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Application Process

Application Process

Students interested in the Certificate Program will need to complete all of the following steps to be considered for admission. Once the application is submitted, an appointment should be made with a Pharmacy Technician Program Adviser: Marcia Janos marcia.janos@pikespeak.edu

If you are already enrolled at PPSC, you do not need to re-enroll or re-submit transcripts if already submitted.

PHT Program Application

Fill out Pikes Peak State College Admission Form in the Admissions office at one of the four campuses or online. If you are already a student, you do not need to repeat this step.

Apply to PPSC

Request copies of official transcripts (including high school and any colleges attended other than Pikes Peak State College) be sent to:

RECORDS OFFICE
Pikes Peak State College
5675 S. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 502-3000

Verify that transcripts have been received by the Records office. If you have already submitted your transcripts to PPSC, you do not need to repeat this step.

If you are already enrolled at PPSC, you do not need to re-enroll or re-submit transcripts if already submitted.

PLEASE NOTE: You will still need to include UNOFFICIAL copies of your transcripts (including PPSC) with your application.

Complete an Application for Admission and schedule an appointment with a PHT Advisor.

PHT Program Application

Complete the following prerequisites: 

1. College-ready in reading/writing: 

  • Placement test score showing placing into ENG 1021 or
  • SAT score >470 or ACT score >18 or 
  • Enroll in ENG 0090 or ENG 1021/0094

2. College-ready in math: 

  • Placement test score showing placing into MAT 1120 or
  • SAT >500 or ACT >19 or
  • Enroll in MAT 1120/0120

3. CSC 1005 or CIS 1018

Review the latest version of the PHT Student Handbook to become familiar with program standards, policies, and requirements. 

Download PHT Handbook

pharmacy technician
pharmacy tech

Background Check & Drug Screen Requirements

The Colorado Community College System (“CCCS”) and the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education authorize the pharmacy technician program to conduct a background investigation of all student applicants. The clinical sites used in the pharmacy technician program require background checks of all potential interns, in addition to drug screens. The purpose is to maintain a safe and productive educational and clinical environment. Additionally, this is a standard requirement for all employment in the pharmacy career field and will be essential to obtaining a job. New students who refuse to comply with the background investigation will not be allowed to enter the PPSC Pharmacy Technician Program

All Pharmacy Technician Program students will be expected to pass a drug test and criminal background check in order to receive full acceptance to the Pharmacy Technician Program at PPSC. Students are required to complete the first testing within their first week of enrollment into PHT 111 Introduction to Pharmacy. The cost is $63.00 and must be paid online at the time of purchase. The are NO EXCEPTIONS for missing the initial deadline for this screen to be accepted into the program. A second set of screening will be required during enrollment in PHT 116 Institutional Pharmacy, prior to enrolling for clinical internships. Both screens are required. This screening will count towards the Colorado state requirement when applying for a CO State PHT Certification.

All testing is at the student’s expense, including any repeat or additional necessary testing. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the results of their drug test with a member of the human resources staff. Students who fail testing will not be admitted to the Pharmacy Technician Program. All background check and drug testing information is kept confidential.

NOTE: DO NOT PURCHASE A PACKAGE OR COMPLETE YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK WITHOUT EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS IN CLASS. SCREENING IS NOT INTENDED TO BE COMPLETED AHEAD OF STARTING YOUR CLASSES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION MAY RESULT IN REPEATED SCREENINGS BEING REQUIRED.

See PHT Student Handbook for full policy and additional information—available at the PPSC Bookstore.

For disqualifying offenses or background check issues, please contact PPSC Human Resources representative Patricia Padeway at (719) 502-2296.

CCCS Certified Background Check

Download PHT Handbook

An applicant will be disqualified from the pharmacy program based on the following guidelines:

  • Felony convictions for violent felonies, including but not limited to homicide or sexual offence. (no time limit)
  • Felony convictions for drug use, possession, or distribution in the seven (7) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
  • Other felony convictions with seven (7) years.
  • Violent misdemeanor convictions in the five (5) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
  • Nonviolent misdemeanor convictions in the five (5) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
  • The following crimes will result in automatic disqualification:
    • Any offense involving unlawful sexual behavior.
    • Any crime of child abuse, as defined in C.R.S. 18-6-401
    • Crimes of moral turpitude (prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc)
    • Any offense in another state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of any of the above offenses.
  • Any offense involving unlawful sexual behavior.
  • Any crime of child abuse, as defined in C.R.S. 18-6-401
  • Crimes of moral turpitude (prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc)
  • Any offense in another state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of any of the above offenses.

If the investigation reveals information that could be relevant to the application, the designated individual responsible for background checks may request additional information from the applicant. The offense shall be reviewed on a case by case basis.

Although possession and use of marijuana both recreationally and for certain medical conditions consistent with the requirements of the Colorado Constitution is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continue to be prohibited while a student is on campus, including any time the student is in a clinical experience or representing the College.

Effective March 2020, all pharmacy technicians will be required to be state certified to practice in the pharmacy. This applies to enrolled students while completing their clinical rotations as well. Students will be required to obtain a Provisional Certificate from the State Board of Pharmacy prior to being eligible for clinical placement. The fee for this is $57 and must be paid for at the time of application. Visit the SBOP website for a complete list of requirements for eligibility. Students who are determined ineligible for a state certificate will be ineligible for program completion and graduation.

State Board of Pharmacy

pharmacy shelves

Frequently Asked Questions

Pharmacy practice is a profession that requires excellent interpersonal skills, including reading and writing, efficient computer abilities, and a solid understanding of math. To ensure student success, all applicants must either place out of prerequisite courses or complete them before starting the program. 

Pharmacy Technician (PHT) students must complete all PHT courses before starting their required clinical internships, which are essential for graduation. These internships include 160-hour rotations at two different sites: one in a community setting and one in a hospital. You don't need to find your own site—placements are arranged by the program coordinator. 

What are the requirements? 

  • Prerequisites: All students must pass a background check and drug screening within six months prior to starting the internship. 
  • Academic Progress: You must meet all Academic Progression Policy requirements and register for internships within two semesters of completing PHT lab courses. 
  • Seminars: Attendance at mandatory clinical seminar sessions is required. 
  • Documentation: Provide proof of identification, immunizations, and obtain a PHATP Certificate from the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy before your clinical placement. The non-refundable fee is $57. 

Immunization Requirements: 

  • TB test (current within one year) 
  • MMR (x2) or positive titers 
  • Varicella or positive varicella titer 
  • Flu vaccine (for the current season) 
  • Hepatitis vaccine (strongly recommended, though not always required) 

STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY

If you're aiming for a Pharm. D or want to become a licensed pharmacist, it's important to know that the Pharmacy Technician (PHT) Program courses do not count towards that degree. Becoming a pharmacist requires a different set of courses, but you can complete the first two years here at PPSC. For more information, check out the Medial Professionals program at PPSC.  

Learn about Medical Professionals

All Pharmacy Tech students at Pikes Peak State College must complete a national criminal background check and 10-panel drug screen. These are required through CastleBranch, and you will be responsible for the associated fees. Note that background checks done for employment do not meet this requirement as it is mandated by the Colorado Community College System. 

This policy is managed by the PPSC Human Resource Services Department. The screening should not be completed before meeting with a program advisor. The first screening takes place during the PHT 1011 Introduction to Pharmacy course, where all policies and requirements will be reviewed. 

 

A career in pharmacy is both physically and mentally demanding. For detailed information on the physical and academic rigor expected of all students, please refer to our department's Technical Standards Policy in the PHT Student Handbook. 

Academic Standards: 

  • Students must maintain a minimum of 70% in all PHT coursework. 
  • Many classes include objective check-offs or validation requirements that must be met to pass. 
  • Failure to pass a final exam or practicum may result in repeating a course. Failing more than one PHT course could lead to program dismissal. Refer to the Academic Progression Policy and program dismissal policies in the PHT Student Handbook. 

Technical Requirements: 

  • A reliable computer with internet access is essential for success in the program, which includes traditional face-to-face classes, labs, hybrid, and online courses. 
  • If you don't have personal access, you'll need transportation and time to utilize campus computer labs and learning commons. 
  • Access to multiple online learning platforms and mandatory textbooks is required to meet different learning needs. 

Contact Us

faculty contact

Marcia Janos 
(719) 502-3484 
Marcia.Janos@pikespeak.edu 

Advising Contact

Medical Sciences
Advising@pikespeak.edu
(719) 502-3232
(719) 502-2000