Pathway: Health Sciences
Program Length: 2 Semesters
Spring classes will fill quickly! Make sure you have a plan for Spring classes so you can register early and enroll in the classes you need to reach your goals. Need guidance? Our academic advising office is here to help!
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Pass Rate
Since 2011 PPSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program has achieved a 99% pass rate for program graduates who choose to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
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Expected Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 12% from 2016 to 2026 (that's faster than average!). The BLS also suggests that pharmacy technicians with formal education or training, previous work experience, and national certification will be specifically sought after to meet these demands.
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Salary
Hourly wages for pharmacy technicians can very greatly depending on the work site. Retail chain stores, retail independent stores and long-term care pharmacies tend to have lower wages. Hospitals, home health care agencies, pharmacy software companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers tend to have higher wages. *Average hourly wage nationally. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
PPSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456.
PPSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program has been accredited as an Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician Education Program by ASHP/ACPE, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. It is also a PTCB Approved Program.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Introduces the student to the practice of pharmacy and the work that pharmacy technicians perform. The course provides an overview of careers within the field; educational, certification and accreditation requirements; ethical and legal responsibilities; pharmacology; as well as a variety of issues that touch on attitudes, values and beliefs of successful pharmacy technicians.
Presents the fundamentals of pharmacology, the pharmacokinetic phases, and the basic concepts of normal body function. This course examines diseases which impact the various body systems and the drugs used to treat such diseases, emphasizing disease state management and drug therapy.
Develops the skills necessary to perform calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of contemporary settings. This course also applies these skills in hands-on compounding of pharmaceutical products emphasizing the importance of accuracy, quality and infection control.
Explores the role of pharmacy technicians and the practice of pharmacy in the institutional setting. This course covers institutional and pharmacy organization, terminology, medication distribution systems, packaging and preparation of intravenous admixtures. This course includes a hands-on simulation component in preparation for institutional practice.
View in CatalogUpon completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program, you should be able to:
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, to include hospitals, retail pharmacies, home healthcare, compounding pharmacies and insurance companies. They assist the pharmacist by performing sterile compounding and making IV medications; mixing, measuring and packaging medications to be dispensed; organizing drug inventory; billing for pharmacy services and performing authorizations for patients; answering calls and working as a liaison between the patient and their health providers; and managing customer service needs with utmost regard for patient safety.
Pharmacy Technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing health care and medications to patients. The pharmacy technician has broad knowledge and training in pharmacy, however does not require the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians specialize in the practical duties, allowing the pharmacist to focus on the judgmental tasks involved in patient education, pharmaceutical care and medication management.
Whether you choose the AAS Degree Program or Certificate Program, all courses are led by instructors with experience in the healthcare field. You’ll receive a quality education and personalized attention from faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting your potential and preparing you for career opportunities as a professional pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy Technician National
$31,750 / yr
Pharmacy Technician Colorado
$36,250 / yr
The pharmacy technician is a crucial link in the health care system. Qualified pharmacy technicians are in high demand, due to the increase in pharmacists’ workloads, an aging population, and a shortage of qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. You work to assist and support licensed pharmacists.
Pharmacy technicians work in a variety of settings, to include hospitals, retail pharmacies,
home healthcare, compounding pharmacies, and insurance companies. They assist the
pharmacist by performing sterile compounding and making IV medications; mixing, measuring
and packaging medications to be dispensed; organizing drug inventory; billing for
pharmacy services and performing authorizations for patients; answering calls and
working as a liaison between the patient and their health providers; and managing
customer service needs with utmost regard for patient safety.
Pharmacy Technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing health care
and medications to patients. The pharmacy technician has broad knowledge and training
in pharmacy, however does not require the advanced college education required of a
licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians specialize in the practical duties, allowing
the pharmacist to focus on the judgmental tasks involved in patient education, pharmaceutical
care and medication management.
Whether you choose the AAS Degree Program or Certificate Program, all courses are
led by instructors with experience in the healthcare field. You’ll receive a quality
education and personalized attention from faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting
your potential and preparing you for career opportunities as a professional pharmacy
technician.
“It’s enviable. Today’s pharmacy students have virtually unlimited opportunities,”
says Lucinda Moore of the American Pharmaceutical Association. (Source: “Big Dose
of Openings: Pharmacists Wanted” CNN.com 12/18/2000)
Faculty Contact
Nicole BarrieraAdvising Team
Advising website