What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A Pharmacy Technician is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Preparing and dispensing prescription medications
• Maintaining accurate records of patient information and medication histories
• Assisting with inventory management and ordering of pharmaceutical supplies
• Providing customer service and answering questions about medications

Pharmacy Technicians must have a strong understanding of pharmaceutical terminology, medication dosages, and patient safety protocols.

Training Requirements

To become a Pharmacy Technician in Texas, you must complete a training program approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. This typically involves completing a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in a clinical setting. The training program must cover topics such as:

• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Pharmacology and medication safety
• Pharmacy calculations and measurements
• Pharmacy operations and procedures

Upon completion of the training program, you will need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to obtain your certification.

Pharmacy Technician Classes in Dallas/Fort Worth

There are several options fPharmacy Technician classes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, ranging from community colleges to vocational schools. Here are some examples:

1. Tarrant County College (TCC): TCC offers a Pharmacy Technician program at their Northeast and Southeast campuses. The program is 18 weeks long and includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Tuition is approximately $3,500, and students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

2. Brookhaven College: Located in Farmers Branch, Brookhaven College offers a Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in one semester. The program includes 240 hours of instruction and costs around $2,500. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

3. Concorde Career College: With campuses in Grand Prairie and Dallas, Concorde Career College offers a Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in as little as 9 months. The program includes both classroom and hands-on training, and tuition is approximately $16,000.

4. Remington College: Remington College has a campus in North Richland Hills that offers a Pharmacy Technician program. The program is 36 weeks long and costs around $18,000. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.

Exploring a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Outside Dallas/Fort Worth

If you're aiming to pursue a career as a Pharmacy Technician but find yourself in a different state, remember, your goal is still within reach. You can explore opportunities to start your career as a Pharmacy Technician in places like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Little Rock, San Bernardino/Riverside, Tampa. If these locations don't work for you, Dreambound simplifies the journey to becoming a Pharmacy Technician no matter where you live. By enabling you to find and compare Pharmacy Technician classes with a quick zip code search, Dreambound empowers you to move forward confidently towards a rewarding career in healthcare, regardless of your current location.

Online and Free Options

In addition to the in-person Pharmacy Technician classes in Dallas/Fort Worth, there are also online options available for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment. Some examples include:

1. Penn Foster Career School: Penn Foster offers an online Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed at your own pace. Tuition is approximately $799, and the program is self-paced.

2. Ashworth College: Ashworth College has an online Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in as little as 4 months. Tuition is around $899, and the program is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

As for free options, there are limited opportunities for free Pharmacy Technician training in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. However, some community organizations and workforce development centers may offer scholarships or financial assistance to help cover the cost of training programs.

Certification Process

After completing a Pharmacy Technician training program, the next step is to obtain your certification. In Texas, you can choose to become certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become a certified pharmacy technician, you will need to pass the PTCE or ExCPT exam. These exams cover a wide range of topics, including pharmacy law, medication safety, and pharmacy calculations. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education requirements.

Job Outlook in Dallas/Fort Worth

The job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Pharmacy Technicians is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Some of the potential employers for Pharmacy Technicians in the Dallas/Fort Worth region include:

• Major hospital systems, such as Texas Health Resources and Baylor Scott & White Health
• Retail pharmacy chains, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart
• Specialty pharmacies, such as Diplomat Pharmacy and Accredo Health Group
• Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities

As the population continues to grow and the demand for healthcare services increases, the need for skilled Pharmacy Technicians in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is expected to remain strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Texas?

Becoming a pharmacy technician in Texas typically takes between 6 to 18 months. This timeframe includes completing an accredited training program and obtaining certification. Programs vary in length, with some taking as little as 6 months if taken full-time, while others may take up to a year if part-time. The process involves both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.

How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician in Texas?

The cost to become a pharmacy technician in Texas ranges from approximately $2,500 to $18,000, depending on the training program you choose. Community colleges may charge lower tuition, while private institutions could be more expensive. Additional costs include certification exam fees and study materials.

How to become a pharmacy technician in Dallas, Texas?

To become a pharmacy technician in Dallas, Texas, you must complete a state-approved training program, which can be found at local community colleges and vocational schools. After finishing your program, you must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) to obtain certification. Ensure your training program meets the Texas State Board of Pharmacy's standards.

How much does a certified pharmacy technician make in Dallas, Texas?

As of May 2023, a certified pharmacy technician in Dallas, Texas, earns an average annual salary of $43,060, which equates to about $20.73 per hour. This wage reflects the competitive pay in the Dallas area, reflecting the growing demand for skilled pharmacy technicians.

What are the minimum requirements for pharmacy technicians in Texas?

In Texas, to become a pharmacy technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED, complete a state-approved training program, and pass a certification exam. Additionally, you must undergo a criminal background check and meet any other specific requirements set by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in the Dallas/Fort Worth area can be a rewarding career path. With a variety of training programs and options available, you can find the right fit to fit your schedule and budget. Whether you choose an in-person or online program, the key is to ensure that you complete a training program approved by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy and pass the necessary certification exams. With the right skills and qualifications, you can join the growing number of Pharmacy Technicians serving the healthcare needs of the Dallas/Fort Worth community.

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