Colorado Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs

Arapahoe Community College (ACC), established in 1965 in Littleton, Colorado, is renowned for its dedication to accessible and career-oriented education. Serving a diverse student body, ACC offers a wide range of programs tailored to workforce development in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program at ACC is a hybrid offering that combines online coursework with in-person lab sessions and externship experiences. Spanning two semesters, this program is ideal for those looking to gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge in a flexible format tailored to modern learners.

The program includes comprehensive training in pharmacology, prescription processing, pharmacy law, and aseptic compounding. Students benefit from externships in local pharmacy settings, where they apply their skills in real-world environments. Graduates are well-prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, opening doors to various career opportunities in pharmacy operations.

Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC), part of the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado, offers specialized career and technical education to high school students. CCIC provides immersive, hands-on learning experiences across various pathways, including Health & Wellness, to prepare students for postsecondary education and careers.

The Pharmacy Technician program at CCIC is a year-long course available to 12th-grade students. It combines foundational knowledge in pharmacology, pharmaceutical care, and medical terminology with practical applications. The program includes hands-on labs and real-world experiences, such as working alongside licensed pharmacists in clinical and retail settings.

Key components of the curriculum include pharmacy history and laws, federal and state regulations, pharmacy calculations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and customer service skills. Students also study body systems, common diseases, and medication errors. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and can earn certifications such as Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) and Basic Life Support (BLS) through the American Heart Association.

Colorado Mountain College (CMC), established in 1967, serves a diverse student population across 11 campuses in the Rocky Mountains. CMC is recognized for its affordable tuition and commitment to hands-on, career-focused education, offering over 130 programs, including certificates and associate degrees.

CMC’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for students balancing other commitments. The program includes a clinical internship to offer practical, real-world experience. As a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)-Recognized Education/Training Program, it prepares students to apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

The curriculum encompasses essential areas such as pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, communication and professionalism, computer skills, drug classification, pharmaceutical calculations and compounding techniques, institutional and community pharmacy practices, sterile compounding and aseptic techniques, and a certification review.

Denver Health, a comprehensive healthcare system in Denver, Colorado, offers a six-month Pharmacy Technician Training and Education Program. This program provides full-time, benefited employment during training and is free of charge. It includes 600 hours of education, combining online learning with experiential rotations across at least two pharmacy sites within the Denver Health system.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy practices, ethics, medical laws, and hands-on learning directly within the industry. Students gain practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working alongside licensed pharmacists. Upon completion, participants are expected to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, become certified and licensed technicians, and commit to working at Denver Health for a minimum of 12 months.

Admission criteria include being at least 18 years old, possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, and successfully completing a background check and drug screen. The program emphasizes qualities such as ambition, professionalism, teamwork, and a positive attitude. This comprehensive training equips students with the skills necessary for a successful career as a pharmacy technician within a dynamic healthcare environment.

Front Range Community College (FRCC), established in 1968, is Colorado’s largest community college, serving over 27,000 students across multiple campuses and online. FRCC is renowned for its commitment to accessible education and workforce development, offering a diverse range of programs tailored to meet industry demands.

FRCC’s Advanced Pharmacy Technician Certificate is a two-semester program available at the Westminster Campus. The program combines online coursework with in-person lab sessions and experiential rotations, providing flexibility for students. It is designed for individuals seeking comprehensive training in pharmacy practice, preparing them for roles in various healthcare settings.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, communication and professionalism, computer skills, drug classification, pharmaceutical calculations and compounding techniques, institutional and community pharmacy practices, sterile compounding and aseptic techniques, and a certification review.

Students gain practical experience through internships in both hospital and community pharmacy settings. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, enhancing their employment prospects in the field.

Admission requirements include attending an information session, meeting with the program director and a health and wellness advisor, and fulfilling specific immunization and certification prerequisites. Applicants must also pass a background check and drug screening. This structured approach ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the pharmacy technician profession.

IBMC College, founded in 1987, operates campuses in Longmont, Greeley, and Fort Collins, Colorado. The college is known for its career-focused education, offering programs in healthcare, massage therapy, paralegal studies, and cosmetology. IBMC emphasizes hands-on training and flexible scheduling to accommodate diverse student needs.

The Pharmacy Technician program at IBMC College offers both diploma and associate degree options, with the degree program typically completed in 19 months. The curriculum combines online and on-campus coursework, including hands-on lab experiences and a five-week externship in a real-world pharmacy setting. This structure is designed for individuals seeking comprehensive training to enter the pharmacy field.

Key components of the program include courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacy office procedures, and medication management. Students learn to accurately read prescriptions, compound medications, and provide patient assistance. The program prepares graduates to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, enhancing their employment prospects in various healthcare settings.

Pickens Technical College (PTC), located in Aurora, Colorado, is a public institution offering a variety of career-focused programs. Serving a diverse student body, PTC emphasizes hands-on training and practical skills to prepare students for the workforce.

The Pharmacy Technician program at PTC is a one-year course designed to equip students with the necessary skills for a career in pharmacy technology. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab experience and includes off-site clinical rotations, providing students with real-world exposure to pharmacy operations.

Key components of the curriculum include performing clerical work in medical settings, verifying the accuracy of patient information, preparing medications or medical solutions, processing medical billing information, and maintaining inventory of medical supplies or equipment. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) as an entry-level pharmacy technician program, ensuring that students receive education that meets industry standards.

Upon completion, students are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), aiming to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs). This certification enhances employment opportunities in various pharmacy settings, including retail and hospital environments.

Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) in Colorado Springs offers an accredited Pharmacy Technician program, providing both an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a certificate option. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level and advanced roles in pharmacy settings through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and clinical internships. Accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) ensures that students receive training aligned with industry standards.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and ethics, compounding techniques, and sterile compounding. Advanced coursework is available for students pursuing specialized skills. Clinical internships provide real-world experience in community and institutional pharmacy environments, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Graduates are well-prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), enhancing their career opportunities.

Admission requirements include the completion of prerequisite courses in English and mathematics, along with a background check and drug screening to ensure eligibility for clinical placements. Applicants must submit official transcripts and consult with a program advisor for guidance on the application process.

Pima Medical Institute (PMI) offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program designed to prepare students for roles in various healthcare settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and home healthcare environments.

The program emphasizes hands-on training, covering essential skills such as medication preparation, intravenous solution mixing, prescription verification, and inventory management. Additionally, students have the opportunity to earn IV certification, focusing on sterile product preparation and aseptic techniques.

The curriculum includes courses in pharmacy math, inventory maintenance, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, and customer service principles. Students engage in both theoretical and practical learning, culminating in a 240-hour externship that provides real-world experience in pharmacy operations.

Pueblo Community College (PCC) offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program designed to prepare students for roles in various pharmacy settings under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. The program spans two semesters and includes a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and clinical experiences in local pharmacies.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, computer skills, and compounding techniques. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations, enhancing their practical skills in real-world environments.

To ensure success in the program, applicants should have a good knowledge of basic algebra and math formulas. The program has a selective admissions process, with applications accepted online from May 1 to July 30. Prospective students must undergo a background check and drug screening before official admission. It’s important to note that a felony or certain professional misconduct may prohibit entrance into the program and/or eligibility to sit for licensure exams.

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program through its Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) division. Students can choose between a one-year Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician Certificate and a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Pharmacy Technician. The program begins each fall semester and combines academic coursework with clinical skills training to prepare students for roles in various pharmacy settings.

The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical calculations, medication safety, pharmacy law and regulations, pharmacology, and customer service. Students gain hands-on experience through internships in both institutional and community pharmacies, ensuring practical application of their skills. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), a requirement for state licensure in Colorado.

Admission to the program requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and to undergo a background check and drug screening. Additionally, students must provide proof of immunizations prior to enrolling in clinical rotation courses. These prerequisites align with industry standards to maintain a safe and productive educational environment.