Instructor: Kathy Richins, CPhT

Course Description: This course prepares senior students to support pharmacists by providing assistance during counter dispensing operations, and prescription preparation. Students are trained to keep patient and related health record information, and they perform a wide range of practice-related duties for both retail and hospital-based pharmacies. At the conclusion of the course, students are qualified to take the national pharmacy technician exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Course Objectives: Students will learn the skills necessary to participate in clinical experiences in pharmacies, receive job placement assistance, and prepare to obtain a national certificate and state license upon completion of course. This course will prepare students for youth leadership opportunities.

Course Expectations: Students must have good social skills, attendance, and citizenship. Excellent reading and memorization skill are required to be successful. Students will be required to secure their externship site and to provide their own transportation to their pharmacy. 300 classroom hours and 180 hours in a pharmacy are required.

High School Credit: Four (4) high school CTE credits

Concurrent Credit: MA 1100 – Medical Terminology

Educational Opportunities: The Pharmacy Technician Program is a Certificate Program. Upon completion of the program they receive a certificate indicating that they met all the requirements to apply for licensure through the Department of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Students may now take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCB). Once a student has passed the PTCB exam they may work as a Certified Pharmacy Tech. Becoming a Pharmacy Technician is helpful to students who would to pursue a career as a Pharmacist.

Possible Careers: Careers for which the study of pharmacy could be helpful are Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacist, Physician, Anesthesiologist, Nursing, EMT and many other medical professions.

Misconceptions: Students do not need to be 18 years old to sit for the PTCB or to become licensed as a Pharmacy Technician. They do need to be a high school graduate or have their GED.

Classes required for entrance: Algebra I and Word Processing

Recommended Classes: Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Health Occupations, and Anatomy & Physiology are helpful.

Program Length: Full year

Eligibility: Senior Students

Costs/Fees: Textbook – $125

SLCC concurrent enrollment $40

HOSA membership (optional) $25