Pharmacy Technician Programs in Denver CO

Looking for top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Denver CO?

This article highlights the best options available, offering practical training and certification opportunities to start your career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Front Range Community College – Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician Program

Front Range Community College’s Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician Program in Denver, CO, equips you with essential skills to excel in the pharmaceutical field. This program is designed to meet state prerequisites for licensure and certification, making it a versatile choice for those seeking employment within and beyond Colorado.

You will engage in hands-on training that covers:

• Medication preparation: Learn the techniques of counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing medications.
• Experiential modules: Gain practical experience in both hospital and community pharmacy settings.

Upon completion, you will be prepared to work in various environments such as:

• Retail pharmacies
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Mail-order pharmacies

Graduates are also ready to sit for the Pharmacy Technician National Examination, crucial for certification. The program’s national accreditation by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and recognition by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) underscore its quality. Additionally, FRCC offers an apprenticeship pathway providing on-the-job training and valuable paid work experience.

Denver Health – Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program

The Denver Health Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program is a 6-month comprehensive training course offered free of charge, providing full-time employment benefits during your training.

The program includes:

• 600 hours of education: A mix of online learning via Pharmacy Technicians University and hands-on rotations across Denver Health’s pharmacy sites.
• PTCB exam preparation: The curriculum is designed to ensure readiness for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Minimum age: 18 years
• Educational background: High school diploma or GED
• Clearances: Criminal background check, drug screen, and competency assessments

For those who complete the program, there is a commitment to work at Denver Health for at least 12 months, gaining practical skills such as medication dispensing, sterile and non-sterile compounding, customer service, and insurance processing.

Pickens Technical College – Pharmacy Technician Certification Program

The Pickens Technical College Pharmacy Technician Certification Program provides a balanced curriculum of classroom learning and hands-on practical work, preparing you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Program highlights include:

• Accreditation: Recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
• Curriculum: Includes pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, and compounding techniques
• Software training: Use of PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, common in independent pharmacies

This program readies students for various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, from retail pharmacy to hospital settings, with promising job prospects and competitive salaries ranging from $28,000 to over $53,000 annually. Faculty with significant industry experience, such as Jennifer Friend, guide you throughout the program, ensuring you are well-prepared for real-world challenges.

MSU Denver – Online Pharmacy Technician Course

MSU Denver’s Online Pharmacy Technician Course offers the flexibility to study from home while providing comprehensive preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Key features include:

• Fully online education: Flexible course structure allowing you to balance education with other commitments.
• Curriculum: Covers federal and state pharmacy laws, ethics, medication preparation, and patient information management.

An externship with major pharmacy chains gives practical experience, enhancing your learning. With a growing demand for pharmacy technicians projected at 6% through 2038, the robust training provided by MSU Denver positions you for success. Technicians can expect to earn around $37,790 annually, with top-earners making over $50,640.

Colorado Mountain College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The Colorado Mountain College Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a 100% online program designed to build competency in areas like prescription reception, medication preparation, record maintenance, and inventory management.

The program offers:

• Self-paced learning: Flexibility to study at your convenience.
• Fundamentals: Focuses on pharmacy practices, ethics, confidentiality, and legal compliance.

This program prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), thus enhancing your employability in hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies.

Pima Medical Institute – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program in Denver provides a solid foundation for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT).

Key areas covered:

• Curriculum: Includes pharmacy math, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, and pharmacy laws and ethics.
• Hands-on training: Lab sessions and real-world pharmacy settings ensure practical readiness.

Career opportunities post-graduation include roles as pharmacy technicians, pharmacy clerks, and IV-certified pharmacy technicians. The program also meets licensure requirements for multiple states, although some on-campus attendance is required for specific components. Financial aid options are available to support your educational journey.

For more detailed information about this program, visit the Pima Medical Institute’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.

Cherry Creek Schools – Pharmacy Technician Course

The Cherry Creek Schools Pharmacy Technician Course provides a robust introduction to pharmacy technology, blending pharmacology principles with practical, hands-on experience.

Course Highlights:

• Pharmacy History and Ethics: Learn about the evolution of pharmacy practice and the ethical responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
• Laws and Regulations: Understand federal and state pharmacy laws and regulations.
• Calculations and Compounding: Gain expertise in pharmaceutical calculations, compounding techniques, and the preparation of medications.
• Clinical and Retail Experience: Participate in both clinical and retail pharmacy settings for real-world exposure.

This year-long course awards 2 credits and is open to 12th graders, preparing them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exams. The program also offers certification opportunities, such as the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. For detailed information on pricing and enrollment, it is advisable to contact the program coordinator directly Cherry Creek Schools Pharmacy Technician Course.

Arapahoe Community College – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

Arapahoe Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program aligns with the standards of the ASHP, ensuring a quality education in essential pharmacy knowledge and technical skills.

Program Structure:

1. Two 15-Week Semesters: Covers classroom learning, laboratory courses, and a clinical externship.
2. Clinical Externship: An 8-week hands-on experience in both community and institutional pharmacies.
3. Accreditation: The program is recognized by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

Students must pass background checks, drug screens, and provide immunization documentation. Flexibility in the form of online/hybrid and on-campus sessions ensures comprehensive learning. Graduates are prepared for the national pharmacy technician certification exam and are contacted six months post-completion for employment verification. For more details, visit the Arapahoe Community College Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.

PPSC – Pharmacy Technician Program

PPSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program, accredited by ASHP/ACPE and approved by PTCB, offers both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree and a Certificate Program. The curriculum is crafted to equip students with a broad range of pharmacy knowledge and practical skills.

Key Features:

• Sterile Compounding: Training in preparing IV medications.
• Medication Dispensing: Learning the workflow of medication dispensing in retail and healthcare settings.
• Externships: Practical training through externship opportunities.

Students benefit from the program’s stellar 99% pass rate on the national certification exam over the past decade. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare environments. For additional information, visit the PPSC Pharmacy Technician Program.

Lutheran Medical Center – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The Lutheran Medical Center Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program offers an accelerated 16-week curriculum, providing intensive training necessary for certification.

Program Components:

• On-Site Rotations: 160 hours of practical experience.
• Lab Simulation: 96 hours of simulated lab work.
• Online Theory and Testing: 348 hours of comprehensive online learning.

This program is accredited by the ASHP and prepares students to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT). The competitive fee of $3,000 may include discounts and tuition reimbursement for Lutheran associates. With hands-on training by experienced pharmacists and a condensed timeline, the program is ideal for those seeking quick entry into the pharmacy technician profession. Further details can be found at the Lutheran Medical Center Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.

Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician Program in Denver CO

Selecting the best pharmacy technician program in Denver, CO, involves multiple considerations to ensure a fulfilling and successful career pathway.

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by reputable bodies like ASHP.
2. Curriculum Balance: Look for programs offering a mix of theoretical and practical training, including externships.
3. Cost and Duration: Factor in tuition fees, financial aid options, and the program’s length.
4. Flexibility: Consider programs offering online, hybrid, or part-time learning options if you need to balance work and study.
5. Certification Preparation: Verify that the program prepares you for certification exams, such as the PTCB.
6. Job Placement Assistance: Programs with strong job placement support can enhance your post-graduation opportunities.

Gathering feedback from past students and industry professionals can provide valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness and the reputation of its graduates. Thorough research and consideration of these factors will guide you to a program that aligns with your career goals and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pharmacy technician program in Denver, CO, is a crucial step towards a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry. Programs like those offered by FRCC, Denver Health, Pickens Technical College, MSU Denver, and others provide the training and credentials needed to succeed. With the demand for pharmacy technicians steadily rising, completing a reputable program will position you for numerous professional opportunities. Research thoroughly, consider your personal and professional needs, and embark on a fulfilling career as a certified pharmacy technician.