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HEALTH CAREERS PROGRAM
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
PROGRAM
INFORMATION PACKET
AND
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Overview – Pharmacy Technician
The role of the Pharmacy Technician is rapidly evolving. As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, pharmacy is becoming more and more of an integral part of the healthcare system. As pharmacists are being called upon to fulfill an increased number of clinical duties that were traditionally carried out by physicians, Pharmacy Technicians are charged with carrying out more and more tasks to assist the pharmacist in the daily operations of the pharmacy.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 20% between 2012 and 2022, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations, and job
opportunities are expected to be good.1 States will begin to require formal training for certification, and many employers look very favorably upon those who have experience and/or have completed a formal training program. Additionally, legislation will require Pharmacy Technician License applicants to be nationally certified through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) upon initial application or subsequent renewal.
In the Central Arizona College Pharmacy Technician Program, students will learn how to read and interpret prescription medication orders, use pharmacy software to input, adjudicate to a third party, and label prescription orders. Additionally, students will become familiar with mixing and preparing a variety of both sterile and non-sterile prescription medications to fit the needs of a specific patient, whether in a retail, hospital, or skilled-nursing environment.
Many other opportunities exist for trained pharmacy technicians and include: compounding; nuclear; intravenous preparations; pharmacy sales; pharmacy benefits managers; state boards of pharmacy; the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and many others.
Books: Students may purchase course materials prior to the first day of class in campus bookstores. The bookstore
staff will tell you which textbooks and classroom materials are required for the Pharmacy Technician courses.
COST ESTIMATE FOR THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM*
Tuition Fees (33 credits x 84.00) $2,772.00
Liability Insurance $25.00
Textbooks (12 classes) approximate $1,629.00
Background check and Urinalysis $139.00
UNIFORM approximate $70.00
Physical and Immunization approximate $100.00
CPR and First Aid Card approximate $45.00
PTCB Certification Exam $129.00
Technician Trainee License plus Fingerprinting Processing Fee $70.00
Total Estimated Cost of Pharmacy Technician Program $4,979.00
*Fees are subject to change by the Central Arizona Community Colleges Governing Board. All costs quoted are subject to change.
Please Note:
Once you have completed roughly half of the Pharmacy Techniques course (HPM105), you will receive your Practicum packet that will outline all requirements that must be completed before the end of the course. If any questions or concerns arise please talk with your instructor.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians, on the
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Students may be removed from the program based on the following criteria. This criterion is not all inclusive and may need administrative approval.
1. Stealing 2. Drug Use
3. Certified Background Falsification 4. Breach of Confidentiality
5. Felony Convictions or Numerous Misdemeanors 6. Serious Unprofessional Conduct
Students must take the courses in sequence according to the program of study/Program Sequencing Map. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Skill classes must be completed the
semester immediately prior to the practicum. Skills courses may only be taken once and the student must earn a grade of "C" or better in each course.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Pre-Program Requirements for the Pharmacy Technician Program
1. HS diploma or GED
2. Pass CAC Entrance tests at reading level RDG094 and MAT086. If the student does not pass these tests they will have to take and pass RDG094 and/or MAT086 before enrolling in the program.
3. Students must apply for admission to the program with the Pharmacy Director before given permission to sit for the HESI or enroll in courses requiring Director Approval.
2.4. Pass the required HESI tests with a score of 70 or above on each section.
3.5. Students must complete a background check and urinalysis before acceptance to the program. (See above for pricing information.)
4.6. Applications will be accepted from July 1st through December 1st of every year.
Program Requirements for the Pharmacy Technician Program
1. This program offers a full-time program. For students requiring part-time enrollment, please contact the program director.
2. Students must have director approval before enrolling in program specific classes. 3. HCC113 is a prerequisite for HPM105.
4. If a student would like to retake a director approval class due to a failing grade, a written statement must be submitted to the program director.
College Transferrable Credit
If a student has completed 9 or more transferrable credits at another college, the student will need to have those credits transferred by having an official transcript from that college sent to CAC. Students should also ask the college to send the student an unofficial transcript to show to the instructor.
Central Arizona College reserves the right to change without notice, any materials, information, curriculum, requirements, and regulations in this publication.
For additional information please contact Danielle Higgs at danielle.higgs@centralaz.edu or by calling 520.494.5388.
Ways to submit applications
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ATTN: Danielle Higgs Box 77 ATTN: Health Careers SUBJECT: Admission Application
8470 N Overfield Rd 480-677-7776 danielle.higgs@centralaz.edu
Coolidge, AZ 85128
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
PERSONAL
Please Print or Type
#880____________________ (CAC School ID #)
Name:
(Last) (First) (Middle)
Address:
No., Street, APT. # City, State Zip
(Area) Home Phone Number (Area) Cell Phone Number
*Please indicate which number is the preferred contact number.
CAC Student Email
Person Email
*Please note that all email communications about the program and from CAC are considered privileged and will occur through your secure CAC Student email.
PROGRAM ADMITTANCE PROCESS STEP-BY-STEP:
1) Apply for admission to the program with the director, Danielle Higgs.
2) Pass the required HESI tests with a score of 70 or above on each test before enrollment in the program.
3) Meet with the program director, Danielle Higgs, to review all aspects of the program.
4) Complete a background check and urinalysis.
Eligibility for Licensure and Clinical Practice: Prospective students with a criminal background should contact the Arizona State
Board of Pharmacy (www.azpharmacy.gov) to learn if they are eligible to obtain licensure prior to enrolling in the program. Certain crimes may prevent placement in a clinical practice setting, depending on the rules and regulations of each particular site.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SIGN BELOW
I certify that the information on this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that withholding information or giving false information may make me ineligible for admission and enrollment. I release from all liability or damages those persons, agencies, or organizations who may furnish information in connection with
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Mark your responses appropriately: Prerequisites: 1) HS Diploma or GED
□
YES□
NO 2) RDG094 College Reading□
YES□
NO 3) MAT086 Pre-Algebra□
YES□
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my application for admission. If accepted, I agree to read and abide by all school policies and procedures.
