Pharmacy Technician Training Program: CP (SLTC)(CTE)

Certificate of Proficiency | 20 credits

Program Website
Academic Advising

Program Description
The Pharmacy Technician program prepares students to support pharmacists by performing a wide range of practice-related duties for community, institutional, compounding, long-term care, mail-order, and other pharmaceutical settings. Students learn the most common medications, calculate dosages, process prescriptions, bill third-party insurance, learn aseptic techniques, and prepare sterile and non-sterile compounded medications. Students receive extensive hands-on training in the lab area using advanced pharmacy technology.

Career Opportunities
According to the occupation outlook posted by the Utah Department of Workforce Services, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Demand for pharmacy services is expected to increase because of the large number of older people, who typically use more prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, among all age groups also will lead to increased demand for prescription medications.

Gainful Employment
The Salt Lake metro area where most of our graduates practice, listed under “Healthcare practitioners, Technical, Pharmacy Technicians”, the median annual wage is reported to be $44K. Our graduates are currently being offered between $20.00 and $23.00/hr to start.

https://jobs.utah.gov/wi/data/library/occupation/occupationalwages.html

Transfer/Articulation Information
Please refer to the Student Resources section of the SLCC University Transfer webpage.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: $1800 tuition, $160 Student Fees
Books: $140.00
Lab Supplies: $50.00
Other (specify): Licensure $50.00, Testing $130.00, Background Check $16, Compliance Registration $39, immunizations variable

Program Entry Requirements

Minimum age 18 years with a high school diploma or GED.
A valid Social Security number is required or externship.
Recent (2 years) math courses with grade C or higher or self-placement though the testing center. Admission pre-requisite of completion of ENGL 900 with a C or higher or selfdirected placement recommendation into ENGL 990 and completion of MATH 920 or self-directed placement into MATH 990.
Students must set up an American DataBank Complio account for criminal background, drug screening and compliance package for immunization tracking.

Specialized Program Accreditation
Accredited by American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

Program Requirements

Required Courses (20 credits)

Time to Completion

Time to completion is 8 months.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcome alignment with Student Learning Outcomes in brackets.

Practice personal and interpersonal skills needed in various pharmacy settings. [2,4,7]
Demonstrate the pharmacy technician’s role in the medication-use process and wellness promotion. [1,2,3,7,8]
Recall the most utilized drugs by brand and generic name, indications, and interactions. [1,8]
Solve pharmacy mathematical calculations. [1,3,9]
Prepare sterile and non-sterile compounds. [1,2,3,7,9]