Pharmacy Technology
About the Program
The Pharmacy Technology program provides students with the technical knowledge and practical skills required of an entry-level technician in both community and hospital pharmacy settings. This certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum of didactic as well as hands-on training in prescription filling, inventory packaging, patient profiling, sterile products preparation, and pharmacy calculations.
A pharmacy technician is a paraprofessional that aids the pharmacist in the daily tasks and functions of a pharmacy, which include, but are not limited to: customer service, insurance claims processing, and prescription order preparation. Pharmacy technicians contribute to the efficiency and optimal workflow of a pharmacy’s daily operations.
Pharmacy Technicians must have the ability to perform pharmaceutical calculations, knowledge of drugs and their therapeutic functions in regards to the body, and an understanding of how to communicate with other health care professionals and patients.
Application:
- Pharmacy Tech Application Form
Download the form, complete it, attach it to an email with "Program Application" in the subject line, and send it to: mlomas11@alamo.edu
Deadlines:
- APRIL 15th for subsequent FALL SEMESTER
- OCTOBER 15th for subsequent SPRING SEMESTER
Courses* available for registration prior to formal acceptance include:
- PHRA 1102-Pharmacy Law
- PHRA 1209-Pharmaceutical Calculations
- PHRA 1301-Introduction to Pharmacy
- PHRA 1305-Drug Classification
- HITT 1305-Medical Terminology
*all other program courses require formal acceptance and instructor approval.
Handbooks:
Current Awards
Job Outlook
Occupational profiles indicate a 28% growth for Pharmacy Technicians by year 2022 in the Alamo Region. Estimated average hourly wage is *$15.51 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) *Note: Variations should be expected.
As a result of advances in pharmaceutical research, more prescription medications are being used to fight diseases. Also, the number of older people is growing, and older people use more prescription drugs than younger people. (Department of Labor-Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Pharmacy technicians have many options for employment that include, but are not limited to:
- Community Pharmacies
- Institutional Pharmacies
- Nuclear Pharmacies
Careers Available:
The following titles are examples of careers associated with this program but not limited to:
- Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmaceutical Care Associate
Alamo Colleges Ready to Work ProgramConnecting you with training programs at the Alamo Colleges – and beyond. One or more of these programs are approved Ready to Work programs. Find out if you’re eligible to receive free tuition and job placement services that will enable you to secure an in-demand career. Don’t wait; apply today! |
The Alamo Colleges District is a proud partner of the City of San Antonio’s Ready to Work Program. |
Useful Links
Professional Organizations
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
National Pharmacy Technician Association
General Information
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
American Society of Health System Pharmacists
Texas State Board of Pharmacy * each state has their own respective board of pharmacy.
About the Program Coordinator: Marlena Lomas
Bio/Teaching Philosophy
I began my career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician in July of 2002, a career that has afforded me the opportunity to explore many different avenues of the pharmaceutical field. I began in a community pharmacy practice setting, through employment with Walgreen’s Pharmacy, a professional relationship I held for over 10 years. I enjoyed the patient interaction and constant change of the pharmaceutical environment.
After much thought, I decided to change professional settings and venture in the mail-order facet of pharmaceutical practice. Over a span of two years at Save Direct Rx, a mail order pharmacy in association with PTRx, I was able to practice with a clinical Pharmacist which gave me a deeper understanding of the health care options patients have. I learned the value of educating fellow technicians in a capacity that would allow them to be efficient and integral parts of daily pharmaceutical operations.
My experience as a health care provider gave me the good fortune of witnessing additional forms of pharmaceutical practice. Patient-health care provider education is an invaluable component of the wellbeing of our society. Imparting knowledge to those that require a special understanding of specific information concerning their health is a testament to the fact that there will always be a population that needs to learn coupled with a population that needs to teach. Pharmacy Technicians play a vital role in that education process.
In 2010, I was presented with an opportunity to educate those who were interested in pursuing a career as a Pharmacy Technician as an instructor at Northwest Vista. Since becoming an instructor at Northwest Vista, my goal has been to share the knowledge that I have acquired through study and experience, in the field of pharmacy, in a way that arms my students with a map to navigate through their own educational and career journey.
Education
B.S. in Biology University of Texas at San Antonio
Credentials
Certified Pharmacy Technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Registered Pharmacy Technician through the Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Member of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council
Contact Us |
Marlena Lomas Phone: |
Emily Coppin Location: Phone: |
Adrienne Partida Phone: |
Teresa Dimas Location: Phone: |