Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician Program orients students to the work of various pharmacy settings and the context in which their work is performed. An overview of the pharmacokinetics & pharmacodynamics associated with prescription and OTC medications is provided.
Students are introduced to the profound influence that federal and state laws and regulation have on practice. Commonly encountered ethical dilemmas are explored in this program. Students will perform drug dosage conversions and calculations. The program contains opportunities for hands on labs to allow students to simulate preparing various forms of medications. Upon successful completion of the program, students should have attained the skills to prepare them to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, if they choose to. Additionally, the Pharmacy Technician program will provide a basic foundation and understanding of pharmaceuticals that any student pursuing higher level education in the Healthcare field may benefit from.
ADMISSIONS/GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students enrolling in courses for the Pharmacy Technician program adhere to the same
admission, curriculum and graduation requirements as do students enrolling in other
Collin College open enrollment programs. In addition, students wishing to enroll in
this program will need to complete the following prior to acceptance to the program:
• Program Application and Interview
• Drug Screening
• Background check
• TABE Testing: It is highly recommended students score at least a 10 on the Test
of Adult Basic Education prior to starting the Pharmacy Technician program.
Grading, transcripts and transfer policies are the same for all students at Collin College.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Pharmacy Technician will be awarded to students who meet the following graduation requirements:
• Earn a minimum of 60 credit hours (excluding Developmental Credit).
• Complete 22 credit hours of general education.
• Complete a minimum of 38 credit hours of recommended courses per approved curriculum,
including prerequisites, with a grade of 75% or better.
• Must complete clinical hours (externship) in a retail pharmacy as assigned by the
college.
• Earn a minimum of 15 credit hours in residency at Collin College.
• Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
• Complete State of Texas college readiness requirements.
The Level 1 Pharmacy Technician Certificate will be awarded to students who meet the following graduation requirements:
• Earn a minimum of 29 credit hours of recommended courses per approved curriculum,
including 25% from Collin College to meet residency requirements.
• Must complete clinical hours (externship) in a retail pharmacy as assigned by the
college.
• Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES/CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS STATEMENT
After initial acceptance to this program, all students are required to meet specific
functional abilities - with or without accommodations - for successful completion
of the program and to function safely and effectively in the variety of the profession’s
settings. The specific functional requirements are found in the Functional Abilities/Core
Performance Standards documents provided in the program information on the Program
website. Students who think they may not be able to meet the functional standards
and need accommodation are encouraged to contact the college ACCESS department as
soon as this program is of interest.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Various scholarships are available to students when they have been accepted into the
Pharmacy Technician Program. Most scholarships are awarded based on financial need.
Other types of monetary support are available through the college’s Financial Aid
Office.
Health Insurance – All Pharmacy Technician students are required to show proof of health insurance prior to starting clinical rotations each semester.
Placement in Mathematics and English courses is based upon the results of each student’s assessments and subjects completed before admission.
Program Options
Certificate Level 1 – Pharmacy Technician