Program - Pharmacy Technician

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Pharmacy Technician

Program Information

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists prepare prescription medications, provide customer service, and perform administrative duties within a pharmacy setting. Pharmacy technicians generally are responsible for receiving prescription requests, counting tablets, and labeling bottles. They may perform administrative functions such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. The Associate of Science (AS) in Pharmacy Technician degree program is designed for employment
and for transfer to bachelor's degree in Healthcare Leadership and Administration.
It will transfer in its entirety to Winona State University. It may transfer in part or in its entirety to other baccalaureate institutions. Students should meet with a representative of the transfer institution or obtain a current catalog from the transfer institution when planning their program. For consideration into the Pharm-D prerequisite rotation at the
University of Minnesota, students must complete additional courses in addition
to the AS degree. For assistance in program planning, or to explore additional transfer options, students should schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor.

Developmental Courses

Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, reading or mathematics. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.

  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Evaluate the principles, complexities, and trends in the pharmacy industry as it relates to the technician.
    2. Describe ethical responsibilities as it relates to the pharmaceutical industry;
    3. Demonstrate communication skills associated with customer service in a multicultural society.
    4. Perform all procedures skillfully and safely.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge of the normal structure and function of the human body, and understand the physiological effects of disease and injury.
    6. Properly calculate medical mathematical equations.
    7. Demonstration understanding of his/her professional role as a Pharmacy Technician.
    8. Use critical thinking and effective communication skills to analyze and solve patient issues.
    • A minimum of 60 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses number 1000 and above.
    • Satisfy residency requirements.
    • A minimum grade of “C” must be earned in all courses within the program requirements.
    • All PHAR courses must be completed at ARCC or have been approved for credit for prior learning.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice.

     

    NOTE: Students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance and information about transfer credit evaluation and transfer options and transfer options.

  • All Pharmacy Technician program requirements are offered at the Cambridge Campus.

    Program Requirements: Clinical facilities require students to maintain specific requirements to ensure personal and patient health and safety. Proof that these requirements are met must be furnished by the student. (See Pharmacy Technician Student Handbook).

  • 30 credits

    BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology I 4
    BIOL 2201* Microbiology 4
    ENGL 1120*
    OR ENGL 1121*
    Crosscurrent College Writing and Critical Reading
    OR College Writing and Critical Reading
    4
    PHAR 1100      Introduction to Pharmaceuticals Lecture/Lab  2
    PHAR 2100* Pharmacy Communications Lecture/Lab   2
    PHAR 2110 Pharmacy Medications Lab 2
    PHAR 2120* Drug Use and Reactions Lecture/Lab  2
    PHAR 2130* Pharmacy Administration and Medical Billing Lab 2
    PHAR 2297^ Pharmacy Technician Internship 5
    PHIL 1200 Medical Ethics  3
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    ^Course requires Instructor permission.
  • 30 credits

    Complete at least 30 general education credits from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including the required courses listed. You must complete at least one course in six of the ten goals. One course may satisfy more than one goal, but the course credits may be counted only once.
    1. Communication 
      ENGL 2241 OR ENGL 2261* 3
    2. Critical Thinking
      CHEM 1061*  4
    3. Natural Science
      BIOL 2113*- 4
      BIOL 2214* 4
      BIOL 2202 OR BIOL 2208*  
    4. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
      MATH 1114* 3
    5. History/Social/Behavioral Sciences
      PSYC 1110 4
    6. Humanities/ Fine Arts 
    7. Human Diversity
      CMST 2220 3
    8. Global Perspective
    9. Ethical/Civic Responsibility
    10. People and the Environment
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    - prerequisite not required beginning Spring 2024
  • The sequence that follows is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program; many courses are offered in the evening or online.

    FIRST YEAR

    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    BIOL 1106 4 BIOL 2201 4
    ENGL 1120/1121 4 CMST 2220 3
    MATH 1114 4 PHAR 2110 2
    PHAR 2100 2 PHAR 2120 2
        PSYC 1110
    TOTAL  16 TOTAL 15

    SECOND YEAR    

    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    BIOL 2113 4 BIOL 2114 4
    CHEM 1061 4 BIOL 2201 or BIOL 2208 4
    ENGL 2241 or ENGL 2261 3 PHAR 2120 2
    PHAR 2130 2 PHAR 2297 5
    PHIL 1200 3    
    TOTAL 16 TOTAL 13
  • *Some occupations may require advanced education

    • Pharmacy Technician in Pharmacy
    • Pharmacy Technician in Grocery Store
    • Pharmacy Technician in Drug Store
    • Pharmacy Technician in Hospital
    • Pharmacy Technician in Clinic 
  • Minnesota does not require PTCB certification; therefore, the states where a determination has not been made require a national exam or PTCB certification either prior to or within a specific timeframe after hire. At this time, Anoka-Ramsey Community College is unable to make a determination if the Pharmacy Technician program meets the licensing requirement for any state or U.S. protectorate besides Minnesota. You will want to contact the licensing board in which state you intend to pursue licensure for their requirements, below we provide a link to a list of each states licensing board.

    For more information on state licensing boards and their contact information for Pharmacy Technician click here.

Supplementary Information

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