The program is designed to prepare students for careers as pharmacy technicians in hospital, retail, mail-order pharmacies and other pharmacy related industries. Students receive classroom, laboratory and practical experience covering all aspects of the profession. Included within the laboratory portions of the program is a 45-hour content-specific block of instruction dealing with the preparation of sterile intravenous products as required by the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. After completion of this training, students are New Mexico Board of Pharmacy certified to prepare sterile products. The Pharmacy Technician Program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
Special Requirements
Program Entry Registration Screening
This is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program; students must complete a pre-registration screening process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office before being eligible to register for program courses.
Criminal Background
Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions through the New Mexico Department of Health. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
Physical Requirements
Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Office for more information.
Program Fees
Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).
Career and Educational Opportunities
The Pharmacy Technician program typically has a high placement rate for its graduates. Jobs are available in hospitals, retail and specialty pharmacies. Graduates are eligible to take the National Certification exam for pharmacy technicians. Graduates who have taken the certification exam have consistently scored higher than the national average.
Students planning to continue their educations at higher education institutions are encouraged to take CHEM 1410/CHEM 1492 and COMM 2221.
This program’s first term courses are offered every other term. This may delay a student’s program start date. Please check with an academic advisor for more information.
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