Pharmacy Technician SAU Tech
Start Your Career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician
Looking to enter the healthcare field without becoming a nurse? The Pharmacy Technician program at Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) is an excellent option for students interested in pharmacy, customer service, and fast-paced healthcare environments. This program prepares you to assist licensed pharmacists with prescription processing, patient support, and inventory control—while working toward state and national pharmacy technician certification.
With opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities, pharmacy technicians are in growing demand across the healthcare industry.
Career Opportunities in Pharmacy Technology
Graduates of this program can work in:
- Retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.)
- Hospital and clinic-based pharmacies
- Specialty and compounding pharmacies
- Long-term care or rehabilitation facilities
- Mail-order and insurance-based prescription services
As more pharmacies expand services and as the population ages, job growth and demand for certified pharmacy technicians continue to rise.
Pharmacy Technician Program Overview
Degrees Offered:
- AAS in Health Sciences – Pharmacy Technician Option
- Certificate of Proficiency in Health Sciences (for entry-level foundational knowledge)
Program Format: In-person, hands-on training with simulated pharmacy environments
Career Focus: Certification preparation and job readiness for roles in retail, hospital, and institutional pharmacies
Why Choose SAU Tech’s Pharmacy Technician Program?
- Hands-on, real-world preparation for pharmacy technician certification
- Flexible pathway for those wanting to work in healthcare without direct patient care
- Affordable tuition with financial aid and advising support
- Transferable skills for roles in hospitals, retail chains, and specialty pharmacies
- Prepares students to meet state board registration and certification requirements
- Strong communication and customer service training for patient-facing roles
What Pharmacy Technicians Do
Pharmacy technicians are vital members of the healthcare team. They support pharmacists by managing day-to-day tasks and ensuring that patients receive the correct medications promptly and safely.
Typical duties include:
- Gathering prescription information from patients or medical professionals
- Measuring and preparing medications for dispensing
- Labeling and packaging prescriptions
- Maintaining inventory and alerting pharmacists to low stock
- Entering patient data and managing pharmacy software systems
- Processing payments and insurance claims
- Handling phone calls and assisting with customer service
- Facilitating pharmacist consultations when patients have medical questions
- In hospitals and other clinical settings, pharmacy technicians may also assist in preparing intravenous (IV) medications, operate automated dispensing systems, and deliver medications directly to patient care areas.
Program Goal
To provide students with the foundational knowledge and applied skills necessary for employment as a pharmacy technician and to prepare students for further study in nursing or health science-related bachelor’s degree programs.
Program Overview
Graduates of the program will:
Demonstrate an understanding of natural sciences through theory and lab-based training
Use the scientific method to interpret healthcare data and solve problems
Apply critical thinking to patient care and medication processing
Communicate effectively in pharmacy and healthcare settings
Understand the role of cultural and social factors in patient care and public health
Take the First Step Toward Your Pharmacy Technology Career
Questions about certification requirements, career opportunities, or transferring into other healthcare programs? Our team is here to guide you through every step.
