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.
  • 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 2022 1 100%
Spring 2022 1 100%
Fall 2021 2 50%
Spring 2021 1 100%
Fall 2020 1 100%

The Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Curriculum Outline (35 hours)
Courses 35 credits 35
ALHS 1011

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 1090

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 1000

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 1000
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 1010

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 1020
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 1040

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 1012

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 1013

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 1050
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 1055
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
Faculty
Click to view profile for JaNee Mobley
Program Chair

Chair of Pharmacy Technology

Advisor

Clinical Coordinator Pharmacy Technology

Up one level
Programs of Study