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Pharmacy Tech Advising Information

The Pharmacy Technician Program is a three term, full-time, limited enrollment distance education certificate program which admits 24 students. 16 students from Central Oregon and 2 to 4 students from each partner school.

Prior to the start of the cohort (fall term), admitted students must have the following:

1. Immunizations

A. Hepatitis B Vaccine

Must have either a 2 dose (Heplisav‐B) or 3 dose (Recombivax HB
or Engerix‐B) series AND positive titer showing immunity

Titer: If the titer comes back with a “negative” or “non‐reactve”
result you must complete another series of three Hepatitis B
vaccines with a titer drawn one month after the series is
completed. If the 2nd titer is negative the student will be deemed
a non‐responder and will require no further Hepatitis B vaccines.

B. MMR Vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella)

Provide official documentation of two Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccinations, at least 4 weeks apart;

-OR-

Series in progress:

1st dose before 1st day of class
2nd dose at least 4 weeks after the 1st dose.

-OR-

Provide serological testing results showing immunity*.

* MMR serological testing is comprised of 3 components - Measles Titer, Mumps Titer and Rubella Titer. If any one of the components is negative (non-immune), the student must complete the series.

C. Varicella (Chickenpox)

Provide documentation of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart;      -OR-

Serological evidence [titer]  of immunity  to Varicella;      -OR-

Documentation of the 1st vaccine and documentation of the second dose within the first 4 weeks of the term.

D. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis

Provide documentation of a one-time dose of Tdap as an adult age 18 years or greater. Tetanus must be within the past ten years.

E. Tuberculosis - Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot blood draw (IGRA)

Provide documentation of a blood test (IGRA), either Quantiferon Gold or T-Spot, within the past the past 12 months.

Students with a past positive TB test must provide documentation of the positive TB test and, if not already completed, provide documentation of a baseline chest x-ray prior to the deadline.

F. Influenza vaccine

A current influenza vaccination (usually available starting October) is required by the end of fall term.

G. COVID-19

While the COVID‐19 vaccine is not required for entry into the
Pharmacy Technician program, clinical sites for practicum courses
may require the COVID‐19 vaccine. Please contact the program
director if you have any questions.

Medical Exemption:

If you have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a vaccine or any component of a vaccine, you must provide documentation, on letterhead, from your health care provider.

For documentation of immunization exemption for medical reasons:

  1. See the Allied Health Department Administrative Assistant. -OR-
  2. Download from Verified Credentials website.

The TB screening cannot be waived.

2. Current Healthcare Provider CPR card

Students must have a valid American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers" CPR card by the end of Winter term to meet the CPR requirement. 

CPR certification is usually good for two years. HHP 252 (not HHP 252A) will meet the requirement for Healthcare Provider CPR. We cannot accept any online CPR courses.

3. High school diploma or GED.

4. Criminal History Check

All COCC students enrolled in Pharmacy Technician Program (which includes requirements for practical experience) may have to pass Criminal History Checks (CHC) as a condition of their acceptance into a medical or other facility for training. Students who do not pass the CHC may not be eligible to complete training at affiliated practicum sites, to sit for licensure or certification exams, or to be hired for some professional positions. Students who believe that their past history may interfere with their ability to complete the program of study or to obtain licensure or certification in their chosen field should contact the appropriate state board or the program director.

5. 10-Panel Drug Screen:

All Pharmacy Technician Program students who attend clinical will undergo a 10-panel drug screen with Verified Credentials [VCI], the vendor approved by Central Oregon Community College. Students will be administratively withdrawn from class if the required urine drug screen is not completed, by the due date indicated in the pre-registration information, with the specified vendor, Students with a positive urine drug screen that will not allow clinical attendance will be disqualified from attending the Pharmacy Technician Program until the next registration period for the Program.

Once you have completed the initial immunizations and gathered your documents:

  1. Watch for updated instructions for completing the mandatory criminal history check and drug screen, and submitting required documents (such as immunizations and GED/Diploma) to the tracking system. Instructions will be posted on the Pharmacy Technician Program website.
  2. It is very likely that you will be required to submit documentation of initial immunizations, GED/Diploma, completed criminal history check, and initial drug screening in the first weeks of September.
  3. Students who fail to have required documents ready to turn in by the required date or who fail to complete the criminal history check and drug screen by the specified date, forfeit their spot in the program. It is your responsibility to watch the Pharmacy Program Program website during the months of August and September to check for updated requirements.
  4. Be sure that you have required fees available to complete the criminal history check, drug screen and document submission. Cost will be approximately $130.