Pharmacy Technician Program offered at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen
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 work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies and more. Course content includes medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names. Students will 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 offered at TSTC in Harlingen
Course Code: PLAB-1060
There is a need for trained phlebotomist here in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas State Technical College, in conjunction with, Valley Baptist Health Systems Hospital can provide students this training. This 250-hour phlebotomy course gives students 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 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 for 8 1/2 to 9 weeks. Lecture will be taught at TSTC Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for two weeks, and clinical will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 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 to all classes and clinical assignments are 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 to be paid in full at time of registration include tuition, and student's liability, accident & sickness and needle stick 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 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 (Ponytail/hair below collar not allowed for men.)
- 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: Texas Department of State Health Services
Placement: Valley Baptist Health System Hospital 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, as well as the student's test performance.
Note: Self-motivation and good human relation skills are essential to become successful in this program and in this career. Because of the kind of work required, students should also have good eyesight, and must be able to speak English.
For more information, contact the Texas State Technical College Continuing Education Department at 956-364-4606.
To register for any of the programs available on this page, please click here.