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To become a pharmacy technician in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old and have earned a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, candidates are required to pass a criminal background check before applying for licensure.
When enrolling in a training program and applying to the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, you’ll need to provide proof of these requirements.
To meet Colorado’s certification requirements, pharmacy technicians must complete a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) preparation course. This course ensures that you are well-versed in essential topics such as pharmacy law, medication safety, pharmacology, and patient care.
Stepful’s online pharmacy technician course is specifically designed to prepare students for national certification. Through interactive lessons, hands-on exercises, and expert instruction, our program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the pharmacy field.
Most pharmacy technician programs include practical training to help students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Colorado students can seek externship opportunities at local pharmacies, hospitals, or healthcare facilities to fulfill this requirement.
At Stepful, we collaborate with select pharmacies and healthcare facilities to provide externship opportunities, helping students gain valuable experience before entering the job market. Our team also offers resume assistance and job search guidance to support career advancement.
After the externship, you’re ready to take the exam! Since March 30, 2020, Colorado requires pharmacy technicians to obtain national certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) before they can practice. Earning the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential demonstrates your expertise in medication safety, pharmacy law, and patient care.
Once you’ve earned your PTCB certification, you must apply for licensure through the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy before you can begin working.
The application process requires submitting a completed form, paying a $57.00 application fee, and undergoing a criminal background check. Technicians cannot practice until they receive full or provisional approval from the State Board of Pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians in Colorado can find job opportunities at retail pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities. Job seekers can explore positions through platforms such as the Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS), State of Colorado job listings, and other national job platforms. Networking is also key to discovering openings and gaining insights into the industry.
At Stepful, our career coaches provide personalized support, including job search guidance and resume optimization, to help you secure a rewarding pharmacy technician position.
Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program has received accreditation by ASHP! American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the only nationally-recognized pharmacy association that accredits pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. ASHP accreditation represents formal recognition of the high quality of services and care provided by Stepful’s Pharmacy Technician program.
Colorado requires pharmacy technicians to be nationally certified. This involves passing an examination administered by either the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
To work as a pharmacy technician in Colorado, you must obtain a license from the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy before practicing. The licensing process requires candidates to submit an application, pay the mandatory fee, and pass a criminal background check. Pharmacy technicians must hold national certification before applying for licensure.
Pharmacy technicians must renew their certification every two years by paying a $40.00 fee and completing continuing education credits. The PTCB requires 10 hours of continuing education, including one hour in patient safety and pharmacy law.
Pharmacy technicians in Colorado are prohibited from executing tasks that require clinical judgment or the professional expertise of a licensed pharmacist. Specifically, they are not permitted to perform the following duties:
Under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy technicians in Colorado may perform the following tasks:
Communicating with practitioners regarding refill authorization requests.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for pharmacy technicians nationwide is expected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are over 5,300 technicians in Colorado with an active pharmacy tech license. Competition for pharmacy technician positions in Colorado is currently high.
The average salary for pharmacy technicians in Colorado is $49,810 annually, with an average hourly wage of $22.52, which could increase based on experience, location, and employer. As the healthcare industry expands, pharmacy technicians play an essential role in ensuring the accurate dispensing of medications and supporting pharmacists in patient care.
Pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician in Colorado offers a stable and rewarding opportunity in the healthcare sector. With a competitive salary and positive job outlook, it's an excellent choice for those interested in supporting patient care and working in a dynamic environment.
Joining professional organizations is a valuable way for pharmacy technicians in Colorado to advance their careers, stay informed about industry trends, and connect with other professionals. Notable organizations include:
4-Month Online Pharmacy Technician Course
Receive your National NHA-CPhT Certificate
100% Online Followed by In-Person Externship
Job Interview Prep and Resume Services
1:1 Support From Enrollment to Employment
