Working as a pharmacy technician can be quite a challenging job.
Candidates are required to be well versed in their field and take on various responsibilities in their respective workplaces.
However, the right education and hands-on training can help a candidate master the requirements of the job and prepare them for an entry-level position.
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Licensing Requirements to Become a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado
Colorado is just one of a few states where pharmacy technicians are not governed by legislation.
Pharmacy technicians in the state of Colorado are required to be certified in order to practice in the field.
Students may prepare for the certification examination through various methods:
- On-the-job training
- An accredited training program
- Self-preparation
There are currently two institutions in the state of Colorado that offer the certification examination:
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification (ExCPT) Empowered by NH
The current exam fee is $129.00, and candidates must undergo continuous education every two years.
5 Pharmacy Technician Schools in Colorado
1. Pikes Peak Community College
Pikes Peak Community College offers a pharmacy technician certificate course which may be completed in two semesters.
The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
The program combines theory, lab work, and externship.
Students learn about clinical laboratory equipment, gain experience through an externship, be exposed to institutional and community settings, as well as gain instruction from experienced and knowledgeable faculty.
Students will cover a range of courseware including an introduction to pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, and compounding techniques, as well as an institutional pharmacy.
There are various rates for this school, ranging from in-class lectures to online lessons and from in-state to out-of-state rates.
For example, in-state students studying in the classroom will pay $$260.40 while out-of-state students will pay $641.80 per credit hour.
2. Emily Griffith Technical College
Emily Griffith Technical College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate course.
The program consists of 28.5 credit hours and the part-time course may be completed in as little as three months.
The program comprises theory, course work in the college’s simulated lab environment, and a 202.5-hour clinical internship.
Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s (PTCB) certification exam.
The course is accredited by the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) and prepares students to work in a variety of settings.
The approximate tuition and fees for this course, as of 2022, are $3,392.
3. Pima Medical Institute
Pima Medical Institute offers a nine-month Pharmacy Technician Certificate program.
The program starts in spring and fall and the school offers classes during the day, and evening, as well as in a hybrid format.
And, there is a summer intake. However, the summer intake only offers evening classes.
The program comprises theory, lab work, and an externship.
The lab work is conducted in a simulated lab on campus where students are exposed to real-life scenarios in order to better prepare them for the working world.
The program prepares students for an entry-level position as pharmacy technicians.
In addition, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination.
The curriculum is a combination of chemistry, math, and medicine.
The course is a total of 34.5 credit hours or 800 contact hours.
Tuition for this course is $15,470 and does not include books, uniforms, fees, or lab supplies.
4. Lutheran Medical Center
Lutheran Medical Center offers a 16-week Pharmacy Technician Certificate course.
The course is taught by real pharmacists and the program is offered in a real hospital pharmacy setting.
This program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
The curriculum is made up of 12 weeks of online study and lab work, as well as four weeks of clinical rotation.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of on-site rotations, 348 hours of theory offered online, 96 hours of lab work, as well as testing, in order to complete the certificate course.
Class sizes are small with only ten students per intake. Tuition for this program is approximately $3,000.
5. Southwest Colorado Community College
Southwest Colorado Community College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that starts in the fall.
The program may be completed in three semesters and classes are offered during the day, evening, and online.
The program has a total of 34 credit hours.
The program prepares students for an entry-level position.
Students will learn about different kinds of medication, how to mix, count, store, and record the different kinds of medications, as well as other pertinent subject matter in the field.
Students will be required to participate in clinical hours at various affiliated retail pharmacies and locations.
Tuition rates vary based on the instructional format and whether the student is in-state or out-of-state.
For in-state students who will attend live lectures, the rate starts at $260.40 per credit hour.
Pharmacy Technician Schools in Colorado – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Colorado
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Pikes Peak Community College | 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 |
| Emily Griffith Technical College | 1860 Lincoln St 3rd floor, Denver, CO 80203 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 5725 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 |
| Lutheran Medical Center | 8300 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 |
| Southwest Colorado Community College | 33057 US-160, Mancos, CO 81328 |
Pharmacy Technician Salary in Colorado
Candidates who graduate and pass the certification examination may expect to earn an entry-level salary of $30,131.
The median salary in this field is $37,200 and candidates with sufficient experience may expect to earn $45,415 per year on the high-end.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Pharmacy Technicians in Colorado
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $37,700 |
| Colorado Springs | $37,100 |
| Aurora | $37,700 |
| Lakewood | $36,000 |
| Fort Collins | $36,300 |
| Arvada | $37,700 |
| Pueblo | $34,600 |
| Westminster | $37,700 |
| Boulder | $38,200 |
| Thornton | $37,700 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 300 | $48,460 | $23.3 | $60,530 | $37,690 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 780 | $45,750 | $22 | $55,460 | $36,430 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,110 | $48,620 | $23.38 | $62,650 | $38,660 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 410 | $46,870 | $22.53 | $57,630 | $36,810 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 190 | $44,020 | $21.16 | $54,400 | $35,190 |
| Greeley, CO | 230 | $44,450 | $21.37 | $51,680 | $34,710 |
| Pueblo, CO | 210 | $43,770 | $21.04 | $50,450 | $34,770 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Colorado?
Candidates may be able to complete a course in as little as four months or up to 12 months.
These courses consist of 30 credit hours or more, and some may be transferred to a two or four-year degree.
Can pharmacy technicians administer vaccines in Colorado?
A pharmacist who has been certified in immunizations, a pharmacy intern, or a pharmacy technician who works under the supervision of a certified (immunization) pharmacist may administer vaccines.
Is pharmacy technician a difficult course?
This is a challenging course to complete.
