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Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program

About the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program (PTP)

The Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy proudly established the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program (PTP) in 2023 to help address the pharmacy technician shortage problem in Texas. The shortage in Texas is expected to grow even more by 2033. The Rangel College of Pharmacy is eager to be a part of the solution to this problem.

The Rangel College of Pharmacy opened in fall 2006 with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Since the very beginning, we have been exceptional in meeting our mission. The Aggie PTP program too will be outstanding as we have developed this program to meet the gold standard accreditation requirements of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

The Aggie PTP curriculum is based on a model where students practice in retail or hospital pharmacies what they learn in the classroom and lab. When students begin their hands-on phase, they will practice as pharmacy technician trainees.

 

Program Requirements

For Admission

  1. Be a high school graduate, earned a GED diploma, or is currently a high school student.
  2. Must be 18 years old by the program start date—the first day of Block 1.
  3. Meet TSI/TSIA college readiness standards or meet TSI/TSIA exemption standards [1].
  4. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on the high school or college transcript or a passing score on the GED test[2]. Cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Submit the admissions application. 
  6. Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher or employer.
  7. Successfully complete the criminal background checks and drug screening.
  8. Maintain health insurance.
  9. Be able to perform each technical standard and essential function.

For Experiential Rotation

  1. Obtain the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) pharmacy technician trainee registration. Students are responsible for the application fee. If you have previously applied for the pharmacy technician trainee registration with TSBP, your status must be active until the end of Block 3 for the cycle for which you are submitting the admissions application.
  2. Complete the required immunizations.
  3. Agree to travel up to an hour one way to complete the apprenticeship.

If you are an international student, please contact us at aggieptp@tamu.edu. 

Schedule

Program Schedule

Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

•   Professionalism and the Role of the Pharmacy Technician

•   Community Pharmacy Practice

•   Institutional Pharmacy Practice

•   Calculations

•   Communications

 

•   Dosage Forms and Compounding

•   Pharmacy Law and Ethics

•   Pharmacotherapy and Disease Processes

•   Point of Care Testing and Immunizations

•   Safety, Resources and Emergency Preparedness

•   Technician Certification Review

•   180 Apprenticeship Hours

[1] For the details on the college readiness benchmark scores and the TSI/TSIA exemptions, please visit this Texas Education Agency page: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/the-tsia-texas-success-initiative-assessment.

[2] The passing score is different based on when the GED exam was taken. For more information, please visit this Texas Education Agency page: https://tea.texas.gov/student-assessment/certificate-of-high-school-equivalency/test-score-requirements.

Application Process

  1. Complete and submit the online admissions application form and required documents.
  2. RCOP notifies candidate for interview.
  3. RCOP notifies admitted student.
  4. Student accepts the admission offer.

For additional information or questions, please fill out the prospective student form.

Tuition

The total tuition cost for this program is $4,000 plus a non-refundable $25 application fee and the pharmacy technician trainee registration application fee. Since the pharmacy technician trainee registration application fee can change, please visit the TSBP website here for the latest cost. There will be merit-based and needs-based scholarships to offset this tuition cost.

Important Dates

 Please note that all dates are subject to change
 
Summer/Fall 2025 Semester
Application Deadline
 Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Scholarship Offers Made
 Every week, as admissions decisions are made.
 Program Starts 
 Monday, May 19, 2025
 Program Ends 
 Friday, January 2, 2026

When is the program offered?

Twice a year. One cohort begins on the first Monday in February. The other cohort begins on the third Monday in May.

What is the curriculum?

The Aggie PTP will train all students to work at a retail or hospital pharmacy as an entry-level
pharmacy technician. During Blocks 1 and 2, students are introduced to the profession of pharmacy
technician and develop various skills. During Block 3, students become pharmacy technician trainees, in retail or hospital pharmacies, and practice what they learned in Blocks 1 and 2.

What is the employment outlook for pharmacy technicians?

The average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in Texas was $20.67 in 2023 and the average annual wage was $42,990. Texas has the second highest pharmacy technician employment level in the US.

Source: Pharmacy Technicians Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm

How much will it cost to complete the Aggie PTP?

The program cost is made up of a non-refundable application fee, program tuition, one book for the entire program, pharmacy technician trainee registration application fee and a device such as a laptop, iPad, or desktop computer you will need for the entire program. Please see the table below.

Application fee

$25

Tuition

$4,000

Book

$111, new book, lower price is possible

Pharmacy technician trainee registration application fee

$105, an estimate, includes fingerprinting fee

Laptop, iPad, or desktop computer

$500, an estimate and if needed

 Are there scholarships?

Yes! There will be scholarships awarded based on merit and financial needs. The admissions application already contains questions that will be used to determine scholarship awards. It is possible to receive a scholarship equal to the full tuition.

There are other pharmacy technician programs. Why should I choose the Aggie PTP over the other ones?

The Aggie PTP stands out because of many reasons:

1) We are a PTCB-recognized program and we are also seeking ASHP/ACPE accreditation. Getting accredited by ASHP/ACPE ensures quality and compliance with their standards.

2) Plus, we uphold the high Texas A&M Aggie standards.

3) We offer a hybrid delivery format where students complete part of the courses online and other parts on campus.

4) Our tuition is about half as much as the average cost of a pharmacy technician program in Texas, as per the Texas Workforce Commission search results, https://apps.twc.state.tx.us/CSC/directory/search.do.

5) We provide APhA Immunization Delivery training for technicians. After completing our program, students will be certified to administer certain immunizations.

6) Courses are taught by the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy PharmD and PhD faculty.

7) To ensure student success, we provide academic support through PharmD peer mentors and other supplemental instructors.

How do I get more information about the Aggie PTP?

Complete the prospective student form available here. You can also email us at aggieptp@tamu.edu to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting.

What Our Program Graduates Say

“I signed up for the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program to start my career in the pharmacy field. After graduating [from college] in May of 2024, I knew I wanted to begin my journey by working in a pharmacy in order to gain experience in the environment. The opportunity to be a part of the first cohort for the Aggie PTP was truly a blessing. Being in the program gave me insight and knowledge that empowered me to become certified quickly and have a position granted to me in a hospital setting, which was my goal. I was told that gaining a position in a hospital pharmacy would be difficult, especially for a newly certified technician, but because of the hard work put into my classes and apprenticeship, I was able to achieve my goal.

Working in a hospital pharmacy has only ignited my passion for pharmacy even more. It was the professionalism I learned and experience I gained while in the Aggie PTP that were my main takeaways that gave me more opportunities to further my career. I also gained a network of mentors that were, and continue to be, encouraging and understanding. I plan to go further in the field by applying to pharmacy school which used to be a daunting goal, but now with the experience I have I feel more prepared and ready for the challenge to come.”

-Summer 2024 Cohort Graduate

“I applied to the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program to gain the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the healthcare field and make a difference in my community. I wanted to be a part of something where I could gain a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences through hands-on experience. Throughout my time as a student in this program and my apprenticeship at St. Joseph’s regional hospital in Bryan, I have gained invaluable insights into patient care, medication safety, and the importance of attention to detail in the healthcare setting.

Since completing the program, I have started nursing school at the University of Saint Thomas. Everything I learned and experienced during my time at Texas A&M and in the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program have proven to be an asset in my new journey. I look forward to taking these lessons into the next chapter of my academic and professional journey. It has been an honor and privilege to learn alongside my peers and to be part of the inaugural cohort of this program. I am incredibly grateful for all of the staff, faculty, and donors who made this opportunity possible. Thank you.”

-Summer 2024 Cohort Graduate
 “I applied to the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program to gain hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting, connect with others passionate about pharmacy, and deepen my understanding of the field. During the summer, I gained valuable classroom learning, laboratory experience, and built relationships with my peers and mentors. With the knowledge I gained from classroom learning and laboratory experience, I was able to apply these skills during my apprenticeship at CVS, where I earned a position as a pharmacy technician. The relationships I built with my peers and mentors have been invaluable, helping me work effectively with my colleagues and pharmacists.

My understanding of different medications has proven essential when filling prescriptions, while my communication skills allow me to interact confidently with patients. Additionally, my laboratory experience has equipped me to maintain a clean and sterile environment when handling medications. Everything I have learned through the Aggie Pharmacy Technician Program has been instrumental in shaping me into the pharmacy technician I am today. This experience provided me with extensive knowledge and a better understanding of the world of pharmacy. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program, and I will carry the knowledge, skills, and experiences I’ve gained as I continue to grow and expand my understanding of the pharmacy field.”

-Summer 2024 Cohort Graduate 
 “Becoming a pharmacy technician was a natural choice for me because of my passion for healthcare and my desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I’ve always been fascinated by how medications work to improve health and manage various conditions. As someone who values precision and attention to detail, I found the role of a pharmacy technician to be a perfect fit. It allows me to contribute to the healthcare system in a meaningful way by ensuring patients receive the right medications and understand how to use them safely. Additionally, I enjoy the fast-paced environment of a pharmacy, where every task—whether it’s filling prescriptions, managing inventory, or assisting patients—plays a vital role in their well- being.

Another reason I chose this career is the opportunity to connect with and support people in their healthcare journey. As a pharmacy technician, I interact with individuals from all walks of life, offering them guidance and compassion during what can often be stressful or uncertain times. I find immense satisfaction in being a part of a team that helps patients feel cared for and informed. This role not only challenges me to stay organized and adaptable but also inspires me to continue learning about advancements in medications and pharmacy practices. Ultimately, becoming a pharmacy technician has allowed me to combine my interest in science with my commitment to helping others, which is deeply rewarding.”

-Summer 2024 Cohort Graduate 

 

 

Dr. Andrea Mora
Aggie PTP Program Director
andrea.mora@tamu.edu

Dr. Elaine Demps
Aggie PTP Program Manager
demps@tamu.edu
ph: 361.221.0961

Dr. Mohammad Nutan
Program Development Director
mnutan@tamu.edu

Teresa Zamora, CPhT
Aggie PTP Operations Coordinator
teresa.zamora@tamu.edu
ph: 979.436.0769