Pharmacy Technology Certificate (PB71) Technical Certificate of Credit
(Stand-Alone & Embedded in Pharmacy Technology Diploma and Degree programs)
Beginning Summer 2022
Program Description:
The Pharmacy Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) is designed to provide students with short term training to prepare them for entry-level employment in a variety of settings such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, medical clinics, etc. Students will receive didactic instruction and laboratory training in anatomy and physiology, fundamental concepts and principles of receiving, storing and dispensing medication.
Entrance date: Varies
Program admission requirements:
Minimum Test Scores
| ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION- | Reading | 224 | ACCUPLACER- | Sentence Skills | 60 |
| Writing | 236 | Reading Comprehension | 55 | ||
| Arithmetic | 229 | Arthmetic | 34 |
- 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: 35
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.
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.
| Courses 35 credits | 35 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 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 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 |
| Select one of the following MATH courses | 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 |
| MATH 1013Algebraic Concepts
Emphasizes concepts and operations which are applied to the study of algebra. Topics include basic mathematical concepts, basic algebraic concepts, and intermediate algebraic concepts. |
3 |
| Select PHAR 1050 or 1055 | 5 |
| 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 1055Pharmacy Assistant Practicum
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, MATH 1012, PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010, PHAR 1040 Corequisite: PHAR 1020 This course orients students to the clinical environment and provides experiences with the basic skills necessary for the pharmacy assistant. Topics include: purchasing, packaging and labeling drugs; distribution systems; pharmacy policies and procedures; documentation; inventory and filing systems; compounding; contamination control; storage and control; pharmacy equipment, and health care organizational structures. |
5 |
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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog
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.