Pharmacy Technology Diploma (PT22) Diploma
Program Description:
The Pharmacy Technology diploma is designed to enable the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for employment within a pharmacy. Program graduates will be able to perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. A variety of clinical experiences is designed to integrate theory and practice. Graduates will be employable as entry-level pharmacy technician.
Entrance date:
- Core courses: Each semester
- Occupationally specific courses: Each semester
- Program Cost: $7,969
- Program admission requirements:
Minimum Test Scores
| ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION– | Reading | 236 | ACCUPLACER- | Sentence Skills | 60 |
| Writing | 232 | Reading Comp | 64 | ||
| Arithmetic | 235 | Arithmetic | 40 |
- High School diploma or equivalent required for admission. Applicant must be at least 16 years old.
- In addition, students must be at least 17 years old at the start of their practicum experience.
- Every program graduate is at least 18 years of age, and is a high school graduate, or possesses a high school equivalency certificate.
- Applicants must submit a satisfactory criminal record check and must pass a drug screening before starting the practicum courses.
- Documentation of a negative tuberculosis skin test or chest X-ray is required for orientation and every six months while enrolled in the program.
Credits required for graduation: 56
Requirements for State Registration
- $100.00 application fee (non-refundable)
- Applicant must attest that she or he is at least 17 years old;
- Applicant must be currently enrolled in high school, have a high school diploma, or a GED;
- Applicant must obtain a criminal history background check through Fieldprint. For assistance, contact 888-472-8918.
- Please visit https://www.fieldprintgeorgia.com/
- Video Demo on Registration Process
- Fieldprint User Guide
- Select Georgia State-Only Background Checks
- “Reviewing Agency” enter GAP236151
- Reason: GA Check Only
- If currently employed in a pharmacy, submit the license number of the pharmacy where the applicant is employed; and
- If certified, submit a copy of your Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certificate.
Note: Illicit drug use, criminal background checks, and immunization status may prevent future employment as a pharmacy technician, and externship sites, employers, and State Boards of Pharmacy have regulations about drug use, criminal backgrounds, and immunization status.
Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.
Quick Facts: Pharmacy Technician from U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 2022 Median Pay: $37,790 per year; $18.17/hour
- Education Entry Level: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Experience in Related Occupation: None
- On-the-job Training: Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Number of jobs 2022: 459,600
- Job Outlook 2012-32: 6% (faster than average)
- Employment Change 2022-32: 25,900
Employment
Despite limited employment growth, about 31,700 openings for pharmacy technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
| Year of Graduation | Number of Students Taking the Exam | Pass Rate After First Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | 4 | 100% |
| Fall 2022 | 2 | 100% |
| Spring 2022 | 1 | 100% |
| Fall 2021 | 2 | 50% |
| Spring 2021 | 1 | 100% |
The Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
| Basic Skills Courses 9 credits | |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I
Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills. |
3 |
| MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics
Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics. |
3 |
| PSYC 1010Basic Psychology
Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social relations. |
3 |
| Occupational Courses 47 credits | |
|---|---|
| ALHS 1011Structure and Function of the Human Body
Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. |
5 |
| COMP 1000Introduction to Computer Literacy
Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software. |
3 |
| ALHS 1090Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy. |
2 |
| PHAR 1000Pharmaceutical Calculations
Prerequisites: MATH 1111, MATH 1012 This course develops knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical calculations procedures. Topics include: systems of measurement, medication dispensing calculations, pharmacy mathematical procedures, and calculation tools and techniques. |
4 |
| PHAR 1010Pharmacy Technology Fundamentals
Provides an overview of the pharmacy technology field and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary for successful participation in the pharmacy field. Topics include: safety, orientation to the pharmacy technology field, Fundamental principles of chemistry, basic laws of chemistry, ethics and laws, definitions and terms, and reference sources. |
5 |
| PHAR 1040Pharmacology
The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse. |
4 |
| PHAR 1020Principles of Dispensing Medications
Prerequisites: PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010, PHAR 1040 This course introduces the student to principles of receiving, storing, and dispensing medications. Topics include: purchasing, packaging, and labeling drugs; pharmacy policies and procedures; documentation; inventory and filing systems; compounding; storage and control; pharmacy equipment; and health care organizational structure. This course provides laboratory and clinical practice. |
4 |
| PHAR 1030Principles of Sterile Medication Preparation
Prerequisites: PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010, PHAR 1040 Continues the development of student knowledge and skills in preparing medication, processing glassware, and maintaining an aseptic environment. Topics include: aseptic and sterile techniques, parenteral admixtures, hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, filtering, disinfecting, contamination, ophthalmic preparations, infection control, and quality control. |
4 |
| PHAR 1050Pharmacy Technology Practicum
Prerequisites: PHAR 1020, PHAR 1030 Orients students to the clinical environment and provides experiences with the basic skills necessary for the pharmacy technician. Topics include: storage and control, documentation, inventory and billing, community practice, institutional practice, and communication, |
5 |
| PHAR 2060Advanced Pharmacy Technology Principles
Prerequisites: COMP 1000, PHAR 1030, PHAR 1050, PHAR 1020 This course presents the advanced concepts and principles needed in the pharmacy technology field. Topics include: physician orders, patient profiles, pharmacy data systems, job readiness, legal requirements, inventory and billing, pharmaceutical calculations review and pharmacology review. |
3 |
| PHAR 2070Advanced Pharmacy Technology Practicum
Prerequisites: COMP 1000, PHAR 1030, PHAR 1050, PHAR 1020 Continues the development of student knowledge and skills applicable to pharmacy technology practice. Topics include: dispensing responsibilities, physician orders, controlled substances, hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, patient profiles, pharmacy data systems, ophthalmic preparations, and hospital/retail/home health pharmacy techniques. |
5 |
| ALHS 1040Introduction to Health Care
Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens. |
3 |
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The purpose of this catalog/handbook is to provide general information. It should not be construed as the basis of a contract between students and Albany Technical College (ATC). While the provisions of this catalog/handbook will ordinarily be applied as stated, ATC reserves the right to change any provisions listed without notice. Such changes may include entrance requirements and admissions procedures, courses, and programs of study, academic requirements for graduation, fees and charges, financial aid, rules and regulations and the College calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of all changes including academic requirements for graduation.