Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 General Catalog Archived 
    
2023-2024 General Catalog Archived [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pharmacy Technology, A.A.S.


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A45580

Total credit hours: 64

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 Director: Leigh Ann Norris

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)

Program Requirements

Accreditation

The Davidson-Davie Community College Pharmacy Technology AAS 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 program at Davidson-Davie Community College has a job placement rate of 100% for the admission cohort 2020 and a rate of 100% for the admission cohort 2021.
  • The Pharmacy Technology program at Davidson-Davie Community College has an exam passage rate of 100% for the admission cohort 2020.

Admission Requirements

Students must demonstrate English and mathematics “college readiness” levels, via college-level English/math courses or by completion of or waiver credit for specified “transition” or co-requisite courses. In addition students must complete the Allied Health Orientation in order to be eligible to enroll in program-specific courses. Students who pursue the AAS must complete the Diploma and hold a current CPhT credential to be eligible to enroll in AAS-specific courses. 

Advanced Standing: Credit for Prior Learning

Students may earn up to 30 credit hours of PHM coursework through challenge exams, work experience, and the CPhT credential:

Credit provided through challenge exams:

  • PHM-110 Introduction to Pharmacy Credit Hours: 3.00
  • PHM-111 Pharmacy Practice I Credit Hours: 4.00
  • PHM-115 Pharmacy Calculations Credit Hours: 3.00
  • PHM-118 Sterile Products Credit Hours: 4.00
  • PHM-120 Pharmacology I Credit Hours: 3.00
  • PHM-125 Pharmacology II Credit Hours: 3.00

Credit provided through work experience (competencies must be documented on form):

  • 96 hrs of Retail Tech experience: PHM-132 Pharmacy Clinical Credit Hours: 2.00
  • 192 hrs of Hospital Tech experience: PHM-134 Pharmacy Clinical Credit Hours: 4.00

Credit provided through both work experience and CPhT credential:

  • CPhT credential and 32 hours of work experience in any pharmacy: PHM-140 Trends in Pharmacy Credit Hours: 2.00

Credit provided for CPhT credential:

  • PHM-165 Pharmacy Prof Practice Credit Hours: 2.00

Clinical Clearance Requirements

A criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations 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.

Progression Requirements

A student must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses in order to progress in the program.

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 this profession. Pharmacy Technology Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

Transfer Options

Students wishing to transfer courses into the Pharmacy Technology program must submit official transcripts to the records office. The decision regarding transfer credit for PHM courses is made by the Program Director and the appropriate academic administrator, in consultation with members of the Pharmacy Technology faculty. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested may be required. Transfer credit must be evaluated by the program and is not guaranteed.

Curriculum Guide

*Note: Once a student begins PHM-111, they must stay continuously enrolled in PHM-prefix courses.  Students who drop PHM prefix courses may be removed from the program.

First Spring


First Summer


Second Spring


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