Pharmacy Assistant
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit is designed to provide students with short term training to prepare them for entry level employment in a variety of settings such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, medical clinics, etc. Students will receive didactic instruction and laboratory training in anatomy and physiology, fundamental concepts and principles for receiving, storing and dispensing medication.Entrance Requirements
Admissions Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age
- Cannot be convicted of a felony that occurred within the last five (5) years, and/or any conviction that was drug or pharmacy related
- Completion of high school diploma or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply
- Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math
- Transfer of previous postsecondary credits will be determined by the registrar
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements: Students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average and complete all required courses to graduate
- Must complete MATH 1012 with a minimum letter grade of B within 2 attempts
- Must complete PHAR 1000 with a minimum letter grade of B within 2 attempts
Course Overview
Contact Hours
Credit Hours
Curriculum (35 hours)
Technical Courses (35 hours)
5
75
Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.
2
30
Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.
3
75
Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.
3
45
Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, formula manipulation, technical applications, and basic statistics.
4
75
This course develops knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical calculations procedures. Topics include: systems of measurement, medication dispensing calculations, pharmacy mathematical procedures, and calculation tools and techniques.
5
60
Provides an overview of the pharmacy technology field and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary for successful participation in the pharmacy field. Topics include: safety, orientation to the pharmacy technology field, Fundamental principles of chemistry, basic laws of chemistry, ethics and laws, definitions and terms, and reference sources.
4
90
The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse.
4
60
The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse.
5
225
This course orients students to the clinical environment and provides experiences with the basic skills necessary for the pharmacy assistant. Topics include: purchasing, packaging and labeling drugs; distribution systems; pharmacy policies and procedures; documentation; inventory and filing systems; compounding; contamination control; storage and control; pharmacy equipment, and health care organizational structures.
