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Maybe you want to work as a pharmacy tech in Colorado.
If you are thinking of a career in this industry, this article will bring you the info you need.
Article Table of Contents
Training Requirements in Colorado
As part of your job, you will need to label, mix, and take count of the patient’s medications.
For this, you first need to train and meet some criteria.
First of all, you have to get a high-school diploma or GED.
You also have to be at least 18 years old and obtain a pharmacy tech license from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Passing a background check is also required.
You can then complete a program in a trade school or a vocational college.
Most cities offer both associate’s degrees which take about 2 years to complete, but also diplomas.
Getting a diploma from a school does not usually take more than 9 months.
You also have to make sure that the school you choose is accredited by the Board.
Some of the best training schools in Colorado include:
- Arapahoe Community College: offers both practical training and theory classes split in 2 semesters that last for 15 weeks each
- Pike’s Peak Community College: provides 9-month courses that end in a diploma, but also associate degrees which take 2 years
- Emily Griffith Technical College: the school offers in-person classes but also online classes, as well as an internship
- Penn Foster Career School: this school provides an online program that could be a good choice for busy students
Check the table below for more schools offering training programs for pharmacy technicians.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College | 1250 Welton Street, Denver, Colorado 80204-2197 |
| Front Range Community College | 3645 W 112th Ave, Westminster, Colorado 80031 |
| National American University | 1325 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80222-3308 |
| Pikes Peak Community College | 5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906-5498 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 3770 Citadel Drive North, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909 |
| Pima Medical Institute | 7475 Dakin St Suite 100, Denver, Colorado 80221 |
| Pueblo Community College | 900 West Orman Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado 81004-1499 |
| Remington College | 6050 Erin Park Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918-3401 |
Getting a Pharmacy Tech License in Colorado
In order to obtain the required credentials, you will need to:
- Finish a minimum of 500 training hours
- Take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Have a degree or a diploma attesting to your experience
- Obtain a license that is accredited at a national level by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
Average Salary for a Pharmacy Tech in Colorado
A report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that industry jobs will increase by 12% by 2026.
In Colorado, pharmacy techs are expected to earn a salary of $34,950 per year, which is a bit lower than the national average salary for a pharmacy technician.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Denver | $35,451 |
| Colorado Springs | $34,890 |
| Aurora | $35,427 |
| Fort Collins | $34,126 |
| Thornton | $35,451 |
| Arvada | $35,451 |
| Westminster | $35,451 |
| Pueblo | $32,510 |
| Boulder | $35,966 |
| Greeley | $34,271 |
Regional Salary in Colorado
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 300 | $45,420 | $21.84 | $56,380 | $37,370 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 720 | $42,460 | $20.41 | $51,130 | $33,310 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 3,180 | $44,820 | $21.55 | $57,880 | $36,610 |
| Fort Collins, CO | 400 | $42,730 | $20.54 | $50,380 | $33,450 |
| Grand Junction, CO | 210 | $41,190 | $19.8 | $50,070 | $34,620 |
| Greeley, CO | 220 | $41,350 | $19.88 | $48,630 | $33,090 |
| Pueblo, CO | 210 | $40,970 | $19.7 | $47,470 | $31,320 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Finding a Job as a Pharmacy Tech in Colorado
You can easily find a place of employment in this state.
A newly licensed pharmacy tech can work in a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or even a nursing home.
As most of the facilities are open all night long, you should expect to work night shifts and even weekends.
You could also be asked to perform a variety of other tasks, including giving flu shots.
The first step in getting hired is completing a program, so check out which program is more suitable for your needs.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Technician Schools by State