Are you interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy technology? The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program that can help you achieve your goals. In this article, we will explore the program requirements and career opportunities available to graduates.
The Importance of Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry, working closely with pharmacists to ensure the safe and effective delivery of medications to patients. With the increasing demand for healthcare services, the need for skilled pharmacy technicians is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
UTRGV Pharmacy Tech Program Overview
The UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and is offered at the university's Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.
Program Requirements
To be eligible for the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program, applicants must:
- Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete prerequisite courses in mathematics, science, and English
- Take the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exam
- Provide proof of immunizations and CPR certification
- Pass a background check
Program Curriculum
The UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program consists of 36 semester credit hours, including:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy operations
- Sterile compounding
- Non-sterile compounding
- Pharmacy calculations
- Pharmacy software applications
Clinical Experience
Students in the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program participate in clinical experiences at local pharmacies and healthcare facilities, gaining hands-on experience in pharmacy operations and patient care.
Certification and Licensure
Graduates of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program are eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam to become certified pharmacy technicians. In the state of Texas, pharmacy technicians must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to practice.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians
Graduates of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program are in high demand, with career opportunities available in a variety of settings, including:
- Retail pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- Clinic pharmacies
- Nursing homes
- Pharmaceutical companies
Job Responsibilities
Pharmacy technicians perform a range of tasks, including:
- Filling prescriptions
- Assisting pharmacists with patient consultations
- Maintaining patient records
- Managing inventory
- Processing insurance claims
Salary and Benefits
The median salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States is around $34,860 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Benefits may include health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement.
Conclusion
The UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this rewarding field. With career opportunities available in a range of settings, graduates can look forward to a bright future in pharmacy technology. Whether you're interested in working in a retail pharmacy or a hospital setting, the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program can help you achieve your goals.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program and career opportunities available to graduates. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the program, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the average salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States?
The median salary for pharmacy technicians in the United States is around $34,860 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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What are the requirements for admission to the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program?
To be eligible for the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program, applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, complete prerequisite courses in mathematics, science, and English, take the HESI exam, provide proof of immunizations and CPR certification, and pass a background check.
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What kind of clinical experience can I expect in the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program?
Students in the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program participate in clinical experiences at local pharmacies and healthcare facilities, gaining hands-on experience in pharmacy operations and patient care.
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Is certification required to practice as a pharmacy technician in Texas?
In the state of Texas, pharmacy technicians must register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to practice. Graduates of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program are eligible to take the PTCB exam to become certified pharmacy technicians.
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What kind of job opportunities are available to graduates of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program?
Graduates of the UTRGV Pharmacy Technician program are in high demand, with career opportunities available in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, clinic pharmacies, nursing homes, and pharmaceutical companies.
Gallery of Pharmacy Technician Careers
