PHARMACY TECHNICIAN. Certificate of Proficiency

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Certificate of Proficiency

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE PROFESSION... 1 ABOUT THE PROGRAM... 1 CAREER DEMANDS... 2 BEFORE YOU APPLY... 2 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS... 3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS... 3 FINAL PROGRAM SELECTION... 4 ACCEPTED STUDENTS... 4 FINANCIAL AID... 5 DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES... 5 TRANSFER STUDENTS... 5 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CURRICULUM... 6 ABOUT THE PROFESSION Pharmacy Technicians are by law employed under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. All hospitals, some clinics, retail pharmacies such as Fred Meyer, Hi-School Pharmacy, Safeway, and most other small pharmacies employ Pharmacy Technicians. Pharmacy Technicians dispense medications, count pills, take inventory, stock supplies, type prescription labels and perform other assignments as allowed by law. Wages may vary depending on benefits being offered. As of January 2011, the median hourly wage for Pharmacy Technicians in Washington State is currently $17.20 an hour. ABOUT THE PROGRAM The program utilizes mock pharmacy software in a simulated pharmacy setting in the classroom and lab to prepare students for a practicum instruction. The practicum includes 240 contact hours in a variety of pharmacy settings: acute hospital, home infusion, community clinic pharmacy, chain pharmacy, long-term care pharmacy, and including compounding pharmacies. The student is required to complete two different externships during the course of the program. Placement in externships will be in both Oregon and Washington for all students, so reliable transportation is required. Applicants must be detail oriented, enjoy multi-tasking activities, record keeping using computer based programs, and providing customer service in an efficient and confidential manner. Clark College offers multiple program options for Pharmacy Technician. Beyond the Certificate of Proficiency (CP), students now have the option of completing an Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) degree in Pharmacy Technician Leadership. This new degree program is intended for those students who would like to focus on developing skill sets in leadership, business relations and professional development. Acquiring these additional skills provide aspiring pharmacy technician students with a significant advantage in securing entry level positions, as well as opportunities to progress within their career field. Students also have an opportunity to transfer credits into a Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management (BAS-ITAM) program offered online through Central Washington University. See a Health Occupations Advisor for more information. Page 1

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CAREER DEMANDS As you consider applying to the Clark College Pharmacy Technician program, it is important that you understand the requirements of the program and the profession. Students in the Pharmacy Technician program, as well as Pharmacy Technicians working in the field, experience physical demands such as standing for long periods of time and lifting boxes of supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Also, because Pharmacy Technicians deal with patients and personal information, possessing good communication skills, a sense of empathy and a desire to help others is highly beneficial. BEFORE YOU APPLY We appreciate your interest in Clark College s Pharmacy Technician program. Please be aware that as a pre-pharmacy technician student, YOU are your own first advisor. It is your responsibility to read and understand all information regarding the Pharmacy Technician program. You must comply with the application process, submit all necessary documents in a timely manner, and meet the entrance requirements to be eligible for selection into the program. For questions regarding the application process, contact the Admissions Office at (360) 992-2107. E-mail: heoc@clark.edu FAX: (360) 992-2867* For advising questions, contact the Advising Center at (360) 992-2345. For questions regarding transcript evaluation, course adequacy and file status, contact the Health Occupations Credential Evaluations Office at (360) 992-2805. Note to all students: Once you have applied to the Pharmacy Technician program and paid the program application fee, your file will stay current if you are an active student. If you do not complete courses or send updated transcripts for four quarters your file will inactivate. We highly recommend one of the following courses if you wish to learn more about becoming a Pharmacy Technician and the field of Pharmacy. PHAR 100 Overview of Pharmacy for 2 credits (usually offered Winter quarter) PHAR 101 Mini Dose of Pharmacy for 1 credit (usually offered Spring quarter) *When faxing information, please include your full name (and any previous names) and your Student Identification Number or Social Security Number. Page 2

CLARK COLLEGE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 1. Complete the Clark College Application for Admission and the Pharmacy Technician Application. Return them to the Clark College Welcome Center with the $50.00 non-refundable program application fee; all fees subject to change. Students who are new to Clark College must also pay a one-time non-refundable $20.00 application fee. Date of Pharmacy Application (fee paid date) will be considered in selecting students for entry into the program. 2. Submit official High School transcript or equivalent (GED) and official college transcript(s) from ALL colleges you have attended. 3. Take the Clark College Compass Test. Call (360) 992-2648 for testing times. The following scores or equivalent course work are required prior to program entry: Compass Pre-Algebra score of 54, or completion of Math 030 or equivalent with a 2.0 grade or higher (must be 7 years current upon program entry). Compass Writing Skill score of 78 or completion of ENGL 098 or equivalent with a 2.0 grade or higher. Compass Reading score of 74 or completion of READ 087 or equivalent with a 2.0 grade or higher. 4. Complete required preliminary courses with a 2.0 or better: BMED 110 Medical Terminology I (must be 7 years current upon program entry) BTEC 149 Computer Application Essentials HEOC 102 Survey of Health Careers (Formerly HEOC 090) HEOC 120 AIDS Education (or proof of minimum 4-7hour AIDS/HIV course) 5. Obtain a minimum Clark College cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. 3 credits 3 credits 2 credits 1 credit PLEASE NOTE: Completion of the pre-pharmacy Technician requirements does not guarantee entrance into the program. This program has limited enrollment and Clark College reserves the right to determine admission status. Successful candidates will be notified in writing of final acceptance into the program. The most recent academic performance will be used to meet admission criteria. In the case of an incomplete course or grade change, it is the student s responsibility to update their records. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Students must complete the following classes prior to entering the first quarter of the Pharmacy Technician program. HEOC 100 and 101 Basic Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology with lab OR BIOL 164 and 165 Human Biology with lab (Must be 7 years current upon program entry) FACPR 032 First Aid and Health Care Provider CPR (May substitute with current American Heart Association Health Care Provider level CPR card and complete a First Aid Course) BMED 138 Legal Aspects of the Medical Office 4-5 credits 1 credit 2 credits Students have the option to complete the following classes prior to entering the program. If not, they must be completed during first quarter of the Pharmacy Technician program. BMED 111 Medical Terminology II (Must be 7 years current upon program entry) 4-5 credits CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication OR CMST& 230 Small Group Communication 4-5 credits ALL COURSES MUST BE PASSED WITH A 2.0 OR HIGHER GRADE Page 3

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN FINAL PROGRAM SELECTION Upon successful completion of the minimum requirements applicants will be ranked by application date (fee paid date) and notified regarding selection. Students not selected must return a response by a specified date to keep their applications active. Students may be included in selection a maximum of 3 times. ACCEPTED STUDENTS Be aware your practicum will require reliable transportation throughout the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Externship placement will be in both Oregon and Washington for all students. Licensing laws require a Pharmacy Technician to complete an application, which includes a declaration by the applicant that he or she has never been found guilty by any court or competent jurisdiction of any violation of any laws relating to drugs or the practice of pharmacy. Accepted students must complete a Washington State Patrol and FBI criminal background check. Drug Screens may be required Students must petition and/or make arrangements with the department to complete the program in a timeframe other than what is outlined (the 3 sequenced quarters). Immunizations Accepted students will be directed to make an appointment with a nurse practitioner in the Clark College Health Services Office to have their immunization records reviewed. Be aware that proof of the following immunizations will be required: 1. Two doses of MMR or one dose of measles vaccine and one MMR, given at least 30 days apart, given after one year of age. 2. The first two of three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine, given at least one month apart. 3. Chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine (two doses of Varicella at least one month apart after your first birthday). 4. One dose of Tetanus/Diptheria (Td) vaccination within the past five years. If it has been longer, current recommendations for health care providers is to receive a dose of the new vaccine, (Tdap). 5. Tuberculosis Skin Testing (also known as PPD or TST), if you have never been tested for TB, or it has been greater than a year since your last test, a two-step test is required (two tests, given 1-3 weeks apart). In the case of a previous positive PPD, documentation of a clear chest x-ray is required. 6. Students who are or will be enrolled in an externship in the winter quarter will be required to obtain a current flu vaccine. Health Insurance/Health History Proof of health insurance will be required prior to entrance into the program. You can obtain health insurance through Clark College by contacting the Health Services Office at (360) 992-2264. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your own health and testing requirements should an accident or injury occur. Accepted students must obtain and complete a Health History form from Health Services and submit the completed form back to the office for their review. Page 4

CLARK COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID The Clark College Financial Aid Office assists eligible students in meeting their educational expenses through a variety of state, federal and Clark College resources. More specific information on funding availability, the application process, and eligibility determination is available in the Financial Aid Office or on the Clark College website at www.clark.edu/finaid. As part of the Financial Aid application process, all students are required to have formally applied for admission at Clark College. Official copies of academic transcripts from all prior colleges and universities attended must be submitted to the Admissions Office before the application for financial aid can be processed. DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Support Services Office at (360) 992-2314 or 192.102.5.20 VP to determine appropriate academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids and services. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, accommodations for students with disabilities will be considered at the student's request. The student may need to provide documentation of disability to the Disability Support Services Office to support his/her accommodation requests. Documentation guidelines and procedures can be found at www.clark.edu/dss. Once the student is qualified by DSS as having a disability, requested accommodations will be considered. Accommodations for the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting will be evaluated according to reasonableness. Accommodations that compromise patient care, or that fundamentally alter the essential functions of the program or activity, are not considered to be reasonable. TRANSFER STUDENTS Once the Health Occupations Credential Evaluations Office has received your Clark College application for admission, Pharmacy Technician application, all official transcripts, and program fees ($50.00 program application, $20.00 one-time admissions application), an evaluation will be completed to determine course adequacy. A letter will then be sent to you regarding your status. COURSE ADEQUACY Course numbers and titles vary from college to college. Adequacy of transfer credits is determined by course content. Course credit hours and adequacy will be determined by Clark College. It MAY be necessary for candidates to submit course descriptions and/or syllabi to determine adequacy. Submitting a complete syllabus* will allow for the most accurate evaluation. Courses accepted as equivalent at one college may not be equivalent at another college. SCIENCE COURSES Requires a copy of the syllabus* from each course you wish to be evaluated. The syllabus must show the appropriate year and quarter you took the course. IF a syllabus showing the appropriate year and quarter is not available, a letter from the college s Science Department needs to accompany the syllabus. The cover letter must verify the content and coverage of the course that was taken is the same as listed on the syllabus being sent, and must state the name of the text used during the quarter you took the course(s). *A syllabus is a detailed outline of a course, usually handed out by the instructor the first day of class. It includes information such as textbook(s), chapters studied, subjects covered, class assignments, lab assignments, test and quiz schedule, grading policies, attendance requirements., etc. Page 5

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY CURRICULUM FIRST QUARTER* BMED 111** Medical Terminology II (Must be 7-years current upon program entrance)... 3 credits CMST& 210** Interpersonal Communication... 5 credits OR CMST& 230** Small Group Communication... 5 credits PHAR 105 Introduction to Pharmacy... 4 credits PHAR 114 Pharmacy Practice and Technology... 4 credits PHAR 123 Pharmacy Law... 2 credits TOTAL 18 credits SECOND QUARTER* PHAR 110 Pharmacy Calculations... 3 credits PHAR 112 Pharmacology I... 5 credits PHAR 118 Pharmacy Externship I... 4 credits PHAR 119 Pharmacy Externship Seminar I... 2 credits TOTAL 14 credits THIRD QUARTER* PHAR 122 Pharmacology II... 5 credits PHAR 127 Pharmacy Compounding... 4 credits PHAR 128 Pharmacy Externship II... 4 credits PHAR 129 Pharmacy Externship Seminar II... 2 credits TOTAL 15 credits Total credits required for the Certificate of Proficiency: 63-64 credits PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM In addition to the Certificate of Proficiency preliminary and major area requirements students must complete the following courses: PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LEADERSHIP AAT REQUIREMENTS HDEV 120** Practical Reasoning and Decision Making... 3 credits HDEV 200** Professional Development... 2 credits MGMT 101** Principles of Management... 3 credits MGMT 133** Productivity and Quality Improvement... 3 credits Computational Skills** (MATH 103, 105, 107, 111 or CTEC 100, 101, 121)... 5 credits Communication Skills** (ENGL& 101 or ENGL 135)... 5 credits Pharmacy Technician Electives** (minimum of two courses from list below)... 6-8 credits PHARMACY TECHNICIAN ELECTIVES LIST (minimum two courses needed) BTEC 222** Health Information Procedures... 5 credits BUS 110** Customer Service... 3 credits BUS 211** Business Communications... 3 credits OR ENGL 212** Business Communications... 3 credits HUM 180** Bioethics... 3 credits MGMT 106** Motivation and Performance... 3 credits ACED 101** Survey of Addictionology... 3 credits TOTAL 29-32 credits Total credits required for the Associate of Applied Technology: 90 credits minimum All courses must be completed with a 2.0 or higher grade. * The Pharmacy Technician program starts twice a year, Fall and Spring quarters only. ** These courses may be completed prior to starting the program. Page 6

QUICK PHONE REFERENCE ADMISSIONS OFFICE (360) 992-2107 Fax: (360) 992-2867 HEALTH OCCUPATIONS CREDENTIAL EVALUATIONS OFFICE (360) 992-2805 HEALTH OCCUPATIONS ADVISING OFFICE (360) 992-2345 HEALTH OCCUPATIONS FAX NUMBER (360) 992-2876 FINANCIAL AID OFFICE (360) 992-2153 CLARK COLLEGE WEB SITE www.clark.edu/pharmacytech 1933 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver WA 98663 (360) 992-2000 Non-Discrimination/Policy Statement Clark College affirms a commitment to freedom from discrimination for all members of the college community. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, creed, disabled veteran status, marital status, honorably discharged veteran or Vietnam era veteran status in its programs and activities in accordance with state and federal laws. The responsibility for, and the protection of, this commitment extends to students, faculty, administration, staff, contractors, and those who develop or participate in college programs. It encompasses every aspect of employment, and every student and community activity. The following position has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for Equity and Diversity Human Resources Baird Administration Building (360) 992-2355 (360) 992-2835 (TTY) Updated November 17, 2011