Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science Degree, AAS, Certificate, CER
Pathway: Health Sciences
The Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science degree will be discontinued and
is no longer admitting new students after the Spring 2025 semester. Pikes Peak State
College is committed to supporting our current AAS Pharmacy Technician students through
their graduation until the end of Spring 2027.
Ready to start a career helping licensed pharmacists? Our program teaches you the skills needed for sterile compounding, preparing IV medications, managing drug inventory, and handling patient authorizations. As the first advanced-level nationally-accredited program in southern Colorado, we're one of the few in the state offering an associate degree. You’ll benefit from access to excellent clinical facilities, state-of-the-art labs, and highly experienced faculty. Our graduates find careers in hospitals, retail pharmacies, labs, and senior care facilities.
%
Pass Rate
Since 2011 PPSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program has achieved a 99% pass rate for program graduates who choose to sit for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
%
Expected Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 12% from 2016 to 2026 (that's faster than average!). The BLS also suggests that pharmacy technicians with formal education or training, previous work experience, and national certification will be specifically sought after to meet these demands.
$
Salary
Hourly wages for pharmacy technicians can very greatly depending on the work site. Retail chain stores, retail independent stores and long-term care pharmacies tend to have lower wages. Hospitals, home health care agencies, pharmacy software companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers tend to have higher wages. *Average hourly wage nationally. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Pharmacy Technician Associate of Applied Science degree will be discontinued and is no longer admitting new students. Pikes Peak State College is committed to supporting our current AAS Pharmacy Technician students through their graduation until the end of Spring 2027.
Students must successfully complete the initial PPSC Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program before being eligible to complete the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Certificate. With this advanced certificate students learn how to use spreadsheets and become familiar with necessary medical terminology.
This certificate program prepares students to assist in the preparation of prescribed medications, including retrieval, counting, pouring, weighing, measuring, and mixing medications.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is an exciting field with dynamic and challenging situations for those called to public service. Train for jobs like paramedic, EMT, and EMS provider in rural or hospital settings with our Colorado Department of Health and Environment-approved program. Our program fosters critical thinking, leadership, ethical work, and respect, ensuring you're ready for a successful career in emergency healthcare.
Explore Emergency Medical Services
The Medical Office Administration Certificate is designed to prepare individuals to work as receptionists in the healthcare industry. The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate is designed to train students to code and bill physician services in ambulatory care settings. Classes from each of these certificates may be applied to the Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science.
Explore Medical Office Technology
PPSC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (312) 263-0456.
PPSC’s Pharmacy Technician Program has been accredited as an Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician Education Program by ASHP/ACPE, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. It is also a PTCB Approved Program.
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)