Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Colorado

According to the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, which recently changed its name to Division of Professions and Occupations, the state of Colorado does not register, certify or license pharmacy techs. Therefore, there are no pharmacy technician requirements in Colorado set forth to work as a pharmacy tech.

Basic Pharmacy Technician Requirements in Colorado

Even though the state does not require registration or licensing of pharmacy techs, you should meet at least the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or a GED
• Must be of good moral character
• Pass a criminal background check

Training Requirements

As Colorado does not regulate this career field, it is best to attend a training program or school that is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Programs that are accredited by the ASHP have shown that they meet the recommended requirements.

Certification Requirements

National certification is not required in Colorado. Visit the PTCB for information regarding national certification.

Requirements for Becoming a Pharmacy Technician in Colorado

In order to become a pharmacy tech in Colorado, the first thing you’ll need is a high school diploma or GED. From 2020, you are required to obtain Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, of good moral character and be able to pass a criminal background check. You will then be required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB has continuing education requirements.

What are the requirements to become a License Pharmacy Technician in Colorado?

• You need to have a high school diploma.
• Even if you have undergone informal on-the-job training, it is best to have completed formal training and obtain a certificate approved by the PTCB or ICPT because most of the employers (especially chain stores) favor those Pharmacy Technicians with certification and even more.

Is training required for Pharmacy Technicians in Colorado?

No, however, you are required to work under direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Are Pharmacy Technicians required to have a Continuing Education or CE?  

No they are not.

More Colorado Pharmacy Technician requirements to keep in mind:

• Pharmacy Technicians in Colorado are only allowed to perform pharmacy functions that do not require professional judgment.
• The State Board of Pharmacy in Colorado permits non-certified Pharmacy Technicians to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist as long as there are only 3 or less of them. More than three technicians require one of them to have a degree from any accredited pharmacy programs, obtain certification or must have a 500-hour experiential training.
• Pharmacy technicians must be recognized by the National Certification State Board of Pharmacy in Colorado.

Pharmacy Tech Educational Programs in Colorado

To obtain the skills you need to start your career, consider some of the many choices of schools where you can obtain training to become a pharmacy tech.  Among the many pharmacy tech education programs in Colorado are the following:

• Arapahoe Community College. This certificate program consists of two semesters of 15 weeks each. The second semester includes classroom and lab courses followed by an 8-week externship in both community and institutional pharmacy settings.
• Pike’s Peak Community College. Students can choose between a certificate program and an associate’s degree program. These programs bring together comprehensive training and experience to prepare graduates to excel in the pharmacy tech field.
• Emily Griffith Technical College.  Located in Denver, this program offers a fast track to a career as a pharmacy tech. It’s a hybrid program consisting of both in-person and online classes followed by an internship in a pharmacy setting.
• Penn Foster Career School. See also this affordable ASHP Accredited online training program.

Pharmacy Tech Certification and Licensing in Colorado

Since the state doesn’t license pharmacy techs, consider obtaining other credentials. According to the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy, if there are at least three pharmacy techs working in a pharmacy, at least one needs to have the following credentials:

• Have a degree from an accredited pharmacy tech training program
• Be certified by a certification board that is nationally recognized and approved by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
• Have completed at least 500 hours training documented by the pharmacist manager

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations of Pharmacy Technicians in Colorado

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts above average growth of 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average for all occupations. There will be an increased demand for prescription medications, partly because of higher rates of chronic diseases and an aging population.

The median annual wage was $32,700 as of 2018, which means half of all pharmacy technicians earned more than that and half earned less. The annual mean salary for Colorado pharmacy technicians is $36,880, and the hourly mean is $17.73.

Working as a Pharmacy Tech in Colorado

The skills you’ll acquire as a pharmacy tech allow you to work in a variety of settings. Examples of employment opportunities include pharmacies, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Expect to work a variety of hours since most healthcare facilities and some pharmacies are open around the clock, so you may be working days, nights and weekends.

Pharmacy techs may need to pick up some of the work formerly done by pharmacists since pharmacists are also picking up expanded roles by giving flu shots and performing other tasks. The job outlook for pharmacy technicians appears very strong throughout the state of Colorado.