Pharmacy Technician Programs in Pueblo CO

Curious about the best Pharmacy Technician Programs in Pueblo, CO?

We’ve compiled top programs that offer hands-on training, certification prep, and job placement support to help you jumpstart your career in healthcare.

Skip the endless search and find the most reliable options right here.

Pueblo Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program

The Pueblo Community College Pharmacy Technician Program offers a solid foundation for aspiring pharmacy technicians in Pueblo, CO. This program is crafted to deliver a mix of lectures, lab work, and real-world training, enabling students to acquire the necessary skills for various pharmacy settings under a licensed pharmacist.

• Pharmacy Operations: Learn to manage prescription refill authorizations and handle other operational tasks.
• Medication Compounding: Gain expertise in preparing compounded medications accurately.
• Hands-On Training: Benefit from practical training by certified pharmacy technicians with significant hospital and retail experience.

To enroll, students must clear a drug screen and background check, meet specific academic requirements like Accuplacer scores, or have relevant coursework completed with satisfactory grades. Note that a positive THC test, irrespective of a prescription, will disqualify candidates from Health or Public Safety programs at PCC.

Graduates are ready to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, a critical step towards certification. The college ensures that the program complies with Colorado’s standards, though students should verify licensure requirements for other states.

Pueblo Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program (Outreach)

Part of the Care Forward Colorado initiative, the Outreach Pharmacy Technician program at PCC offers an excellent opportunity to enter the field with financial ease. Thanks to state COVID-19 recovery funds, tuition, fees, and course materials are covered, making this an attractive and cost-effective program.

• Medication Dispensing: Receive training in the accurate and safe dispensing of medications.
• Inventory Management: Understand the essentials of managing pharmacy inventory.
• Customer Service: Develop skills to interact effectively with customers and ensure their needs are met.

The program can be completed within a year, allowing students to quickly join the growing workforce of pharmacy technicians, which is expected to see significant job growth. This initiative not only reduces the financial burden but also fast-tracks your path to employment and certification.

Pueblo Community College – Pharmacy Technician Program (Colorado Springs Extension)

The Pharmacy Technician program at Pueblo Community College’s Colorado Springs extension shares the rigorous training standards of its Pueblo campus. Spanning three semesters and requiring the completion of 34 credits, this program offers a thorough learning experience through theoretical coursework, practical labs, and on-the-job training.

• Pharmacy Law and Ethics: Study the legal and ethical standards in pharmacy practice.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Gain an understanding of the human body systems relevant to pharmaceuticals.
• Pharmacy Math and Pharmacology: Learn the math needed for dosage calculations and understanding drug actions.
• CPR & First Aid Certification: Get certified in lifesaving techniques.
• Customer Service Principles: Build skills in effective customer interaction and service.

Admission involves a background check and drug screen, ensuring that only qualified candidates enter the program. Graduates will be well-equipped to take the PTCB exam and start their professional careers.

This program focuses on immersive, real-world experiences, providing a reliable pathway for those looking to join the pharmacy field.

CommonSpirit Health – CommonSpirit Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program

The CommonSpirit Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program in Pueblo, CO, offers a unique “earn while you learn” model lasting six months. This program, run in collaboration with Front Range Community College, enables students to gain practical work experience while completing their coursework.

Participants benefit from:

• Paid Apprenticeship: Work 16-20 hours per week in a pharmacy setting while receiving a salary.
• Educational Support: Attend up to 8 hours of on-campus lectures and labs, complemented by 12 or more hours of weekly online study.
• Reduced Financial Burden: CommonSpirit Health covers $3,000 of the tuition costs, significantly easing the financial load for students.
• Post-Completion Commitment: Apprentices must commit to working with CommonSpirit Health for 13 months post-completion, ensuring stable employment.

This program is intensive, requiring 30-50 hours per week to balance on-the-job training, lectures, and online coursework. Graduates are well-prepped to take the Certified Pharmacy Technician Test through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, making this apprenticeship a valuable entry point into the pharmacy field.

Trinidad State Junior College – Pharmacy Technician Program

The Pharmacy Technician Program at Trinidad State Junior College provides a robust curriculum and extensive hands-on training. Available on-campus and online, this program is designed to offer flexibility and comprehensive education for students.

Key program features include:

• Modular Learning: Courses are split into manageable modules covering pharmacy law, drug interactions, and customer service.
• Practical Training: Include lab work and externships, ensuring students gain real-world experience.
• Certification Preparation: Prepares students for the PTCB exam and other relevant certification tests.
• Flexible Learning Options: Online and on-campus classes accommodate different schedules and learning preferences.

This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, aimed at producing proficient pharmacy technicians ready for immediate employment upon graduation.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Program

Selecting the right Pharmacy Technician Program in Pueblo, CO involves various critical considerations:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized pharmacy education entity, affirming that the curriculum meets industry standards.
2. Tuition and Financial Aid: Compare tuition costs and explore financial aid options such as grants, scholarships, or state-funded programs like Care Forward Colorado.
3. Program Length: Assess the program’s duration to find one that fits your career timeline. While some programs can be completed in under a year, others may take longer.
4. Job Placement Rates: Investigate the program’s job placement statistics to gauge the likelihood of finding employment upon graduation.
5. Hands-On Training: Prioritize programs that offer extensive hands-on training opportunities, including internships, lab sessions, and real-world pharmacy experiences.
6. Certification Preparation: Opt for programs that prepare you for certification exams like the PTCE, as becoming certified can significantly boost your employability.
7. Support Services: Look for programs that offer student support services such as tutoring, career counseling, and job placement assistance.
8. Location and Flexibility: Consider the location of the program and the flexibility of its schedule, especially if you need to balance studies with work or other commitments.

Choosing the right program involves balancing these factors according to personal priorities and career goals.

Final Thoughts on Pharmacy Technician Programs in Pueblo, CO

Finding the best pharmacy technician program can set you on the path to a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you choose the comprehensive offerings at Pueblo Community College, the innovative apprenticeship with CommonSpirit Health, or the flexible options at Trinidad State Junior College, each program provides unique advantages to help you achieve your professional goals. Explore the provided links and take your next steps towards becoming a certified pharmacy technician today.