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.
5.
Complete required preliminary courses with a 2.0 or better:
 BMED 110—Medical Terminology I (must be 7 years current upon program entry)
3 credits
 BTEC 149—Computer Application Essentials
3 credits
 HEOC 102—Survey of Health Careers (Formerly HEOC 090)
2 credits
 HEOC 120—AIDS Education (or proof of minimum 4-7hour AIDS/HIV course)
1 credit
Obtain a minimum Clark College cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
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
4-5 credits
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)
1 credit
 BMED 138—Legal Aspects of the Medical Office
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
ALL COURSES MUST BE PASSED WITH A 2.0 OR HIGHER GRADE
4-5 credits
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
MGMT101**
Principles of Management............................................................................... 3 credits
MGMT133**
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**
BUS 110**
BUS 211**
OR
ENGL 212**
HUM 180**
MGMT 106**
ACED 101**
TOTAL
Health Information Procedures .................................................................... 5 credits
Customer Service ................................................................................................ 3 credits
Business Communications............................................................................... 3 credits
Business Communications............................................................................... 3 credits
Bioethics ................................................................................................................ 3 credits
Motivation and Performance.......................................................................... 3 credits
Survey of Addictionology ................................................................................ 3 credits
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