The PPCC Pharmacy Technician program has earned national accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). PPCC is only the third college in the state with ASHP accreditation, and the only one in Southern Colorado. ASHP accreditation is the ultimate standard that Pharmacy Tech programs strive to meet, and is truly a mark of excellence. The program was granted a full six year accreditation, the highest available.

The rigorous accreditation process included extensive documentation demonstrating that the program meets the stringent objectives and curriculum requirements, and that students are meeting requirements for accreditation upon graduation. Representatives of ASHP did an in-depth, on-site evaluation earlier this year, and met with faculty, students, administrators, and community advisory board members.

The ASHP Accreditation means that PPCC students are guaranteed to receive the most comprehensive Pharmacy Tech education available, and graduates of the program will enjoy greater job opportunities and greater job mobility around the country. While graduation from an ASHP accredited program is not currently required for licensing in Colorado, legislation is in the works that will require it within the next 12-24 months.

Completion of the program prepares students to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). According to Nicole Motes, CPhT, Pharmacy Tech department chair and program coordinator, graduates of the program are highly successful. “In fact, we currently have a 100% pass rate on the exam, based on our informal surveys,” she says.

PPCC students can choose from a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree or a one-year Certificate option. Pharmacy Tech training includes traditional classroom learning, hands-on lab training, and clinical work experience. Upon completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program, graduates are qualified for employment in a variety of pharmacy settings, including hospital pharmacies, community (retail) pharmacies, home health care pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, and others.

The Pharmacy Technician is a crucial link in the health care system, and qualified Pharmacy Technicians are in high demand nationwide. Salaries for CPhTs vary depending on work location, pharmacy setting, education, and experience. The most current national estimates indicate an average pay of $10.50 to $15.50/per hour, or $21,000 to $32,000 annually. In Colorado, the median hourly salary in 2005 for Pharmacy Technicians was $13.51, with a salary range of $9.67 – $17.32.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

To find out more about the PPCC Pharmacy Tech program, visit www.ppcc.edu/career/pharmacy-technician or call 719-502-3400.