Associate of Applied Science - Program Map - 2025-2026
Health Sciences

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Pharmacy Technology provides specialized classroom and clinical education that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and techniques to become vital members of the pharmacy care team. Typical job duties include reading and interpreting prescriptions, preparing and packaging prescriptions, managing pharmacy inventory, and preparing non-sterile and sterile pharmaceuticals. Successful completion of this program and passing of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination allows graduates to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician and subsequently should apply to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. Disclaimer: The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) does not allow anyone to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam if they have been convicted of a felony that occurred within the last five years, and/or if the conviction was drug or pharmacy-related. • Capstone experience: PHRA 2161, Clinical-Pharmacy Technician/Assistant III. • Minimum grade required for specialized courses: C • Additional testing fees are required for this program. Amounts are displayed in the Health Careers & Technical Education Programs Testing Fees chart at the beginning of the Health Sciences section in this catalog. • Students are required to register with Texas State Board of Pharmacy prior to clinical training. • The Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814, phone: 301-664- 8835, fax: 301-657-1251. www.ashp.org. Important: This program requires students to fulfill Specialized Admissions criteria and procedures, including (but not limited to): minimum GPA, testing scores, a background check, substance abuse screening, and immunizations/titers. Acceptance into this program is determined by a competitive ranking formula which factors in individual academic performance, Specialized Admissions criteria, and the successful completion of ranking and/or mandatory courses, as applicable. Students should view the Program Information Guide on the program’s website and consult with a Health Career & Technical Education Counselor when considering applying to this program. For more information including ranking dates, pre/post-admissions requirements, and program contact information, view the Program Information Guide at epcc.edu/Academics/Health/pharmacy-technology

Career Opportunities

Potential Careers: Pharmacy Technicians (Hospitals, Pharmacies, Clinics, etc.)

Potential Salary: $38,580/year mean annual salary in El Paso and $42,290/year mean annual salary in Texas, depending on career, education, location, and experience.

For more information on possible careers, education requirements, and salaries, please visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov

Pharmacy Technology

Associate of Applied Science

First Semester

Credit Hours

PHRA

1215

Pharmacy Terminology

2

PHRA

1306

Computerized Drug Delivery Systems

3

PHRA

1309

Pharmaceutical Mathematics I

3

PHRA

1413

Community Pharmacy Practice

4

PHRA

1541

Pharmacy Drug Therapy and Treatment

5

17

Second Semester

Credit Hours

PHRA

1243

Pharmacy Technician Certification Review

2

PHRA

1261

Clinical-Pharmacy Technician/Assistant I

2

PHRA

1304

Pharmacotherapy and Disease Process

3

PHRA

1345

Compounding Sterile Preparations

3

PHRA

1347

Pharmaceutical Mathematics II

3

PHRA

2160

Clinical-Pharmacy Technician/Assistant

1

14

Third Semester

Credit Hours

ENGL

1301

Composition I (C)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Elective1 (C) (MNS)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory Elective2

1

Life and Physical Sciences Elective1 (C) (MNS)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory Elective2

1

Humanities or Fine Arts Elective3 (C) (HFA)

3

14

Fourth Semester

Credit Hours

PHRA

2161

Clinical-Pharmacy Technician/Assistant III

1

Life and Physical Sciences Elective4 (C) (MNS)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory Elective5

1

Life and Physical Sciences Elective4 (C) (MNS)

3

Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory Elective5

1

Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective6 (C) (SBS)

3

Speech Communication Elective7

3

15

Total Credit Hours

60


(C) Core Curriculum Course (F) Field of Study Course

Things To Know

  • Please visit your counselor/advisor at the end of each semester to discuss your next semester's courses.
  • MATH 1314 is a prerequisite to CHEM 1311 and 1111, which can be met through course completion or placement by a Math placement exam.
  • Some courses in this degree plan may count toward the Pharmacy Technology Certificate. Visit the above degree plans to see which courses count.
  • Students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Pharmacy Technology may further their career by continuing their education at a 4-year university and applying to Pharmacy school. Continuing your education towards completing a BS in another health career program may require additional core curriculum course requirements. Please contact the counselor for your chosen program/college for more information.

Marketable Skills

By the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology, students will have gained the following marketable skills:

  • Communication: Students are effective (oral/written) communicators and display the ability to listen to comprehend.
  • Critical Thinking: Students can interpret and understand complex ideas to solve problems and build connections.
  • Personal Responsibility: Students demonstrate professionalism and a strong (independent) work ethic.
  • Teamwork: Students are effective team members and maintain respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Technical: Students are well versed in the use of industry-specific programs, technology and machinery, and other necessary tools to perform the job.

Preferred Course Superscripts

1BIOL 1306 or 1307
2BIOL 1106 or 1107
3PHIL 2306
4CHEM 1311 or 1312
5CHEM 1111 or 1112
6PSYC 2301
7SPCH 1315

Check the course catalog to view all applicable courses and information and/or visit your counselor/advisor to review your options.