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Jumpstart your healthcare career with the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Austin TX.
This post unveils the best programs, offering practical training and high certification pass rates. Whether you seek flexible schedules or hands-on externships, find a program that meets your needs.
Austin Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Austin Community College (ACC) Pharmacy Technician Program offers an extensive curriculum in medication preparation and dispensing. This program boasts a first-time pass rate of 90% for the PTCB National Certification Exam, significantly higher than the national average of 70%.
Key Features:
- High Certification Exam Pass Rate: A 90% first-time pass rate ensures you are well-prepared.
- Hands-On Training: Classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, and a clinical externship provide a balanced education.
- Accreditation: Recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education.
With a 95% pass rate for Dual Credit/High School Program Completion, ACC has impressive job placement and student satisfaction rates, at 85% and 97% respectively. This program equips you for various roles in both community and hospital pharmacies, leveraging Austin’s booming healthcare sector.
Austin Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program (Continuing Education)
For working professionals seeking flexibility, Austin Community College’s Continuing Education Pharmacy Technician Program offers a nine-month course. The curriculum covers essential subjects, ensuring a holistic education through lectures, laboratory training, and clinical externships.
Key Considerations:
- Flexible Scheduling: Ideal for those balancing work and education.
- Financial Assistance: Various options available to support your studies.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Prepares you thoroughly for pharmacy technician roles.
With tuition at $3,256, graduates can expect a median wage of $37,501 in a market with burgeoning job opportunities, highlighted by 284 annual job openings in the region. ACC’s industry affiliations further bolster the program’s credibility and recognition.
Temple College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate
Temple College offers the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program designed to prepare you for both state and national certification exams. Essential prerequisites include a high school diploma, GED, and relevant medical clearances.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Subjects include pharmacy calculations, medication dosage, inventory management, and legal principles.
- Affordable Tuition: $2,495 inclusive of textbooks.
- Employment Readiness: Equips you with skills for diverse pharmacy settings.
This program’s thorough academic and practical education ensures you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in pharmacy technology.
Southern Careers Institute – Pharmacy Technician Program
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) offers a strong Pharmacy Technician Program in Austin, TX, covering crucial aspects of pharmacy operations including prescription filling, compounding, and inventory management.
Notable Highlights:
- Certification Preparedness: Training on compliance with FDA regulations and the pharmacy landscape.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Blends hands-on procedural training with essential customer service skills.
- Career Services Assistance: Supports job placement to enhance your employability.
SCI covers certification exam fees if taken within three months of program completion, and financial aid options are available to qualifying students.
Austin Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program (Multiple Campuses)
The ACC Pharmacy Technician Program available across multiple campuses offers a two-semester course incorporating hands-on training and an externship to prepare you for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification exam.
Key Advantages:
- Flexible Scheduling: Tailored for students balancing other responsibilities.
- Hands-On Externship: Ensures real-world experience in community and hospital pharmacies.
- Job Readiness: Graduates are equipped for immediate workforce entry.
For accurate details about the hours and costs, contacting the school directly is recommended.
Central Texas College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Central Texas College offers a well-rounded Pharmacy Technician Program with 200 hours of accelerated classroom training.
Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive Education: The curriculum covers critical areas such as prescription preparation, inventory management, and patient interaction, ensuring you meet both state and national certification requirements.
- Hands-On Training: Practical skills in hospital pharmacy operations, safety techniques, data entry, and inventory control.
- Career Preparation: Graduates receive 64 CE credits or 5.0 CEUs, setting a strong foundation for advancement in a growing industry.
With the pharmacy technician field expected to grow by 4%, this program aligns with current market demands and equips you with the necessary skills for a rewarding career.
Texas Tech University – Pharmacy Technician Online Course
Texas Tech University offers a fully online Pharmacy Technician Course designed to prepare you for the PTCB National Certification exam and a 100+ hour externship.
Program Highlights:
- Convenient Online Learning: Complete the course in less than a year from the comfort of your home.
- Extensive Curriculum: Federal and state pharmacy laws, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmacology taught by experienced professionals.
- Practical Experience: The program includes a 100+ hour externship with leading pharmacies, providing hands-on experience that bridges theory and practice.
This program’s flexibility and rigorous content ensure you are thoroughly prepared for a promising career in pharmacy technology.
The College of Health Care Professions – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The College of Health Care Professions offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program that can be completed in less than a year.
Notable Features:
- In-Depth Curriculum: Topics include HIPAA, pharmacy ethics, medication preparation, and billing practices.
- Simulated Pharmacy Environment: Practical training ensures you are job-ready upon graduation.
- Certification Readiness: Graduates are eligible for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and can pursue various positions in retail, compounding, and hospital pharmacies.
- Professional Development: Emphasis on superior customer service and supported by experienced faculty and comprehensive career services.
This program positions you for success with a robust education and practical skillset needed in today’s pharmacy sector.
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program in Austin TX
When selecting a Pharmacy Technician Program in Austin TX, consider the following factors to ensure it meets your educational and career goals:
- Accreditation: Choose a program recognized by reputable accrediting bodies like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. This ensures the program meets national standards.
- Externship Opportunities: Hands-on experience is invaluable. Programs offering clinical externships provide practical skills and enhance employability.
- Curriculum Content: Ensure the curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects, including pharmacy laws, medication management, and patient care.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Look into the tuition fees and available financial assistance. Scholarships, grants, and payment plans can make education more affordable.
- Schedule Flexibility: For those balancing work or family commitments, programs offering flexible scheduling or online courses may be more suitable.
- Pass Rates and Job Placement: High certification exam pass rates and successful job placement rates indicate program quality and effectiveness.
By considering these factors, you can choose a Pharmacy Technician program that aligns with your career aspirations and personal circumstances.
Conclusion
Choosing a reputable Pharmacy Technician program is a crucial step toward a fulfilling career in the healthcare industry. These programs provide thorough education and practical experience, ensuring you are well-prepared for certification exams and job placement. Research each option carefully to find a program that suits your needs and career goals.
Whether you opt for a course at Austin Community College, pursue an online option through Texas Tech University, or explore other local offerings, make sure your choice sets you on the path to professional success in Pharmacy Technician Programs in Austin TX.