior to taking any pharmacy technician core courses.
Can I transfer credits from another college?
Absolutely. You must have an official copy of your transcripts from other institutions sent to the CNM Record's office. They will send you a "transfer equivalency worksheet" indicating which courses transfer credit. You must, however have taken at least one course at CNM and have a CNM GPA.
Does the CNM Pharmacy Technician program prepare graduates for national certification?
Yes. One of our most important goals is to prepare students so that they are ready to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). Although students do not typically take the examination until they have graduated from our program, CNM graduates typically score higher on the test than the national average.
Is it OK to have more than one health program listed as a "Major"
You may list up to three programs as major at CNM.
Why do I need my high school diploma? What do I do if I can't find it?
A high school diploma is an accreditation requirement. Contact your high school for a copy of your transcripts. If your high school has closed, each State Board of Education is required to maintain records of graduates and will send or FAX a copy of your diploma.
Is it OK to work while in the Pharmacy Technician Program?
It is not recommended based on the rigor of the program, and the study time, and homework time required to be successful in the program.
I work or have family obligations and want to take the program part-time. is that possible?
Students who are enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician program must complete the courses prescribed in sequence (see current catalog). Unfortunately, the program cannot be completed on a part-time basis.
How many students are allowed in the program each year?
Thirty (30) students may start the program which begins every other term.
Does the program include working hours in actual pharmacies?
Yes. During the second semester, students must complete 225 hours as a part of the curriculum. Typically students are assigned rotations in hospital or retail pharmacies and must complete those hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in 8-10 hour shifts over the duration of the semester. Students do not receive monetary compensation while completing clinical hours.
