Pharmacy Technician 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.

For details, including entrance requirements and fees see:
Pharmacy Technician - One Year Certificate of Completion (Online Catalog) 

Program Outcomes

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

1. Communication: Communicate professionally verbally and non-verbally with patients and healthcare professionals in order to promote safe patient care.
2. Manage Inventory and Orders: Manage physical drug inventory, process medication orders and maintain documentation.
3. Medication Preparation: Calculate, measure and prepare medication for patient administration.
4. Computer Skills: Operate pharmacy software to perform the roles and responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician
5. Regulations: Comply with Oregon Administration Rules (OARs), various standards of Joint Commission, and apply principles of USP 797 and USP 800.
6. Insurance: Process insurance claims and explain benefit structures.