Articles
HCC Coleman to offer pharmacy tech retail program at North Forest Campus
Oct 22, 2025
The Houston City College (HCC) Pharmacy Technician Retail Certificate program is expanding to the HCC - North Forest Campus in Spring 2026 to give more Houstonians an opportunity to fast-track into a healthcare career.
The retail certificate program, which is offered by HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, only requires one semester to complete, and anyone who holds a high school or general equivalency diploma is eligible.
“It’s an attractive option for anyone looking to start a health care career,” said Janet Pena, HCC Pharmacy Technician program director. “The demand for pharmacy technicians continues to grow, especially as the population ages. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who would like to work in health care but in a way that doesn’t require direct patient care.”
An entry-level retail pharmacy technician can earn a minimum starting wage of $33,000 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The wages and salary in the Houston area are more competitive, Pena added, making the program a smart return on investment.
“Because it’s offered through HCC, the certificate is highly affordable. It’s also just one semester, so most students can manage the cost. For students who qualify for financial aid, it’s an even greater return,” Pena said.
HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, located in the Texas Medical Center, has offered the Pharmacy Technician Retail program since 1999.
The college opened the program at HCC Eastside in Spring 2025 so Houstonians residing south of Interstate 610 could take the program closer to home, explained Jeff Gricar, Ed.D., dean of HCC Health Sciences. HCC Coleman College is now expanding the program to HCC North Forest for Spring 2026 to make this workforce training more accessible to those who live or work on the city’s north end.
“People of all ages are interested in earning a credential of value, something that prepares them to enter the workforce quickly and earn livable wages,” Gricar shared. “But they also need a program that is closer to home or work and aligns better with their lives and circumstances. That is why we decided to branch out again and open at the North Forest Campus.”
Additionally, the program presents a strong career pathway to advance beyond initial employment.
“Once they begin working, most of our pharmacy technicians return to continue their education. They will usually come back to earn a Level II certification, which will help increase their wages and are then able to earn an associate degree and eventually a bachelor’s degree,” Gricar added.
To apply or learn more information about the HCC Pharmacy Technician - Retail certificate program, visit hccs.edu/PharmacyTech, call 713-718-7665 or email co.PharmacyTech@hccs.edu.
To request an interview with a program expert about the HCC Pharmacy Technician - Retail certificate program, contact Andi Atkinson, HCC Coleman College communications director, at 713-718-7366 or andi.atkinson@hccs.edu.