Pharmacy Technician Certification Requirements and Requirements

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1 Program Information Brief Pharmacy Technician For all campus information, call or , extension Call this number to speak with an advisor about the program. A pharmacy technician is an individual who, under the supervision of a pharmacist, assists in the performance of activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing health care to patients. Pharmacy technicians have been called pharmacy clinicians, pharmacy support personnel and various other titles, depending on their location. In all parts of the country, pharmacy technicians must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and must be skilled in the techniques required to order, stock, package and prepare medications, but they do not need the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, all of their work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed to a patient. This program will prepare students for entry-level pharmacy technician positions. Medical and pharmaceutical terminology will be introduced along with pharmaceutical calculations. The basic anatomy related to the pharmacology of medications will be a major component of the coursework. This program will provide students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification. Certification will require a passing score on a nationally recognized certification exam such as the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians). As a part of the Pharmacy Technician diploma, students will be required to perform two clinical rotations. Clinical rotations will include both retail experience and a hospital or custom experience. The students will choose institutions to complete this requirement. The instructor will help each student locate local facilities where they can do their clinical rotations. For more information about the Pharmacy Technician program, please visit our website at Location: Ankeny Students start Fall or Spring term. Go to to apply for admission. Ankeny Campus 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd. Ankeny, IA Boone Campus 1125 Hancock Drive Boone, IA Carroll Campus 906 N. Grant Road Carroll, IA Newton Campus 600 N. 2nd Avenue W. Newton, IA Urban Campus th Street Des Moines, IA West Campus 5959 Grand Avenue W. Des Moines, IA

2 Program Entry Requirements 1. Complete an application for admission. 2. Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of high school graduation or GED prior to enrollment. 3. Obtain minimum COMPASS pre-algebra score of 39 or minimum ACT math score of Obtain minimum COMPASS English score of 70 or minimum ACT writing score of Obtain minimum COMPASS reading score of 81 or minimum ACT reading score of Obtain a score of at least 35 NWPM with 5 errors or fewer on the typing/word processing skill test. Students who do not achieve a 35 NWPM score on the typing test must meet with the program chair. 7. Completion of one year of high school Algebra with a C or better or take MAT 063 in their first semester. 8. Completion of one year of high school Biology or Chemistry or equivalent with a C or better is strongly recommended. Additional Requirements Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Pharmacy Technician program. Proof of immunizations is required of all Pharmacy Technician students and current certification by either the American Heart Association CPR for the Health Care Provider or American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer are required prior to beginning clinical rotations. Proof of current flu vaccination is required of all Pharmacy Technician students by January of each year. Graduation Requirements To earn a Pharmacy Technician diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all PHR courses. To remain in the program, a student must maintain a grade of C or higher in each required course.

3 SDV 108 is recommended, but not required for this program. Term 1 PHR 100 Pharm Technician Orientation 2 PHR 101 Pharmacy Operations I 3 PHR 123 Pharmacology I 3 PHR 140 Pharmacy Law 1 BIO 733 Health Science Anatomy 3 MAP 129 Medical Terminology 1 Term 2 PHR 135 Phrm. Calc. & Compounding 3 PHR 102 Pharmacy Operations II 3 PHR 124 Pharmacology II 3 PHR 801 Pharm Technician Internship I 2 ENG 105 Composition I 3 Term 3 Select 1 Course from Option 1 PHR 802 Pharm Technician Internship II 3 PSY 111 Introduction to Psychology 3 ENG 106 Composition II Opt 1 3 SPC 101 Fund of Oral Communication Opt 1 3 CHM 122 Intro to General Chemistry Opt 1 4 CHM 165 General/Inorg Chemistry I Opt 1 4 BIO 732 Health Science Microbiology Opt 1 4 BIO 734 Health Science Physiology Opt 1 3 Total credits required to complete this program 36

4 Fixed Costs Tuition...$ per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. The Pharmacy Technician program utilizes a background check service, to conduct criminal background/abuse checks and to track immunizations, health records and CPR certification for each student after their acceptance into the program. Students are responsible for the cost of this service (approximately $58). Varied Costs Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Books (approximate) Supplies MAPP Assessment Fee 10 Certification Exam Fee 129 IA Board of Pharmacy Registration 44 Physical Exam (approx.) 80 CPR Class 50 Hepatitis B Immunization and Flu Required 105 (may be covered by your insurance) IPA Membership 45 IPA Educational Conference 70 Approximate total for the program: $6,227 What Kind of Work Will You Do? Work under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Perform many pharmacy-related functions. Measure, mix, count, label and record amounts and dosages of medications. Fill prescriptions. Communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals. Verify prescriptions from physicians and take refills. Maintain patient records and insurance information. Maintain inventory. Work in a variety of practice settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, the military, in-home health care, long-term care, mail service facilities, managed healthcare facilities, and educational/training programs. What Skills and Abilities Will You Need? Perform activities in an organized and detailed manner. Apply knowledge of mathematics and biological and social sciences. Must have necessary physical and emotional stamina to meet demands of a rigorous schedule. Must have self-discipline and ability to take initiative in resolving patient care problems. Must be dependable and trustworthy. Must be able to communicate, cooperate and work effectively as part of a team. What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice? General education and Pharmacy Technician classes are scheduled on the College campus. Correlated clinical experiences take place in selected hospitals and community pharmacies throughout the area. Courses are taught by practicing registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and are offered during the day and evening. You will be required to communicate easily and clearly with patients and coworkers. You must accept responsibility for your actions. You will stand and walk most of the day. Working under pressure requires good physical health and emotional stability. Since the year 2010, certification for pharmacy technicians is required of all pharmacy technicians in the state of Iowa. Licensure in Iowa may be obtained by passing any nationally accredited pharmacy technician certification exam. Currently, the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) and the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians) are nationally recognized certification exams. There are two parts to being a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). First, pharmacy technicians must sit for and pass the national PTCE or ExCPT. Once a pharmacy technician has passed the exam, he or she may use the designation CPhT. Second, to continue to hold the certification, a CPhT is required to obtain 20 hours of continuing education for recertification within two years of original certification. In the state of Iowa, all pharmacy technician trainees are required to register with the Board by completing and submitting an application for registration within 30 days of accepting employment or internship in an Iowa pharmacy. Registration is necessary for the purposes of identification, tracking and disciplinary action. Average starting salary $24,036 ( Placement Report). Pharmacy Technician

5 Iowa Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs Iowa Community Colleges have developed the following Core Performance Standards for all applicants to Health Care Career Programs. These standards are based upon required abilities that are compatible with effective performance in healthcare careers. Applicants unable to meet the Core Performance Standards are responsible for discussing the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the designated institutional office. Before final admission into a health career program, applicants are responsible for providing medical and other documentation related to any disability and the appropriate accommodations needed to meet the Core Performance Standards. These materials must be submitted in accordance with the institution s ADA policy. Capability Standard Some Examples of Necessary Activities (Not All-Inclusive) Cognitive-Perception The ability to perceive events realistically, Identify changes in patient/client health status to think clearly and rationally and to function Handle multiple priorities in stressful situations appropriately in routine and stressful situations. Critical Thinking Critical thinking ability sufficient for Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations sound judgment. Develop plans of care Interpersonal Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues appropriately with individuals, families and Demonstrate high degree of patience groups from a variety of social, emotional, Manage a variety of patient/client expressions cultural and intellectual backgrounds. (anger, fear, hostility) in a calm manner Communication Communication abilities in English sufficient Read, understand, write and speak English competently for appropriate interaction with others in Explain treatment procedures verbal and written form. Initiate health teaching Document patient/client responses Validate responses/messages with others Mobility Ambulatory capability to sufficiently maintain The ability to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc., a center of gravity when met with an opposing alone or with assistance as available force as in lifting, supporting and/or transferring a patient/client. Motor Skills Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to Position patients/clients provide safe and effective care and Reach, manipulate and operate equipment, documentation. instruments and supplies Electronic documentation/keyboarding Lift, carry, push and pull Perform CPR Hearing Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and Hears monitor alarms, emergency signals, assess, or document health needs. auscultatory sounds, cries for help Hears telephone interactions/dictation Visual Visual ability sufficient for observation and Observes patient/client responses assessment necessary in patient/client care, Discriminates color changes accurate color discrimination. Accurately reads measurement on patient/client-related equipment Tactile Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment, Performs palpation inclusive of size, shape, temperature and texture. Performs functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g., insertion of a catheter Activity Tolerance The ability to tolerate lengthy periods of Move quickly and/or continuously physical activity. Tolerate long periods of standing and/or sitting Environmental Ability to tolerate environmental stressors. Adapt to rotating shifts Work with chemicals and detergents Tolerate exposure to fumes and odors Work in areas that are close and crowded Work in areas of potential physical violence Nondiscrimination Policy: Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have beendiscriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure (ES4645). Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost s office, the Academic Dean s office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For requests for accommodations, the Accommodation/Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at For Title IX questions and concerns, contact For all campus information, call or , extension 6200.