What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is an essential member of the pharmacy team who fills important roles in pharmacies across practice settings, including community, hospital/health system, ambulatory care, military, compounding, online, veterinary, and more. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Why Do I Want to Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Excellent opportunities exist in DFW area and throughout the United States for qualified Pharmacy Technicians, in both hospital and other pharmacy-practice settings.
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $31,750 in May 2017. And as of April 2021 it has jumped to $35,019. There are many opportunities for advancement and professional growth.
Pharmacy Technician Skills & Duties
- Accurately prepare and distribute patient medications.
- Perform calculations.
- Prepare sterile medicines including those used to treat cancer.
- Collect accurate patient information.
- Process third party billing claims and assist with prior authorization completion.
- Work directly with patients to obtain medication histories and reconciliation.
- Assist in the management of investigational drug studies.
- Use technology to help maintain accurate patient records, medication inventory,and orders.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Program Perks
- Experienced and accredited professors.
- Field Trips.
- Industry Association Memberships.
- Simulation Labs with real industry equipment.
- Externship Placement.
- Employment Assistance.
Program Options
- Occupational Skills Award (OSA) - 8 Months (Two Semesters).
- Pharmacy Technician, Level 1 Certificate - 10 Months (Two Semesters plus Summer Term).
- AAS Pharmacy Technician - Two Years (Four Semesters, including Summer Term).
Pharmacy Technician Program Information
We are recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) as an educational/training program. We have a comprehensive program, which provides hands on training for patient care within their regulated scope of practice. The program prepares professionals for intensive training and exposure to all aspects of the pharmacy technician role. Pharmacy technicians assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications. A combination of lecture, on-campus laboratory and clinical training prepares graduates for a variety of employment opportunities in community and hospital pharmacies. The curriculum is designed to provide the educational information and competencies required by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Collin County Community College District is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees and certificates.
Contact the Commission on Colleges at:
1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia
30033-4097
or call: 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Collin County Community College District.
Tuition & Fees:
| Occupational Skills Award | $1491 |
| Certificate Program | $2351 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree | $4075 |
Breakdown of Program Fees:
| Textbooks | $250 |
| Scrubs | $40 |
| Immunization Tracker | $30 |
| Drug Testing | $45 |
| Background Check | $40 |
| Liability Insurance | $11 |
| Finger Printing (State board requirement) | $45 |
| Liability Insurance | $14 |
| Pharmacy Technician Trainee License | $55 |
| CPR License | $60 |
To apply for the Pharmacy Technician Program, click the button below:
Apply for the Pharmacy Technician ProgramHow do I become a pharmacy technician in the state of Texas?
Step 1:
Obtain a national pharmacy technician certification first, you must become a certified pharmacy technician through one of the two national certification organizations:
A) The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), or
B) The National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
A pharmacy technician certification from one of these organizations (you do not need to be certified by both) is required
before you can apply for a Texas registration. You will need to take the organizations’
respective exam and pass to receive this certification.
Step 2:
Apply for a pharmacy technician registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy Once you are a certified technician under PTCB or NHA, you will be able to apply with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for a pharmacy
technician registration.
The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) is an independent state health regulatory
agency established by the Texas Legislature in 1907 to regulate the practice of pharmacy
and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Texas. TSBP regulates pharmacists, pharmacies, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy technician trainees
and the legal distribution of prescription drugs through pharmacies in the state of
Texas. In order to fulfill its responsibilities, TSBP licenses pharmacists and pharmacies, registers pharmacy technicians and pharmacy technician trainees, inspects pharmacies,
investigates complaints, and disciplines violators of pharmacy laws. PTCB Certification is required by many employers and fulfills many state registration/licensure requirements.
What is the difference between a pharmacy technician and a technician trainee?
A pharmacy technician is an individual who is registered with the Board as a pharmacy
technician and whose responsibility in a pharmacy is to provide technical services
that do not require professional judgment regarding preparing and distributing drugs
and who works under the direct supervision of and is responsible to a pharmacist.
A pharmacy technician trainee is an individual who is registered with the board as
a pharmacy technician trainee and is authorized to participate in a pharmacy’s technician
training program.
*Trainee licenses are valid for ONLY 2 years, and CANNOT be renewed*
What is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)?
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is responsible for administering
the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Certification by PTCB alone does not authorize
an individual to work in a pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.
**Collin College students test with the PTCB organization. **
Collin College Links:
Admissions
Advising
Financial Aid
Testing Centers
Professional Links:
Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Technician Educators Council (PTEC)
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)
Joint Commission
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA)
Pharmacy Times—News Education and Practical Information
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
