Program - Pharmacy Technician Certificate

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Pharmacy Technician Certificate

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. Students gain “hands-on” experience through clinical practice at area health-care facilities.

Developmental Courses

Some students may need preparatory courses in English, mathematics or reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not count toward this certificate.

Related Program Information

  • Internship sites may require students to maintain specific requirements to ensure personal and patient health and safety.
  • All Pharmacy Technician Core classes are offered at the Cambridge campus.
  • All 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).

  • 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. Demonstrate understanding of his/her professional role as a Pharmacy Technician.
    • A minimum of 12 semester credits in courses numbered 1000 or
      above must be completed at ARCC.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses
      numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program and general
      education requirements.
    • All courses requirements must be complete before a certificate will be
      awarded.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without
      notice.

     

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

  • 10 credits

    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 (optional) 5
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    ^Course requires Instructor permission.
  • 6 credits

    BIOL 1102 Medical Terminology 2
    BIOL 1104
    OR BIOL 1106
    The Human Body Structure and Function
    OR Principles of Biology I
    4
  • The sequence that follows is for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program, many courses are offered in the evening.

    FIRST YEAR

    Fall Semester   Spring Semester 
    BIOL 1102 2 PHAR 2110  2
    BIOL 1104
    or BIOL 1106
    4 PHAR 2120  2
    PHAR 1100 2 PHAR 2297 (optional) 5
    PHAR 2100  2    
    PHAR 2130  2    
     TOTAL 12 TOTAL  4 or 9
  • *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 

Supplementary Information

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