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