Pharmacy Technician

Attention New Students!
The next pharmacy technician cohort is scheduled to begin in the Fall Term of 2013. Department approval is required to register for these classes.  Enrollment is first come-first served for the first 16 students who have completed program preparation and prerequisites.  Priority registration is given to currently enrolled certificate/degree-seeking students who have completed the highest number of credits at COCC.   Therefore, completing the prerequisites does not guarantee you a seat in the cohort. A criminal background check will be required for all students officially registered for the cohort.

Fall 2013 open advising hours:  Wednesday or Friday from 2-430pm or by appointment only.  Please call Shannon Waller, Program Director at 541-318-3722 or email swaller@cocc.edu

 Program information
This three-term program is developed to prepare individuals for employment in the pharmacy industry. Pharmacy technicians are skilled workers who are educated and trained to work in a pharmacy and assist in all areas of the pharmacy not requiring the professional judgment of the registered pharmacist. Some current practice areas for the pharmacy technician include retail, hospital, manufacturing, disease state management, and mail order and insurance claim specialists. The pharmacy technician processes prescriptions and medication orders and plays an integral role in maintaining the pharmacy department.

Courses are completed in an online and hybrid format, and focus on the abilities needed to assist the pharmacist and provide the skills necessary to process prescriptions accurately, participate in administration and management of a pharmacy, and maintain inventory. Topics of study include medical terminology, anatomy and functions of the human body, therapeutic classification and drug names, pharmacy procedures, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law and interpersonal communications. Students will have a working knowledge of sterile technique, standards of practice, quality assurance and patient confidentiality. In addition, students will develop and practice communication skills needed to function in a professional setting. In order to gain workplace experience, students will also participate in a hospital and retail pharmacy practicum.

The program will prepare students to take the national certification examination to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician as required by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy and to be employed in a pharmacy setting.

Criminal charges or convictions
A history of criminal charges or convictions may prohibit a student from entering the Pharmacy Technician profession. See list of Potentially Disqualifying Crimes.

Verified Credentials Background Check

If you are officially registered for the upcoming Fall 2013 cohort (not on a waiting list) you will need to submit to a background check.  This must be submitted to the program director no later than August 1, 2013 to save your seat in the cohort.  Please email swaller@cocc.edu for directions.

Program Contact:
Shannon Waller, BA, CPhT, Program Director
 Health Careers Center Room 244

 swaller@cocc.edu

  (541) 318-3722

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Pharmacy Technician Training Program students will be able to:

1. Accurately implement physician orders by preparing, labeling and packaging medications while working under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in pharmacy technician skills appropriate to a variety of pharmacy settings such as hospitals, retail, and community pharmacies.
3. Communicate and work effectively with patients, coworkers and other members of the health care team.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal and ethical standards of the practice of pharmacy.
5. Adhere to principles of patient confidentiality within the health care and community environment as defined by HIPAA  
6. Demonstrate proficiency in pharmacy calculations, computer skills, record keeping and billing in adherence to applicable industry regulations.
7. Acquire and maintain the national pharmacy technician certification and licensure as required by state of Oregon Regulations.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion PDF (52 credits)
(3 quarters to complete if attending full time)