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Program Map

Pharmacy Technician

Certificate of Completion

About the Program

The Pharmacy Technician two-term certificate program prepares students for work in entry-level positions in hospitals and retail pharmacy settings. Students will learn to prepare prescription orders under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, perform applicable pharmacy calculations, and comply with federal and state regulatory agency laws and regulations. Upon completion of this program students will be able to perform all the duties required in any pharmacy practice setting. Students completing this program will be prepared to take the national Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam.

Program students attend classes as part of a structured cohort that begins each year in fall term. Students should apply early as the required mandatory orientation is scheduled several weeks prior to the start of the program. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program are:

Accurately implement physician orders by preparing, labeling and packaging medications while working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. 

Demonstrate proficiency in assisting pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products appropriate to a variety of pharmacy settings while maintaining industry standards of quality control and safety principles in the workplace.

Perform accurate pharmacy calculations and proficiently apply computer skills, record keeping and billing in adherence to applicable industry regulations. 

Apply verbal, nonverbal, and written communication principles and skills effectively and compassionately within a team setting.  

Uphold legal and ethical standards and confidentiality for patient privacy.

Demonstrate professionalism through acceptable attitude, organization and time management skills, and attire.

Prepare for the national pharmacy technician certification and licensure as required by state of Oregon regulations.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. In addition, students may also be required to enroll in classes that would increase their employability and success.

This is a limited-entry program. Cohort students must meet certain minimum academic requirements. Students can apply for program entry prior to prerequisite completion; however, all listed program prerequisites must be satisfactorily complete with a “C” or better prior to program start.  A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.

Students must also complete specific health and immunization requirements and a criminal background check prior to starting the program.  Students must complete a drug screen prior to placement in a practicum. This screening process has an associated fee.  Contact the Allied Health Department for more information.

Selection Process

Applications must be received by the application deadline. Applications received after the application deadline may be reviewed based on cohort capacity and at the discretion of the department. Applicants will be selected by committee. The screening process includes a mandatory information session.  Students may be asked to participate in an interview process. This is a competitive program and not all qualified applicants may be accepted.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies and the program coordinator’s recommendation. In order to ensure coursework is current, program courses over seven years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate program coordinator before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit earned in conjunction with local high schools will be accepted in accordance with the current agreement.

Graduation Requirements

These requirements apply only to students admitted to the program during the current academic year. Students contemplating admission in a later year may have different requirements and must obtain the graduation guide or catalog for that year. Students must complete all courses on this graduation guide with a grade of “C” or better to continue in and complete the program and receive their certificates. If certain required courses are graded only on a pass/no pass basis, a grade of “P” for these courses indicate a student earned the equivalent of a “C” or better grade.

Program Map

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement score(s). Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.

¹ Approved Computer Information Science or Computer Science class, CIS120/CS120 or above, or documented computer proficiency within the past ten years.

² American Heart Association (AHA) certifications must remain current for the duration of the program.

³ Required for graduation.

⁴ Additional prerequisites may apply.

⁵ Students who have completed either BI121 and BI122 or BI231, BI232, and BI233 (the entire sequence of either series) with an equivalent “C” or better grade do not need to take BI100SB.

⁶ Successful completion of all prior program courses is required before advancement.

For more information, contact the Allied Health Occupations Department.

Allied Health Occupations faculty and staff can also be reached by:
Phone: 541-956-7500
Email: [email protected]
Web address: www.roguecc.edu/AlliedHealth/prx
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