Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The UT Southwestern Pharmacy Technician Training Program prepares students for a career as pharmacy technicians working primarily in the hospital setting.
The program is approximately 15 weeks duration consisting of a structured didactic, simulation and experiential training under the supervision of pharmacists and technicians. Training is provided both online and in-person.
Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Examination (PTCE) required to work as a pharmacy Technician. Candidates that successfully pass the PTCE will be eligible for continued employment in the UTSW department of pharmacy.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent
- Complete the Human Resource screening process
- Passed English and Math proficiency test with a minimum passing score of 70%
- Comply with immunization requirements
- Meet age requirement for employment of pharmacy technicians
Program Overview
The program is approximately 460 hours or more scheduled individually for each candidate.
- Online Didactic: Approximately 132 hours provided through the Pharmacy Technician University (PTU) online program
- Simulations: Approximately 66 hours in-person by program coordinator at UTSW
- Experiential: Approximately 224 hours in person under the supervision of assigned preceptors
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) IV Certification Program through TRINU Corporation: 40 hours
Program Training Dates
| Fall Admission | Winter Admission |
|---|---|
| August to November | January to April |
| Application deadline October 31st | Application deadline April 30th |
How to Apply
- The program is currently open to UTSW employees seeking to transition to the pharmacy department as Pharmacy Technicians.
- Complete the application via the UTSW jobs portal.
Program Cost
There is no cost to UTSW employees. Accepted candidates will be hired on as UTSW employees and paid at an hourly rate during their training.
Prospects for Employment and Salary Expectation
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 44,900 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 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.
| Quick Facts: Pharmacy Technicians | |
|---|---|
| 2023 Median Pay | $40,300 per year $19.37 per hour |
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Number of jobs 2022 | 459,600 |
| Job outlook 2022-2032 | 6% faster than average |
| Employment change 2022-32 | 25,900 |