What is a Pharmacy Technician?

A pharmacy technician is a health care professional who works in a hospital or community pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their primary role is to assist pharmacists in the safe and accurate preparation and dispensing of medications. They are an extremely valuable pharmacy team member who works with many different health care professionals. Some of their responsibilities may include medication compounding and dispensing, prescription processing, inventory management, customer service and insurance processing.

About the Training Program

The University Health Pharmacy Technician Training Program provides education and experience to students so they can prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and be successful certified pharmacy technicians.

This 480-hour training will include the education to confidently perform quality patient care and medication safety. The program is separated into four sections:

12-week program:

• Week 1-3 (didactic): 40 hours/week (remote)
• Week 4-6 (simulation): 40 hours/week (on-site)
• Week 7-11 (experiential): 40 hours/week (on-site)
• Week 12 (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam preparation): 40 hours (on-site)

Benefits

A career as a certified pharmacy technician is fast-paced and rewarding. It involves teamwork, communication and a desire to help the community. The last several years have shown an increased hourly wage and increased demand for certified pharmacy technicians. In 2021, the average wage for pharmacy technicians was $17.66 per hour and $36,740 annually. In 2022, the average increased to $19.35 per hour and $40,260 annually.

In terms of job opportunities, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% projected growth in pharmacy technician jobs from 2021 to 2031. Moreover, pharmacy technician positions at University Health are projected to surpass the current growth in pharmacy technician jobs in the next five years, primarily due to the opening of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and the planned establishment of additional University Health hospitals throughout Bexar County. As a result, upon successful completion of the program there is potential job opportunity within University Health.

Requirements

• U.S. social security number
• High-school diploma or GED
• Personal email address
• Home address
• Access to computer and internet from home
• Proof of immunizations
• Pass background check and drug screen

Admissions Criteria

• Application - Download application [PDF]
• Submit admission essay
• Submit required documentation for qualifications
• Participate in on-site interview
• Complete math and reading comprehension assessment quizzes
• Agree to register with TSBP as technician in training prior to training program start date
• Agree to take and pass PTCE within 60 days of program completion

Application Information

The applicant must submit the following application materials to PharmTech@uhtx.com.

• Completed application
• Essay/letter of interest
  • 1-2 pages, double-spaced
  • Summarize why you are interested in pursuing a career as a certified pharmacy technician.

Application Deadlines

Program Director

Rebecca Brady, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA
Pharmacy Education Manager, Quality & Education
The Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Services
University Health
4502 Medical Drive, MS 102-1
San Antonio, TX 78229
Office: 210-743-4028

Program Instructors

Adrian O’Prey, B.S, CPhT
Supervisor Pharmacy Technician Educator
The Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Services
University Health
4502 Medical Drive, RG-A29
San Antonio, TX 78229
Office: 210-743-4040

Eve Preciado, CPhT-Adv
Supervisor Pharmacy Technician Educator
The Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy Services
University Health
4502 Medical Drive, RG-A29
San Antonio, TX 78229
Office: 210-743-7961