Pharmacy Technology (CERT)
Department website: https://www.cerritos.edu/pharmacy-technology/
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
The pharmacy technician is a skilled technical health worker who performs a wide variety of non-discretionary pharmacy related tasks under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. Technical Standards/Essential Functions are available for review on the program’s website. They have been designed to give you more information about the profession and important skills/functions. This information will be helpful to assist you in deciding on your career path. Successful completion of the pharmacy technician program qualifies one for licensing with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Graduates are also encouraged to complete the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, the nationally recognized certification exam for pharmacy technicians.
LENGTH AND KIND OF PROGRAM
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. This broad based program is especially suited for those students who may later choose to pursue higher education in health care areas. Courses are taught by practicing registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
HEALTH
Employment in this field requires applicants to have good vision, hearing, and the ability to communicate orally. Applicants must present evidence of physical fitness and ability to perform tasks required of a pharmacy technician. Lab, x-ray and immunization records meeting the standards of the clinical site must be completed after acceptance into the program.
EXPENSES
Students are expected to purchase a student body card. Enrollment fees, project fees, uniforms, books, and supplies will cost approximately $2,400.00. Students are responsible for their own living accommodations, uniform laundry, and transportation to selected hospitals and clinics.
ATTENDANCE AND SCHOLARSHIP
All students are expected to observe the attendance requirements of the college and of the Pharmacy Technician Program. To remain in the program, the student must maintain a “C” or higher in each required course. Scholarship and Promotion: Successful completion of all levels of course work is necessary for completion of and graduation from the program of study. In order to complete the program, the student must maintain a grade of “C” or higher whether enrolled in combined lecture/lab courses, practicums, or clinical experiences. When content is tiered, each level must be completed according to identified criteria. Students will be required to repeat certain courses if it has been more than four years since the course was originally passed. (see department for specific courses) Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are eligible to receive either the Certificate and/or Associate of Science degree.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
Clearance of a criminal background check is required prior to clinical placement. Students who do not clear agency requirements are not eligible for clinical placement and will, consequently, be ineligible to continue in the program or get licensed by the California Board of Pharmacy.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Submit proof of High School graduation or equivalent.
- Submit an official transcript of all college work to the Admissions and Records Office and a copy to the Health Occupations Division.
- It is advised that you make an appointment with a counselor to review test scores and college work. To make an appointment with a counselor, call (562) 860-2451, Ext. 2231.
- Clearance of criminal background check and drugs of abuse testing and immunization status are required prior to enrolling in PHAR 90 and PHAR 95.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
- Students process a prescription
- Students apply mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of pharmacy settings.
- Students classify medications and their uses as relevant to the role of a pharmacy technician.
- Students compare and contrast the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in ensuring pharmacy department compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary requirements, contractual, and safety requirements.
- Students prepare medications requiring compounding of sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous products.
Program Requirements
| Code Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HO 56 | Medication Calculations | 1.0 |
| PHAR 50 | Pharmaceutics | 1.5 |
| PHAR 55 | Pharmacy Introduction | 1.5 |
| PHAR 56 | Pharmacy Skills Lab Introduction | 0.5 |
| PHAR 57 | Pharmacy Operations I | 1.5 |
| PHAR 63 | Pharmacy Operations II | 2.0 |
| PHAR 64 | Pharmacy Operations III | 2.5 |
| PHAR 65 | Pharmacy Operations IV - Non-Sterile Compounding | 2.0 |
| PHAR 90 | Clinical Experience I | 3.5 |
| PHAR 95 | Clinical Experience II | 5.0 |
| PHAR 181 | Over-The-Counter Products | 3.0 |
| PHAR 183 | Pharmacy Technician Pharmacology I | 3.0 |
| PHAR 185 | Pharmacy Technician Pharmacology II | 3.0 |
| MA 161 | Medical Terminology | 3.0-4.0 |
| or A&P 120 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology | |
| Total Units | 33-34 | |
Career Opportunities
Employment as a Pharmacy Technician in community, hospital pharmacy, or any other fields of pharmacy assisting registered pharmacists in performance of assigned duties. See Cerritos College Graduation Requirements.
Note: Students applying for pharmacy school must carefully follow the specific college/university requirements as listed in the college catalog for transfer. Please contact a Pharmacy Technician Program Counselor for additional help.