Mary McHugh, Director

The Pharmacy Technology Program at Missoula College prepares students to function as pharmacy technicians in hospital-based pharmacies, community pharmacies, and several other types of pharmacies. The two-semester program includes online classes, simulation exercises in a well-equipped pharmacy lab, and experiential learning opportunities. Lab and experiential hours allow students to integrate their knowledge gained from online studies into practical settings.

The Pharmacy Technology Program is an autumn entry program.  Applicants to the Pharmacy Technology program must complete the program specific application packet which can be obtained from the UM Missoula College Pharmacy Technology website. Documentation of college level skills in writing, math, and computers is required. Please see the application form for acceptable methods of documentation.

Once accepted into the program, all students are expected to register with the State of Montana as Pharmacy Technicians in Training.  Please note the requirements of registration as a Pharmacy Technician in Training found on the application form on the Montana State Board of Pharmacy website. Students must complete the required autumn PHAR classes with a C or higher to proceed to the spring semester. If a student does not pass the required courses with a C or better, he/she will not be able to continue in the program and will need to apply for readmission. A student may take any required course a maximum of two (2) times.  After successfully completing the program and sitting for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, students are awarded a Certificate of Applied Science.

Conviction of a crime (misdemeanor or felony) could leave an individual ineligible for participation in the certifying test and/or becoming registered in Montana as a certified pharmacy technician. Background checks are required prior to internships. Additionally, the Montana State Board of Pharmacy Application for Pharmacy Technician Registration includes a number of questions regarding personal history, including but not limited to criminal charges. Please contact the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board), www.ptcb.org, and the Montana State Board of Pharmacy if this is a potential problem.

The Pharmacy Technology Program is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists/Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE), as well as falling under the University of Montana’s accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that for 2016, the salary range in Montana was $33,970-$42,170.