The Pharmacy Technician program at College of the Mainland has been ranked No. 1 in Texas by the Pharmacy Technician Guide.

After evaluating the 51 schools which offer a pharmacy tech program, College of the Mainland came out on top due to tuition cost, graduation rate and the student-to-faculty ratio among others. Nationally, COM is ranked No. 20.

“The colleges that have made it to our list are not only known in the state but also in the nation for consistently nurturing the academic and career goals of pharmacy technician students with a successful outcome,” the Pharmacy Technician Guide reported on its website.

In its finding, the Pharmacy Technician Guide says, “COM has stayed ahead in its initiative of helping low income community students and students of color achieve in their academic goals. Its graduates with technical degrees are also known to have earned the highest starting salaries in the state.”

COM program instructors, who bring professional experience as pharmacy technicians or pharmacists, provide Pharmacy Tech students individual assistance. Students also participate in hands-on labs, classes and internships to learn the skills needed to launch a rewarding career. On average, students spend 160 hours in internships at a community pharmacy and a hospital pharmacy. Internships provide valuable work experience and often lead to job opportunities.

COM offers an Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology and a certificate in Pharmacy Technology. After completing the certificate program in a year, students are prepared to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. Certificate graduates may enter the workforce immediately or continue for a second year to obtain an Associate in Applied Science in pharmacy technician for greater career opportunities.

The COM program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.