PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
APPROVED
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY EDUCATION DIVISION
2012
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program (652 hours)
Admission Procedures Summary
To Be Considered For The Program:
You should attend one of the “Career Talk and Exploration Session. The Career Talk and Exploration
Session will provide you with information about a career as a pharmacy technician and specific
information about our PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. This is designed for your
benefit.
After a student has explored this career option by attendance at the Center Session and the serious
about enrolling he/she will be asked to complete the following steps:
1) a) Student must complete Medical Terminology with Anatomy and Physiology, course number
DOC 568. (Or provide documentation of having completed a course or proof of current
registration).
b) Complete an application and submit to Customer Resource Center in the IBDC Building. This
is a non-refundable $25.00 Fee.
2) With your application, provide us with evidence of your high school diploma. If you have
taken college classes you need to provide a copy / or transcript of college classes successfully
completed.
3) If you have NOT completed any college course you should call and schedule yourself to take the
Compass Assessment (Reading and Pre-Algebra Math) with our Assessment Center As Soon As
Possible. We also accept Work Keys comparable scores. You must report to the assessment
center Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM to 4 PM; Friday 8 AM – 11 PM. Be sure at sign-in
to request your results be sent to Corporate and Community Education Division, Pharmacy
Program Director. Call testing center, (864) 646-1396 to schedule. This is NOT a college
entrance exam. The test will assess basic math skills to include fractions and percentages as
well as reading comprehension. You may want to review these specific math skills.
There is no charge for this assessment.
4)
Interview Required. Call Janelle Hicks at (864) 646-1724, Health Care Director, to set up an
interview after you have submitted all information.
5) Students will be notified of acceptance into the Pharmacy Program upon completion of
required information. Class size is limited. First to qualify and have all information completed
will be more likely to obtain a place in the class.
6) Due to the fact there are 250 clinical hours which must be completed at local Pharmacies, upon
acceptance and prior to the program beginning; a criminal background check is required. Also
individual student professional liability insurance is required at a annual fee estimated at $37.
Attached is an information sheet on how to begin this process. Fill out Background Request
through PreCheck. (Approximate cost $49.00)
Procedures following acceptance INTO the Pharmacy Program are outlined below.
After Meeting Acceptable Academic Assessment:
1) Criminal background check reviewed. Use PreCheck
2) Module fee and supply fee must be received no later than 2 weeks before class begins.
3) Information on low interest student LOANS is included. If you have applied for an education
Loan from Wells Fargo or other sources and have not yet received payment, you must provide a
copy of process papers as evidence of submission.
4) The cost of the program is $3,935. You may pay before each module (I, II, III) in installments or
pay for the entire program prior to Module I. The supply and insurance fee is $375.00 (This
covers professional liability insurance and laboratory supplies. Textbooks and Lab jackets are
NOT included in this fee.) Textbooks, Power-point lecture notebooks may be purchased in our
Campus Bookstore.
5) Health Status Documentation will be required prior to completion of Module I. Instruction will
be given to you at orientation.
6) There are two sections, 01 and 02. Section 01 meets in the day. Section 02 meets in the
evenings. You must understand that occasional changes may be made to the schedule.
Some Saturdays or nights may be required of both day and evening sections.
7) ORIENTAION for Class members will be scheduled one or two weeks before classes begin.
If you have questions please call Tri-County Technical College; Corporate and Community Education
Division, Janelle Hicks, Director of Health Care Programs, at (864) 646-1724 or email her at
jhicks1@tctc.edu.
The above is for information only and may be subject to change.
Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, age, or national origin.
Pharmacy Technician Career Overview
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Required
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Highly Recommended
High School diploma or equivalent
Application fee of $25
Interview with Health Care Director
Medical Terminology with anatomy &
Physiology (45 hours)
Acceptable Academic Assessment scores
for students without College credits
Laboratory Supplies $375 not included in
tuition
Tuition - $3,935
Individual Liability Insurance ($37)
Criminal Background Check Approximately
$49
Upon acceptance Health Status
documentation: Hepatitis B, Two Step TST,
MMR, Drug Screen
Lab Jacket – Special Monogram
Textbooks for each Module(s)
 High School or College Credits in Algebra,
Chemistry, Biology, and Computers
The above is for information only and may be subject to change.
Module I – 98 hours $1,885
Introduction to Pharmacy
Pharmacy Technician Math
Pharmacy 101
Pharmacy 113
Module II – 269 hours $1,353
Applied Pharmacy Practice
Applied Pharmacy Practice
Therapeutic Agent I
Pharmacy Technician Clinical
Pharmacy 109
Pharmacy 111
Pharmacy 114
Pharmacy 152
Module III – 240 hours $697
Community Pharmacy Seminar
Therapeutic Agents II
Pharmacy Technical Clinical II
Pharmacy 118
Pharmacy 124
Pharmacy 164
PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the pharmacy department
 Demonstrate an understanding of technician duties and responsibilities
 Demonstrates a knowledge of pharmacy/medical terms, abbreviations and symbols used in
prescribing and dispensing of medication
 Demonstrates knowledge of drug properties in manufacturing and packaging perform
calculations for dosage
 Perform functions for drug purchasing and inventory
 Demonstrates knowledge of dosage, route of administration and dose forms
 Demonstrate procedures for manufacturing, packaging and labeling of drug products
 Demonstrates aseptic compounding and parental admixture
 Demonstrates institutional and ambulatory drug distribution
 Perform dispensing of controlled substance as per federal and state guidelines
LABORATORY INSTRUCTION
Laboratory instruction will be determined by Tri-County Technical College. Students will receive 40
hours of laboratory experience during Module I. Instruction will be in aspects of medication
preparation and distribution. Compounding drug products from multiple ingredients is also presented
in the instruction. Module II has additional laboratory practice on a weekly basis.
CLINICAL TRAINING
The clinical or hands-on training will be in pharmacies in the student’s home community where
practical and where appropriate types of training are available. In some instances the student may
have to drive to another community to acquire the necessary experience. Assignment to clinical sites is
to be made by the pharmacy technician program coordinator to insure that a broad experience is
gained. Students will receive this training in community pharmacies and institutional (hospital)
pharmacies.
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
For students to be successful in the pharmacy technician training program he or she must be a selfstarter and self-motivated. The nature of the curriculum requires that students spend some time in
individual study. Study groups are helpful when students are able to meet and work with their peers.
Students are required to attend lecture classes and/or view DVDs on schedule, and participate in
laboratory sessions, computer learning assignments, and experiential (clinic training). It is necessary to
have transportation to meet program obligations mentioned above. Students must obtain a minimum
score of 70 in order to obtain a certificate. Less than satisfactory progress can result in dismissal from
the program.
EMPLOYMENT
Nationally AND STATEWIDE THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED Pharmacy Technicians. The South
Carolina Board of Pharmacy awards State Certification to graduates of approved formal training
programs that have ASHP (or approved) accreditation, must have passed the PTCB (the national
Pharmacy Technician Certified Board examination) and documentation of 1000 hours of work. It is
strongly recommended that a graduate technician take the PTCB. As a certified Pharmacy Technician,
you qualify for a variety of employment opportunities in South Carolina and nationally.
BENEFITS OF NATIONAL CERTIFICATION and
COMPLETION OF AN ASHP ACCREDITED PROGRAM
National Certification benefits the technician, pharmacist and the employer. Employers find benefits in
managing risk, reducing training cost, increase employee satisfaction and improved performance.
Pharmacist have technicians with greater knowledge and skills, are able to devote more time to
patients and patient medications and focus more on patients counseling and of monitoring drug
utilization and disease state management.
The technician has greater opportunities for professional growth, enhance job security, and increase
financial incentives. Students will be provided information on applying to take the National Pharmacy
Technician Certificate Examination.
ASHP (American Society of Health System Pharmacists) accreditation ensures the student that the
program follows a rigorous curriculum, has well defined policies, procedures. The program is also
required to instruct and document specific competencies needed to become a proficient pharmacy
technician. This organization is recognized nationally as the gold standard in pharmacy and technician
education.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION
This program has been designed in a modular format which will permit the student to pay tuition fees
over several months. The fee for each Module II and III is due no later than two weeks prior to that
modules start date. Tuition cost is divided into three unequal payments. Call (864) 646-1700 for loan
information. Approximate cost for attending and completing the Pharmacy Technician Program will depend
upon fluctuations in cost of items and materials. The cost listed below represents only an estimate. Students
should check current fees.
Tuition
$3935
Books
$ 395
Supplies
$ 375
Lab Jacket
$ 45 (up to)
Health Status (TST-Hep B Series-MMR-Drug)
$ 150 (up to)
Pre-Check Criminal Background
$ 49
Individual Professional Liability Insurance
$ 37
SC Board of Pharmacy Registration
$ 80
PCTB national examination
$ 129
The above is for information only and may be subject to change.
Tri-County Technical College does not discriminate in admission or employment on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, qualifying disability, veteran’s status, age, or national origin.
BROCHURE DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this booklet is provided for information purposes and is not to be
regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and Tri-County Technical College, Corporate
and Community Education Division. Tri-County Technical College reserves the right to change, at any
time, without notice completion requirements, fees, and other charges, program course structure and
content, and such matters as may be within its control. We will make every effort to keep students
advised of such changes.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK
FOR CLINICAL; EDUCATION PROGRAM
Tri-County Technical College
The hospitals and clinical sites associated with our clinical education program require background
checks on incoming students to insure the safety of the patients treated by students in the program.
You will be required to order your background check in sufficient time for it to be reviewed by the
hospital prior to starting your clinical rotation. A background check typically takes 3 normal business
days to complete.
The background checks are conducted by PreCheck, Inc. a firm specializing in background checks for
healthcare workers. Your order must be placed online through StudentCheck.
Go to www.PreCheck.com and click on the StudentCheck link and then click the Student button.
Complete all required fields and hit Continue to enter your payment information. The payment of
$48.50 can be made securely online with a credit or debit card. You can also pay by money order, but
that will delay processing your background check until the money order is received by mail at the
PreCheck office. For your records, you will be provided a receipt and confirmation page of your
background check order placed through PreCheck, Inc.
PreCheck will not use your information for any other purpose other than a background check. Your
credit will not be investigated, and your name will not be given out to any businesses.
If you need assistance, please contact PreCheck at StudentCheck@PreCheck.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
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How long does the report take to complete? Most reports are completed within 3 business
weekdays.
Do I get a copy of the report? No. Only the hospitals or school in the program have access to
the report. However, you can order a copy of your report for an additional fee at the time you
place your order.
Does PreCheck need every street address where I have lived over the past 7 years? No. Just
the city and state.
I have been advised that I am being denied entry onto the program because of information on
my report and that I should contact PreCheck. Where should I call? Call PreCheck’s Adverse
Action hotline at 800-203-1654. Adverse Action is the procedure established by the Fair
Credit Reporting Act that allows you to see the report and to dispute anything reported.
I have a criminal record. What should I do? Disclose the crime on your application.
Pharmacy Technician CERTIFICATE
Excellent employment opportunities exist in retail pharmacies; hospitals; long term care facilities, and with other
health care employers. The technician is a specialist working under the direction of a licensed pharmacist. Duties
are assigned by the pharmacist and are related to preparing and dispensing medication in accordance with
standard procedures and laws.
We have a SC Board of Pharmacy approved 652-hour program with some scheduling flexibility to accommodate
those currently working by offering both daytime and evening classes. It will take approximately one year to
complete. See Information Packet for complete introductory information.
Medical Terminology with Anatomy and Physiology DOC 568 must be completed prior to January 2012.
06/07 – 07/26
TR
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
45 hrs $295 Pendleton Campus
10/11-12/01 class or a previous one
TR
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
45 hrs $295 Pendleton Campus
Pharmacy Career Talk and Exploration Session
DOC 566
If you are interested in being a Pharmacy Technician, register for a Career Talk and Exploration Session, where
you will receive an application with detailed information. Student selection will be made by November 18,
2011. Call for Information package or see our website. Come learn more about this career and the details of this
program at career talk.
05/24
T
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
1hrs $5
Pendleton Campus
07/26
T
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
1hrs $5
Pendleton Campus
08/25
R
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
1hrs $5
Pendleton Campus
09/20
T
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
1hrs $5
Pendleton Campus
2012 Schedule
01/12/2012
Orientation
R
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Module I – 98 hrs $1885
Introduction to Pharmacy/Pharmacy Math/Laboratory Hood Practice
Day Class
01/17/12-04/17/12
TR
9:00 am - 12:00 noon
R
9 am - 2 pm Lab Class
Evening Class
01/17/12-04/17/12
TR
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
R
4 pm - 9 pm Lab Class
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Module II - 269 hrs $1353
Applied Pharmacy Practice/Therapeutic Agents I
Day Class
05/15/12-07/26/12
TR
9:00 am - 12:00 noon
R
9 am - 2 pm Lab Class
Evening Class
05/15/12-07/26/12
TR
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
R
4 pm - 9 pm Lab Class
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Module III – 240 hrs $697
Community Pharmacy Business/Therapeutic Agents II
Day Class
08/14/12-10/25/12
TR
9:00 am – 12 pm
Evening Class
08/14/12-10/25/12
TR
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
(Day and Evening Students) IBDC 140
DOC 537
Pendleton Campus
Pendleton Campus
DOC 538
Pendleton Campus
Pendleton Campus
DOC 539
Pendleton Campus
Pendleton Campus
Module I Pharmacy Books
TCTC Bookstore
Course: Pharmacy Technician
MODULE I
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacy Calculations for Technician – Fourth Edition --- Module I
Don A. Ballington
Tova Wiegand Green
EMC Publishing
978-0-76383-465-4
0-7638-2219-1
Cost:
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacy Labs for Technician – Module I
Jason Sparks
Lisa McCartney
EMC Publishing
978-0-76383-486-9
Title:
Pharmacy 101 Power-point Notes --- Module I (Will get from Bookstore)
Cost:
Title:
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Power-point Notes --- Module I (Will get from Bookstore)
Cost:
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Cost:
Pharmacy Management software for Pharmacy Technicians Module I & II
DDA Enterprises, Inc.
Mosby
978-0-323-04958-0
Module II Pharmacy Books
TCTC Bookstore
Course: Pharmacy Technician
Module II
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, Fourth Edition ---- Module II & III
Plus Workbook
Don A. Ballington
Jeanie Barkett
EMC Publishing
978-0-76382-221-1
0-7638-2223-X
Cost:
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacology for Technicians – Fourth Edition ---- Module II & III
Plus Workbook
Don A. Ballington
Mary M. Laughlin
EMC Publishing
978-0-76382-210-1
0-7638-2210-8
Cost:
Title:
Publisher:
Cost:
Pharmacology 114 --- Module II (Lecture Notes) (Will get from Bookstore)
Therapeutic Agents I - PowerPoint
TCTC
Title:
Applied Pharmacy Practice PHM 109 --- Module II - PowerPoint (Will get from Bookstore)
Publisher:
Cost:
TCTC
Module III Pharmacy Books
TCTC Bookstore
Course: Pharmacy Technician
Module III
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, Fourth Edition ---- Module II & III
Plus Workbook (From Module II Classes)
Don A. Ballington
Jeanie Barkett
EMC Publishing
978-0-76382-221-1
0-7638-2223-X
Cost:
Title:
Author:
Publisher:
ISBN #:
Pharmacology for Technicians – Fourth Edition ---- Module II & III
Plus Workbook (From Module II Classes)
Don A. Ballington
Mary M. Laughlin
EMC Publishing
978-0-76382-210-1
0-7638-2210-8
Cost:
Title:
Publisher:
Cost:
Pharmacology 124 --- Module III (Lecture Notes) (Will get from Bookstore)
Therapeutic Agents II - PowerPoint
TCTC
Title:
Community – Pharmacy Seminar PHM 118 --- Module III (Will get from Bookstore)
Publisher:
Cost:
TCTC
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
Application
Name _____________________________________________
Social Security # ___________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________
Street
_____________________________________________________________________________________
City
State
Zip
__________________________________________________(day)______________________________evening__________________________
Email address
Telephone numbers
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Birth date
High School Diploma From
Did you have any of these courses in High School?
Algebra
Anatomy
Biology
Chemistry
Year
Yes
No
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GED
College Attended _______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
College Courses Completed _______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you want to be a Pharmacy Technician? ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Use back of application if necessary
Do you have basic computer Application skills? ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Use back of application if necessary
Have you investigated this career? ____________ How?
 Talked to Pharmacist
 Read career information
 Attended TCTC Information Session
 Research via Internet
Have you ever worked in a pharmacy?  Yes  No
Where? ________________________________
Will you be attending  Day or  Evening Class?
I have received information about the Pharmacy Technician Program at Tri-County Technical College, Corporate and
Community Education Division. If accepted I agree to abide by all policies and the student code of conduct.
_________________________________________________________
Signature
Date
Mail to: Tri-County Technical College
Attn: Janelle Hicks
PO Box 587
Pendleton, SC 29670