CMU Tech's Pharmacy Technician program is designed to instruct students in both the academic and clinical skills necessary to be a successful pharmacy technician. The program begins in the fall semester of each year. The Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to be completed in one year. For the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician Degree, Essential Learning courses are typically completed in year two of the program. The application process occurs in the second semester of the first year. Once accepted to the program, the second year prepares students to work as advanced pharmacy technicians and assist in pharmacy operations. More information about CMU Tech's Pharmacy Technician Program may be found by clicking the button below.
Pharmacy Technician Program Information
As the only Pharmacy Technician Program on the Western Slope, this program will provide an educated and well-trained pharmacy technician professional who has practical experience based upon internship hours needed for the degree. Students will be ready for employment upon graduation. The AAS in Pharmacy Technician from CMU Tech enables students to advance in their careers and apply for jobs as a compounding lab technician, pharmacy service technician, pharmacy implementation specialist or similar roles. Earning an associate degree can also help a student prepare for a Doctor of Pharmacy or a bachelor’s degree in a related field. An important strength of the program is the ability of students to experience hands-on application of Pharmacy Technician skills through an internship with both an institutional and community pharmacy.
Why choose the Pharmacy Technician program at CMU Tech?
- Real world pharmacy experience - students gain hands-on experience through externships in both community and institutional pharmacy settings, helping them connect classroom learning to the workplace
- Specialized technical skills - coursework includes pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, nonsterile compounding, sterile compounding, aseptic technique, and institutional/community pharmacy practice
- Two educational pathways - choose the one-year entry-level certificate to build foundational skills or pursue the Associate of Applied Science degree for additional coursework and advanced pharmacy technician preparation
- Hands-on learning - build practical skills though pharmacy-related activities, including medication preparation concepts, prescription processing, inventory management, and medication safety
- Preparation for certification - work toward the knowledge and competencies needed to pursue national pharmacy technician certification
Information on requirements for admission to CMU Tech's Pharmacy Technician Program, licensure requirements, and an application packet may be found below.
Pharmacy Technician Program Requirements
Pharmacy Technician Application Packet
pharmacy technician Licensure Requirements in Colorado
Due to the high demand for courses in this major, registering early is recommended for the best availability. If your major courses are not available, Student Services can help you build an alternative and applicable schedule.
For the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician, prerequisite courses, including Essential Learning courses, are completed in year two of the program. Pharmacy Technicians who take and pass the certifying examination offered by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) are certified and authorized to use the initials CPhT to designate their status as Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technicians, which further allows them to apply for licensure in their individual states.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy TechnicianThe Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician Certificate is designed to cover both the academic and clinical skills necessary to perform as a entry-level pharmacy technician. The certificate program is designed to be completed in one year.
Academic Requirements for Certificate in Entry-Level Pharmacy TechnicianEmployment Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians may be employed by chain, independent, hospital, compounding, long-term care, nuclear, and mail-order pharmacies. They may also work for pharmacy benefit managers and in oncology clinics.