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.
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.
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.
- Demonstrate the written and oral communication skills required for safe and legal practice in the role of pharmacy technician.
- Demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary for safe preparation and distribution of medication.
- Read and understand policies and other print materials related to safe preparation and distribution of medication.
- Perform mathematical calculations needed to safely prepare medications and solutions.
- Use current technologies to prepare, store, inventory, and distribute medications.
- Demonstrate the academic knowledge and technical skills necessary for safe preparation, storage, and distribution of medications.
- Deal effectively with others by displaying a positive attitude, working as a team member, showing initiative and responsibility, and displaying sensitivity to cultural diversity.
- Practice in a legal and ethical manner.
Accreditation
The Davidson County 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.
Technical Standards
In addition to DCCC 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
Admission Requirements
Students must be admitted to the Pharmacy Technology program prior to taking Pharmacy (PHM) courses with a laboratory component (PHM 111 , PHM 118 ). Qualified applicants are admitted to the program based on selective ranking criteria.
- Applicants for admission to the Pharmacy Technology Diploma program will need to complete the requirements for admission as described in the Allied Health Packet.
- Students applying for the AAS degree should obtain PTCB certification prior to beginning the second year of the program.
Readmission Policy
Re-entry into the Pharmacy Technology program is contingent upon space being available in the laboratory component of the program. Qualified applicants re-enter with appropriate placement as determined by the applicant’s prior academic record and/or Pharmacy Technology curriculum changes. Readmission to the program is limited to one time.
Policies Regarding PHM Admission with Advanced Standing
The general admission requirements of the College and of the PHM program apply to persons seeking admission into the PHM program with advanced standing. Those applying for advanced standing must have current or recent work experience in a pharmacy setting s well as hold a current national pharmacy technician credential as a CPhT. Credit may be granted for the following courses, dependent on the work history and/or combination of credentials:
PHM 132 , PHM 134 , PHM 140 , PHM 165 .
Students will be awarded a grade of “T: and credit hours for the courses are awarded. No quality points are awarded and the grade is not included in the grade point average.
Transfer Credit for Pharmacy Technology Courses
The decision regarding transfer credit for PHM courses is made by the Program Director and the Associate Dean, Health, Wellness, and Public Safety. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested will be required.
PHM students satisfying the requirements for Advanced Standing will be admitted to the Pharmacy diploma program. Students admitted to the challenge option must complete at least 9 credit hours of the required courses in the PHM diploma program at Davidson County Community College.
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 with work experience may be eligible to take a challenge exam for PHM courses and should contact their advisor.
Progression Requirements
A student must meet all prerequisite and corequisite PHM course requirements with a grade of “C” or better in order to progress in the program.
Probation and Suspension
Pharmacy Technology students are subject to the same probation and suspension policies as all other students enrolled in the College. In addition, a student is suspended from the program if the student receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the Pharmacy Technology curriculum or receives a final clinical evaluation of “unsatisfactory” in any PHM course.
Criminal Background Check
A criminal background check and drug screen testing are required by the clinical site prior to participation in the clinical component.
If any clinical facility refuses to allow the student to participate 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 requires registration in order to work as a pharmacy technician in North Carolina: www.ncbop.org
National certification of pharmacy technicians is offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and is currently voluntary in North Carolina: www.ptcb.org. 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.
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