To register for any of the programs available on this page, please CLICK HERE.
Pharmacy Technician Program
Course Code: PHRA-1060
This comprehensive 70-hour course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's PTCB exam. Technicians can work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies and community pharmacies. In the course, you'll learn medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. You will also learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing prescriptions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.Price: $1150
Other Expenses: $125 Exam
Phlebotomy Technician
Course Code: PLAB-1060
There is a need for trained phlebotomists in the Rio Grande Valley. In conjunction with Valley Baptist Health Systems Hospital, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) can provide students this training. This 250-hour phlebotomy course will teach you skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and universal precautions. As recommended by NCCLS, topics include vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, blood culture and specimen collection on adults and pediatrics. Emphasis on injection prevention, proper patient identification, labeling of specimens and qualify specimen handling and processing will be given. Instruction will also include professionalism, ethics, medical terminology, related anatomy, physiology and utilization of laboratory equipment. Successful completion of the course will prepare students to challenge the ASCP National Registry Exam.
The course includes 250 hours scheduled over 8 1/2 to 9 weeks. Lecture will be taught at TSTC on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. for two weeks, and clinical will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Valley Baptist Health Systems Hospital in the Pathology Laboratory on the second floor. Some variation in hours may occur due to clinical location, weekend internship or off-shift internship. Attendance at all classes and clinical assignments is mandatory. Only in extreme circumstances will absences be excused and written documentation will be required.
Sign Up: Register at Admission Department located at Student Services building.
Fee: Fees are required to be paid in full at time of registration. Price includes tuition, student's liability insurance and accident, sickness and needlestick insurance. Neither TSTC nor Valley Baptist Health System Hospital will be held responsible for such injuries or treatment for exposure. Student will be responsible for purchasing the required book. NO refunds will be made to phlebotomy students after the third class meeting. Students are responsible for physical examination and shots fee. (Minimum 20 students) Price: $800
Pre-requisites:
Complete scheduled interview
- High school diploma/GED
- Dress Code: khaki or white pants; pastel polo shirt for men; pastel shirt or blouse for women
- Physical examination
- Background check
- Pass drug screen (click here for drug testing locations)
- Immunizations must be completed prior to the first class day
- Proof of official immunization records must be presented with the following:
- Hepatitis A & B vaccine series
- Tetanus
- TB test
For more information: http://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunize/school/default.shtm
Placement: Valley Baptist Health System Hospital, itself, will be in need of qualified phlebotomist at the end of the course. Other jobs exist in doctor's offices, other hospitals and health clinics. Starting salaries depend on the place of employment and student test performance.
Note: Self-motivation and good human relation skills are essential to becoming successful in this program and in this career. Because of the kind of work required, students should also have good eye sight, and must be able to speak English.
For more information, contact our Continuing Education Department at 956-364-4606.