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
Program Training Dates
Next Cohort application opens February 2026 with tentative start May 2026.
How to Apply
- The program is currently open to UTSW employees seeking to transition to the pharmacy department as Pharmacy Technicians.
- 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.
Pharmacy Technician Training Program Graduates
1st Cohort Graduates
Katelyn Smith
“I started out in Nutrition Services at UT Southwestern. After about 6 months, I felt ready to transition into a job with a strong career path, and fortunately I was told about an exciting new opportunity with the Pharmacy Technician Training Program. It offered full time pay as well as in person shadowing opportunities and a self-paced virtual learning environment. I was ecstatic when I got the job! Six months since graduating and I am a full-fledged inpatient pharmacy technician, and now that I've seen what opportunities lie ahead of me, I no longer sleep at night worrying if my job is meaningful. I know that every syringe I draw will help a NICU baby or patient become strong enough to see their family again. The sky is the limit, really; and I'm blessed that UT Southwestern offers such an opportunity. “
Luis Ladron
“I applied for the Pharmacy Technician Training Program earlier this year being one of the first students. I worked previously as a cashier for UT Southwestern about a year or so. Initially, a lot of pressure was built up, yet throughout the program my preceptors and coordinators encouraged me to keep going and to stay positive. After passing the national exam, all that hard work and discipline paid off, as I'm now an official Pharmacy Technician! I am looking forward to pushing myself more into the medical field, helping others with similar goals.”
2nd Cohort Graduates
Anay Aguilar
“I am currently working as an Ambulatory Pharmacy Technician. I began working as a server at CUH before being accepted to the Pharmacy Technician program, which I completed in September 2025. This program has given me so much and opened numerous career opportunities. The knowledge you gain helps you understand how important and valuable pharmacy technicians are to the industry.“
Sierra Waldock
“I graduated from University of North Texas and obtained my bachelor’s in science. I worked at UT Southwestern in the Animal Resource Center in 2024 for 10 months and then transferred over to the Pharmacy Department. I was admitted into the Pharmacy Technician Training Program back in June. It was such an honor to be chosen. This program has changed my life for the better. I can plan for my future now, and I have a career to look forward to. I am currently working in the inpatient pharmacy at Clements. Very happy that I have gotten this far and can’t wait for what’s next.”