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Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician

Pathway: Health Sciences

Program Length: 2 Semesters

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Fall/Summer registration opens in March

Secure your spot in the classes you need for spring 2024 at Pikes Peak State College today, and take the next step towards achieving your academic and career goals!

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What will PPSC Pharmacy Technician students study?

The pharmacy technician program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The program provides you broad knowledge and training in pharmacy, preparing you to assist licensed pharmacists, allowing the pharmacist to focus on patient education, pharmaceutical care, and medication management.

As a student in the pharmacy technician program at PPSC, students will:
  • Develop an understanding of clinical laboratory equipment to develop hands-on pharmacy technician skills.
  • Gain valuable on-the-job training during your externship.
  • Train to work as a member of a pharmacy team in both institutional and community settings.
  • Get personalized, hands-on instruction from an experienced and caring staff.
IV close up

Pharmacy Technician By the Numbers

PPSC's Pharmacy Technician program delivers successful students to the workforce, and the career is highly in-demand.

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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

pharmacy technician and pharmacist

Program Accreditation

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)
7272 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-664-8656

Classes You May Take

Check out classes you may take while pursuing a degree as a Pharmacy Technician.

NOTE: STUDENTS MUST MEET WITH A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM FACULTY MEMBER TO MAP OUT A GRADUATION PLAN BEFORE BEING ADMITTED INTO PHARMACY TECHNICIAN COURSES.

 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program, you should be able to:

  • Interpret, fill, and distribute prescriptions for medications in both the community and institutional pharmacy settings under supervision of a pharmacist.
  • Demonstrate proper aseptic technique in the preparation of sterile medication products.
  • Accurately perform pharmaceutical calculations applicable to job responsibilities in both community and institutional pharmacy settings.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the use and side effects of prescription and nonprescription drugs used to treat common disease states.       
  • Apply the laws governing the practice of pharmacy at the state and federal levels.
pharmacy technician
pharmacy tech

Pharmacy Technicians in the workplace

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

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Pharmacy Technician Colorado

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Projected Job Growth

+6%

Projected Job Growth 2020–2030

Bureau of Labor Statistics

graduate
“Great program! Comprehensive and challenging yet fun. The hands-on experience really helped when I did my clinical rotations and prepared me well. I was hired right out of my externship to a full-time inpatient pharmacy position. I loved my instructors and their ability to encourage and motivate through even the most challenging and serious aspects of the curriculum. They clearly have a passion for pharmacy and teach with the purpose of sparking the same in others.” | Nicole R.

“Excellent program, with equally amazing teachers. The classes were thorough and went by quickly. I found that I was considerably more prepared, during my rotations, than students from other programs. I highly recommend this program to anyone in the area!” | Mandi S.

“This program is phenomenal! It is short sweet and straight to the point definitely worth your time. The clinical rotations are a huge help to get out in the environment and really understand what your career is looking like. I was able to find an amazing job my last day of rotation! You will have the same teachers and the classes are not overwhelming with students. This program was truly life changing for me and I highly recommend it to others!” |  Kelsie H.
student in class

Pharmacy Technician Program Tuition & Fees

Knowing your financial obligation and what to expect regarding the cost of the program is important! Upon acceptance to the college all students will receive information via email regarding cost expectations, financial aid options, and payment plan information. Immediate information can also be found on the college website on the Tuition & Fees page, where you can apply for financial aid, review the cost of attendance, and more. For a detailed breakdown of fees and programmatic costs, contact the PHT Program Director for the latest information.

Career Options

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)

pharmacy technician