Not in Aurora? Check out our lists of Pharmacy Technician Programs in Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Longmont, Pueblo, and across Colorado.
Are you considering a career in healthcare?
Pharmacy technician programs in Aurora CO offer a direct path to a stable and rewarding profession.
In this article, we’ll explore the top programs available, detailing what makes each stand out—helping you choose the right one to kickstart your career.
Pickens Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
Pickens Technical College in Aurora, CO, offers a well-rounded Pharmacy Technician program tailored to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge required in the pharmaceutical field. This program covers a range of crucial topics that ensure you are prepared for the dynamic demands of the healthcare industry.
Key Features:
- Curriculum: Topics include pharmacy law and ethics, community pharmacy practices, and medical insurance procedures.
- Hands-on Experience: The program integrates clinical placements in community pharmacy settings.
- Accreditation: Recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
- Software Training: Utilizes PioneerRx Pharmacy Software to simulate real-world scenarios.
- Job Readiness: Instruction in pharmaceutical calculations and compounding techniques, with an emphasis on accuracy and quality.
Career Prospects:
With an entry-level salary starting at around $28,000 and a median salary near $38,000, graduating from Pickens Technical College positions you well for various settings like retail pharmacies and hospitals.
Learn more about this program here.
Pima Medical Institute – Pharmacy Technician Program
Another top choice is the Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician Program in Aurora, CO. This program is structured to provide both theoretical and practical skills, ensuring you are job-ready upon completion.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: You will learn about medication preparation, compounding techniques, and customer interaction.
- State-Licensed and Accredited: Ensures you meet all certification requirements.
- Hybrid Learning: Offers a mix of online and in-person classes for flexibility.
- Hands-on Training: Involves lab sessions using PioneerRx Pharmacy Software.
- Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.
Career Prospects:
Graduates can look forward to opportunities in hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, and other healthcare environments.
Detailed information can be found here.
Front Range Community College – Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician Program
The Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician Program at Front Range Community College (FRCC) in Aurora, CO, is designed to meet and exceed the prerequisites for both licensure and certification.
Key Features:
- Diverse Curriculum: Includes courses on medication retrieval, counting, pouring, weighing, and mixing.
- Experiential Learning: Offers experiential modules in both hospital and community pharmacy settings.
- Accreditation: Accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
- Certification Readiness: Prepares you for the Pharmacy Technician National Examination.
Career Prospects:
With a robust curriculum and extensive hands-on training, FRCC’s Pharmacy Technician Program offers versatile job opportunities in settings like retail and mail-order pharmacies, as well as hospitals.
More details are available here.
Denver Health – Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program
Denver Health offers a remarkable Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program in Aurora, CO, designed to be both accessible and intensive.
Key Features:
- Free Tuition: The 6-month program is free and includes full-time, benefitted employment during training.
- Extensive Curriculum: Consists of 600 hours of education, including online learning via Pharmacy Technicians University (PTU) and experiential rotations across Denver Health’s pharmacy sites.
- Certification Preparation: Prepares you to pass the PTCB exam and become a certified pharmacy technician.
- Inpatient and Outpatient Experience: Offers learning in various pharmacy practices, including customer service, medication compounding, and inventory maintenance.
Career Prospects:
Upon graduation, you are not only prepared for certification but also have the opportunity for employment at Denver Health. This program is inclusive and provides a supportive learning environment focused on professionalism and flexibility.
Learn more here.
Each of these programs provides a unique set of features and benefits, making them stand out in the Pharmacy Technician educational landscape in Aurora, CO.
V-TECS – Pharmacy Technician Program
The V-TECS Pharmacy Technician Program in Aurora, CO, provides robust training for aspiring pharmacy technicians, aiming to prepare students for a variety of roles within pharmacy environments.
Key Features:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
- Curriculum: Encompasses 30.5 credit hours or 600 clock hours. Subjects include pharmacy law and ethics, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, compounding techniques, and medical insurance procedures.
- Certification Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.
- Program Length: Structured over two semesters.
- Requirements: High school diploma or GED, proficiency in English and math, and passing a background check.
- Cost: Approximate total cost is $8,276, covering tuition, student ID, CPR certification, and books.
Career Prospects:
Graduates of this program are well-equipped for various pharmacy technician roles, ensuring both competence and confidence in handling pharmacy-related tasks.
Discover more about the program here.
MSU Denver – Online Pharmacy Technician Course
MSU Denver’s Online Pharmacy Technician Course offers flexibility without compromising the quality of education, making it ideal for those balancing other commitments.
Key Features:
- Fully Online: Provides 100% online learning, allowing you to study at your own pace.
- Curriculum: Covers federal and state pharmacy laws and ethics, preparing you for an externship with a leading pharmacy chain.
- Instructor Expertise: Taught by experienced professionals.
- No Prerequisites: Accessible for all interested individuals.
- Program Duration: Can be completed in under a year, plus externship and state licensure prep time.
- Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 6% through 2038.
Career Prospects:
MSU Denver’s course ensures that students are well-prepared to excel in real-world pharmacy settings and offers promising job prospects with an average annual salary of $37,790.
Explore the program further here.
Community College of Aurora – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Community College of Aurora (CCA) offers a Pharmacy Technician program designed to cater to diverse learning needs while preparing students for their career paths.
Key Features:
- Curriculum: Includes pharmacy calculations, drug classification and administration, inventory management, and pharmacy law and ethics.
- Experienced Faculty: Courses are taught by seasoned professionals.
- Flexible Learning: Offers both on-campus and online classes.
- Practical Experience: Emphasis on hands-on training and practical experience.
Career Prospects:
CCA’s Pharmacy Technician program equips its graduates for success in various healthcare settings, with ample resources and support to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
Learn more about this program here.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pharmacy Technician Program
Selecting the right pharmacy technician program can be a stepping stone towards a successful career. Consider these essential factors to ensure you make the best choice:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Accreditation guarantees a quality education and eligibility for certification exams.
- Hands-on Training Opportunities: Look for programs that offer externships or clinical placements, as they provide invaluable real-world experience.
- Program Cost & Financial Aid: Evaluate the total cost of the program, including tuition, fees, and additional expenses. Check if the institution offers financial aid or scholarships.
- Program Duration & Format: Consider the program length and whether it is offered in a format that suits your lifestyle, such as full-time, part-time, hybrid, or fully online.
- Success Rates: Research the program’s certification pass rates, job placement rates, and feedback from former students to gauge its effectiveness in preparing graduates for the workforce.
- Location and Facilities: Check if the program is conveniently located and if its facilities are up-to-date and capable of providing the best training experience.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Pharmacy Technician Program
Finding the right pharmacy technician program is crucial for launching a successful career in the healthcare industry. Each of the programs highlighted offers unique advantages and opportunities to ensure you receive the best education and hands-on experience.
Explore these programs fully to find the one that best aligns with your career ambitions and personal requirements.
Consider your options carefully and begin your journey in healthcare today.