Pharmacy Technician Training Program for UT Southwestern Employees

The UT Southwestern Pharmacy Technician Training Program prepares students for a career as pharmacy technicians working primarily in the hospital and ambulatory setting.

The program is approximately four months duration consisting of a structured didactic, simulation and experiential training under the supervision of pharmacists and technicians.

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 apply to open positions within the system to continue employment in the department of pharmacy.

Mentorship Opportunities

The Trainees will be matched with a pharmacy technician as a mentor within their area of interest. They will meet with their mentor once a month for at least a year. During these sessions, the mentee will be provided with professional and career guidance in preparation for graduation and life after the Pharmacy Technician Program.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent
• Complete the Human Resource screening process
• Comply with immunization requirements
• Meet age requirement for employment of pharmacy technicians
• Possess basic technology skills
• Available on-site for all program training

Program Requirement Upon Hire

• Upon hire, candidate will be assigned English and Math proficiency test with a minimum passing score of 70%.
• Registration with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee is required by the start date. If the applicant currently has an active registration with TSBP, it must be valid for at least 12 months upon the start date.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, course accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA), or American Red Cross (ARC) required by start date.

Program Overview

The program is approximately 430 hours or more scheduled individually for each candidate.

• Online Didactic: Approximately 132 hours provided through the Pharmacy Technician University (PTU) online program
• Simulations: Approximately 65 hours in-person by program coordinator at UTSW
• Experiential: Approximately 224 hours in person under the supervision of assigned preceptors

How to Apply

1. The program is currently open to UTSW employees seeking to transition to the pharmacy department as Pharmacy Technicians.
2. Visit the UT Southwestern Careers website to complete an application.

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.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor; Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pharmacy Technicians: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm.