Nov 21, 2024  
2021-2022 General Catalog Archived 
    
2021-2022 General Catalog Archived [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pharmacy Technology, Diploma


D45580  Total credit hours: 36

The Pharmacy Technology program prepares individuals to assist the pharmacist in duties that a technician can legally perform and to function within the boundaries prescribed by the pharmacist and the employment agency. Students will prepare prescription medications, mix intravenous solutions and other specialized medications, update patient profiles, maintain inventories, package medications in unit-dose or medi-card form, and gather data used by pharmacists to monitor drug therapy.

Employment opportunities include retail, hospitals, nursing homes, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Graduates from the program may be eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become a certified pharmacy technician.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to perform the following functions under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. These competencies are designed to meet the requirements of the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) Standards of Pharmacy Technician Training Programs.

  1. Demonstrate the written and oral communication skills required for safe and legal practice in the role of pharmacy technician.
  2. Demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary for safe preparation and distribution of medication.
  3. Perform mathematical calculations needed to safely prepare medications and solutions
  4. Use current technologies to prepare, store, inventory and distribute medications safely.
  5. Demonstrate the academic knowledge and technical skills necessary for safe preparation storage and distribution of medications.
  6. Deal effectively with others by displaying a positive attitude, working as a team member, showing initiative and responsibility and displaying sensitivity to cultural diversity.
  7. Practice in a legal and ethical manner. 

To provide our students with a complete learning experience, we partner with PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, the top program chosen by independent pharmacists. The software is equipped with powerful tools that will prepare students to graduate with a robust set of skills. See why pharmacists across the nation choose PioneerRx as the foundation of their pharmacy system https://www.pioneerrx.com/Web/pharmacy-system (opens in new window)

Accreditation

The Davidson-Davie Community College Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814, 866.279.0681.

The pharmacy technology AAS degree program at Davidson-Davie Community College has a job placement rate of 100% for the admission cohort 2017 and a rate of 100% for the admission cohort of 2018.

The pharmacy technology diploma program at Davidson-Davie Community College has an exam passage rate of 86% for the admission cohort 2017 and a rate of 86% for the admission cohort of 2018.

Technical Standards

In addition to Davidson-Davie requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of pharmacy technology. Technical standards are published in the application for admission to health programs and the program student handbook and/or available from program faculty. Pharmacy Technology Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Pharmacy Technology program must complete the requirements for admission.

Program Costs

Program costs are estimated for the program and prospective students should keep in mind that these costs may vary and some represent “typical averages.” The average is also based on full-time enrollment. Many costs may be subject to change without notice.

Diploma

Tuition and Fees: $2,750.25

Books/Supplies: $1,018.10

Background Check: $97

Transfer Credit for Pharmacy Technology Courses

The decision regarding transfer credit for PHM courses is made by the Program Director and the appropriate academic leader. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested will be required.

Challenge Examinations for PHM Courses

Students with current or recent work experience in a pharmacy setting and holding a national pharmacy technician credential as a CPhT, may receive credit for specific PHM courses.  Students should contact the program director to determine their eligibility to challenge PHM courses.  Please note that financial aid may not cover the cost of challenge exams.  Students should consult with the financial aid department to determine how challenge exams will impact their financial aid.

Progression Requirements

A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all PHM prefix courses in order to progress in the program.  Students applying for the AAS degree should obtain CPhT certification prior to beginning the second year of the program.

NOTE: Special legal requirements exist which may limit the ability of an individual to obtain clinical experience, employment, or certification in this field. Prospective students should obtain additional information from a College counselor or program faculty member prior to seeking admission.

Clinical Clearance Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, up-to-date immunizations, and CPR for the healthcare provider are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.

If any clinical facility denies a student’s participation in clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

Registration and National Certification

The NC State Board of Pharmacy (opens in new window) requires registration in order to work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina.

National certification of pharmacy technicians (CPhT) is offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (opens in new window) (PTCB) and is currently voluntary in North Carolina. To be eligible for certification and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, the applicant will have received a high school diploma, a High School Equivalency or the foreign equivalent by the application deadline and have never been convicted of a felony.

Program Director: Leigh Ann Norris

Program Requirements

General Education and Other Major Courses


(Can be taken in any order prior to starting PHM-prefix courses):

Major Courses


(Listed in the order they should be taken):