Pharmacy Technician

Achieve a Rewarding Career Fast

As a pharmacy technician you’re likely the first person to greet pharmacy customers as they come to fill or pick up a prescription or schedule an immunization. Working alongside the pharmacist, you help keep the pharmacy running smoothly by filling prescriptions, answering patient questions, ordering supplies, and processing paperwork.

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Pharmacy Technician Certificate at a Glance

Award
Workplace Certificate
Length of Study
4 months
Course Format
Hybrid (Face-to-Face and Online)
Classes Meet
Evening
Program Start
Fall, Spring

See all the healthcare workforce education certificate options at Hawkeye

Your Pharmacy Technician Career

Pharmacy Technicians are important members of the healthcare field who work with pharmacists to help patients and customers. They're in demand across the state and the need is expected to grow, especially as pharmacies expand services.

As a technician you can work in a number of different pharmacy settings such as:

  • hospitals
  • retail locations
  • mail-order
  • nursing homes and assisted living facilities
67K

Retail Pharmacies in the U.S.

12M

Prescriptions Filled Daily

4B

Prescriptions Filled Annually

90%

Of Americans Live Within 5 Miles of a Pharmacy

Program Overview

PTCB Recognized Education/Training ProgramThe Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) -recognized program is a comprehensive and intense course that prepares you to enter the pharmacy field as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT).

Learn how to:

  • dispense, pack, and label prescriptions
  • make measurement conversions (imperial to metric)
  • recognize the names of generic and brand name drugs
  • bill and receive insurance payments

To enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program, you must have:

  • A high school diploma or equivalency diploma.
  • Access to a computer.
  • A valid email address.

You are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the PTCB and become a PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

This program is not eligible for Federal Financial Aid, but other funding options may be available. We'll help you with the options.

Discover your funding options

" I have a career I never thought was possible. Without Hawkeye, I would not be where I am today. "
  • April Gohring, CPht, CHW

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Register and pay now for the next class or meet with a Pathway Navigator to discuss your goals.

  • Dates: February 2 – May 29, 2026
  • Class Format: Hybrid Live/Zoom + Online — You'll meet on Zoom at scheduled times and complete additional online activities on your own time.
  • Zoom Schedule: Sunday and Wednesday, 4:30 – 8:30 PM
  • Cost: $2,999

Register Online Request Information

Program Contacts

Program Coordinator

Brenda Helmuth
319-296-2320 ext.3017
Email Hawkeye Health Education

Pathway Navigator

Kay Wenzel
319-296-4296 ext.3111
Email Kay Wenzel

Business and Community Education Registration

319-296-4290
Email to Register