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Top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Lakewood CO
Looking to become a pharmacy technician in Lakewood, CO? You’ve come to the right place.
This article showcases the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Lakewood CO, designed to equip you with essential skills and provide valuable hands-on experience.
Explore your options and find the perfect program to kick-start your career in healthcare.
Front Range Community College – Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician (PHT) Program
The Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician (PHT) Program offered by Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Lakewood, CO, is tailored for those who aim to assist pharmacists in various settings. This program spans two semesters, with experiential modules in both hospital and community pharmacy settings in the second semester.
- Experience: Second-semester experiential modules in hospitals and community pharmacies
- Workforce Readiness: Immediate entry into retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and mail-order pharmacies upon completion
- Classroom and Simulation: Classroom instruction and simulated components for practical skills
- Apprenticeship Pathway: On-the-job training while working at an employer’s facility
- Accreditation: Nationally accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- Certifications: Preparation for Pharmacy Technician National Examination
- Support: Emphasis on hands-on experience and a supportive learning environment
This one-year program equips you with the necessary skills and training to support pharmacists effectively. Be aware of the licensure requirements which may vary by state.
Denver Health – Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program
For those preferring a tuition-free option, Denver Health offers a six-month training program. This program includes 600 hours of online learning complemented by rotations at various Denver Health pharmacy sites.
- Duration: Six months of tuition-free training
- Online Learning: 340 hours of didactic training through Pharmacy Technicians University (PTU)
- Rotations: Hands-on experience at multiple Denver Health pharmacy sites
- Admission Criteria: Minimum age 18, criminal background check, drug screen, pre-enrollment competency assessments
- Qualities Sought: Motivation, professionalism, teamwork
- Certification: Prepares students to pass the PTCB exam for licensure
Students are given a provisional pharmacy technician license during their training and receive full-time employment support.
Stepful – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Stepful provides a versatile online Pharmacy Technician training program in Lakewood, CO. This program combines online Zoom classes with a 160-hour in-person unpaid externship for hands-on experience.
- Class Structure: Online Zoom classes and clinical sessions
- Externship: 160-hour in-person unpaid externship
- Certifications: Prepares you for PTCB-CPhT and NHA-CPhT exams
- Support Services: 1:1 coaching and job support services
- Scholarships: Partial scholarships available and a money-back guarantee if job not found within six months post-certification
Stepful’s flexible program structure is engineered to fit various schedules while ensuring comprehensive exam preparation.
Lakewood University – Pharmacy Technician Program
Lakewood University offers a program accredited by the ASHP, emphasizing practical experience through 130 hours of unpaid work in a pharmacy setting. Partnerships with major pharmacies like CVS Health, Walgreens, and University Hospitals of Cleveland enhance the practical learning component.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Practical Experience: 130 hours of unpaid pharmacy work
- Partnerships: With renowned pharmacies like CVS Health and Walgreens
- Admission Requirements: Minimum age 18, English proficiency standards
- Regulations: Consideration of drug use and criminal background impacts on employability
Programs by Lakewood University focus on providing hands-on training in varied pharmacy environments.
Clover Park Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Clover Park Technical College offers a well-rounded Pharmacy Technician Program. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through local pharmacy externships.
- Curriculum: Medication safety, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy laws, ethics, compounding, and customer service
- Externships: Local pharmacy externships for practical experience
- Exam Preparation: Includes preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Faculty: Experienced professionals committed to student success
- Facilities: State-of-the-art pharmacy lab
- Support: High job placement rate with flexible class schedules
Financial aid options are available, ensuring you can manage tuition costs.
Arapahoe Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Arapahoe Community College (ACC) offers a two-semester Pharmacy Technician Program adhering to ASHP standards. This 27-credit hour program blends online/hybrid coursework with hands-on campus sessions in a simulated pharmacy lab.
- Duration: Two-semester program with 27 credit hours
- Coursework: Covers Pharmacy Law, Pharmacology, Institutional Pharmacy, and Community Pharmacy
- Clinical Externship: Includes 8-week clinical externship in Community and Institutional pharmacy settings
- Certification: Preparation for the national pharmacy technician certification exam
- Admission Criteria: Clear background check, random drug screen, specific immunizations
- Support Services: Advising, career services, and tutoring
ACC’s affordable programs offer robust educational support.
Lakewood University – Pharmacy Technician Program
Another notable option is Lakewood University’s fully online Pharmacy Technician Program. This program is recognized for its high-quality curriculum and practical experience through externships.
- Program Structure: Fully online curriculum
- Accreditation: Recognized and accredited program
- Coursework: Includes pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety
- Externships: Provides practical experience to prepare you for the PTCE
- Career Readiness: Equips graduates for various healthcare settings like retail pharmacies and hospitals
- Affordability: Offers financial aid options
Lakewood University provides a flexible learning experience tailored to fit your schedule and career goals.
By understanding the unique offerings of each program, you can determine which Pharmacy Technician Program in Lakewood, CO aligns best with your professional aspirations.
Clover Park Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Clover Park Technical College offers a well-rounded Pharmacy Technician Program in Lakewood, CO. The program integrates classroom learning with hands-on experience through local pharmacy externships.
- Curriculum: Covers essential topics like medication safety, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy laws, ethics, compounding, and customer service.
- Externships: Provides local pharmacy externships to ensure practical experience.
- Exam Preparation: Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Faculty: Courses are led by experienced professionals committed to student success.
- Facilities: Boasts a state-of-the-art pharmacy lab for training.
- Flexible Classes: Offers flexible class schedules to accommodate different needs.
- Financial Aid: Available to help manage tuition costs.
Clover Park aims to create a robust educational environment for aspiring pharmacy technicians. Their high job placement rate is backed by strong local employer connections.
Arapahoe Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Arapahoe Community College (ACC) delivers a robust two-semester Pharmacy Technician Program. The curriculum adheres to ASHP standards, combining online/hybrid coursework and hands-on campus sessions in a simulated pharmacy lab.
- Program Length: Two semesters, totaling 27 credit hours.
- Core Courses: Includes Pharmacy Law, Pharmacology, Institutional Pharmacy, and Community Pharmacy.
- Clinical Externship: Features an 8-week clinical externship in both Community and Institutional pharmacy settings.
- Certification Prep: Prepares students for national pharmacy technician certification exams.
- Admissions: Requires a clear background check, random drug screen, and specific immunizations.
- Support Services: Provides advising, career services, and tutoring to support students throughout their education.
- Affordability: Offers an affordable program with extensive educational support.
The combination of online and hands-on learning provides a balanced approach that equips students for various pharmacy settings.
Lakewood University – Pharmacy Technician Program
Another notable option is Lakewood University’s fully online Pharmacy Technician Program, designed for maximum flexibility. The curriculum is recognized for its high-quality education and practical experience requirements.
- Online Structure: Fully online curriculum provides maximum flexibility.
- Accreditation: An accredited program ensures education quality and employer recognition.
- Coursework: Includes pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law, and medication safety.
- Externships: Offers practical externship experiences to prepare students for real-world settings.
- Certification: Prepares graduates for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
- Affordability: Financial aid options are available.
- Career Readiness: Equips graduates to work in various healthcare settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Lakewood University combines flexible learning with robust educational support to cater to aspiring pharmacy technicians.
How to Choose the Right Pharmacy Technician Program in Lakewood, CO
When selecting a Pharmacy Technician Program in Lakewood, CO, several factors should guide your decision-making process:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by reputable organizations like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Accreditation guarantees that the program meets industry standards and is recognized by employers.
- Curriculum: Check that the curriculum covers crucial areas such as pharmaceutical calculations, customer service, medication safety, pharmacology, and pharmacy laws. Programs should blend theoretical learning with practical components through externships or clinical rotations.
- Hands-on Training: Practical experience is vital. Look for programs that offer externships, simulated labs, or clinical rotations to gain real-world skills.
- Job Placement Rates: Research the program’s job placement rates and their connections with local employers. Strong employer ties can significantly enhance your job prospects post-graduation.
- Program Flexibility: Online or hybrid options might better fit your schedule, especially if you have other commitments. Consider programs that offer part-time, evening, or weekend classes.
- Financial Considerations: Assess tuition costs and available financial aid options. Some programs offer scholarships or grants to help offset costs.
- Admission Requirements: Familiarize yourself with admission criteria, including background checks, immunizations, and minimum education requirements like high school diplomas or GEDs.
- Support Services: Opt for programs that provide support services such as academic advising, career counseling, job placement assistance, and tutoring. These services can greatly enhance your educational experience and career readiness.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can find the Pharmacy Technician Program in Lakewood, CO that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Conclusion: Find Your Path in Pharmacy Tech
Embarking on a career as a pharmacy technician offers a fulfilling pathway in the healthcare industry. With numerous high-quality programs available in Lakewood, CO, you have the opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to excel.
Take the time to research and choose the program that best fits your needs and sets you up for a successful career. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a pharmacy technician!