in partnership with
Pharmacy Technician Certification Training
The Community Education Department of Doña Ana Community College (DACC) in conjunction with
National Collegiate Partners (NCP) is offering an exciting opportunity for those who are interested in
beginning a new career in the field of pharmacy. The Pharmacy Technician Training course is available for
the career-minded, working adult. Many prospective students may not be able to commit one or two years
to career training; with that in mind, we tailor the program to fit the busy schedules required by family life
and work. The success of our program is measured in the number of graduates who apply for certification
and find employment through our program. The course is designed to prepare students to enter the
workforce better prepared through actual hands-on experience at local, professional practices.
Below you will find a brief explanation of the course and the requirements for enrollment. The course
offering is considered “selective admissions”, which means that NCP/DACC student counselors and staff will
grant admission based on the application and interview. Our commitment is to keep a low teacher-student
ratio, therefore, seating is LIMITED. We will only be accepting 18-20 applicants in this program.
Prerequisites for the course include:
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A high school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
No criminal offense, misdemeanor or felony, related to the sale of drugs
A recent history of vaccinations required to work in the clinical and externship
Commitment to the rigorous 12-week course schedule
Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician certification program offers students both theoretical and practical training
through hands-on experience. Classes meet two (2) days a week, for three (3) hours each session. The
duration of the course is twelve (12) weeks and includes preparation for the certification examination
administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). In addition to 72 hours in the
classroom and additional self-directed study, our students are required to complete an 80-clock-hour
externship experience in order to graduate from the program. The externship serves as working experience,
as well as a reference for future employment.
Doña Ana Community College
DACC East Mesa Campus
2800 North Sonoma Ranch Blvd
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
(505) 527-7527
www.dabcc.nmsu.edu
Revised 10/10/07
National Collegiate Partners
25 Highland Park Village, Suite 100-344
Dallas, Texas 75205
Toll Free: (888) 824-6667
Fax: (866) 362-0364
www.natcolpar.com
Community Education
Dona Ana Community College
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
12 weeks (152 contact hours: 72 classroom and lab hours, 80 externship hours)
CPhT Certification Training
Program Description
The Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for entry-level positions in the retail and institutional
pharmacy setting. Graduates may find employment with community pharmacies, hospitals, retail pharmacies,
mail-order drug companies, and insurance companies. 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 are also prepared to take the
certification exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to become a Certified Pharmacy
Technician (CPhT).
Objective/Purpose of Program
Upon completion of the program students will be able to:
1. Understand the practice of pharmacy
2. Identify and understand the regulatory agencies and laws that affect the practice of pharmacy
3. Recognize and process drug orders in both retail and institutional environments
4. Describe the process for bringing new drugs to market through the NDA process
5. Describe the naming of drug products and the patent process
6. Understand the use of the patient profile and hospital charts in drug use and patient monitoring
7. Order, maintain, and control pharmacy inventory including the discarding of expired or recalled
medications
8. Demonstrate understanding of how to order, process, and handle controlled substances
9. Demonstrate proficiency in pharmacy calculations involved in the practice of pharmacy
10. Demonstrate sterile product compounding and aseptic techniques
11. Discuss pharmacology and the concept of pharmacological classes of medications
12. Discuss pharmacokinetics and factors that can affect drug kinetics
13. Demonstrate ability to engage in the administrative duties of the pharmacy
14. Identify and understand the way in which the pharmacy technician supports the pharmacist
15. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
Exam
16. Understand and apply pharmaceutical math
Course Details
The next class will start on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 and end April 14, 2008. The classes will meet Tuesday
nights from 6:30PM-9:30PM and Saturday mornings from 9:00AM-12:00PM. Your externship will start after
this time.
Externship
After completion of the class portion of the program, our Externship Coordinator will work with you to obtain
placement in a local pharmacy to gain hands-on experience vital for your success. The location of the pharmacy
and the times you work will be based on where and when you can work. Once you complete the externship you
will receive your certificate of completion from DACC.
Revised 10/10/07
Pharmacy Technician Training Course ---- $ 3,650
Materials/Supplies Included
Pharmacy Technician Textbook and Workbook
Pharmacy Practice Math Book
Flash Cards of the Top 200 Drugs and Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs
Self-Study Prescription Insurance Manual
One Lab Coat
PTCB Exam Review Guide
Brand to Generic Quick Reference Pocket Guide
Externship Manual
Pharmacy Technician Student Manual
Registration
Before registering for the course, you must complete a brief phone interview with one of our student
counselors to determine if this course is right for you. Once completed, you may register by calling the
Community Education Office at 505-527-7527 or by visiting the Community Education Office at 2800 N.
Sonoma Ranch Blvd. Room 204, Las Cruces, New Mexico. Payments by cash, check, or credit card are
accepted.
Affordable Payment Plan Available
Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify through various lending sources such as state-funded
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Sallie Mae Loans. Please call 888-824-6667 to speak with one of our
counselors for help exploring your options. Note: All student loans are subject to the terms and conditions
of the lending institution. NCP does not make any decisions regarding the approval or denial of loans.
After loans have been approved and disbursed, the student is responsible for meeting the terms of the loan
and communicating with the lending institution.
Cancellation Policy
Requests for cancellation and refund of fees must be made in writing and submitted to NCP five (5) days
prior to the first class meeting. A $150 processing fee will be deducted from the refund due.
Dona Ana East Mesa Campus Map
Classes will be held at the East Mesa Campus. This facility is located in a safe area with plenty of free
parking.
Revised 10/10/07