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Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician - Advanced, Level 2 Certificate

Degree Type Level 2 Certificate

Total Credit Hours 30

Pharmacy Technician at Collin

The Pharmacy Technician Program at Collin College prepares students for employment in retail, hospital, and specialty pharmacy settings. This program provides foundational knowledge in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug classification, pharmacy law, and calculations. Students will develop hands-on skills through simulation labs, medication preparation, and clinical rotations in a variety of pharmacy environments.

The Pharmacy Technician program offers two stackable certificates for progressive career development:

  • Level 1 Certificate (16 SCH) Pharmacy Technician
    • Designed for students entering the field.
    • Includes hands-on lab training and a clinical rotation.
    • Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCB or NHA)
       
  • Level 2 Certificate (30 SCH) - Pharmacy Technician - Advanced
    • Expands upon the Level 1 curriculum with sterile compounding, IV mixture, and drug therapy management.
    • Includes advanced clinical rotations in hospital and specialty pharmacy settings.
    • Meets the 600-hour ASHP accreditation model for advanced training.
    • Prepares students for higher-responsibility roles such as IV pharmacy technician, lead pharmacy technician, and hazardous drug preparation specialist.


Admissions & Graduation Requirements
Students enrolling in courses for the Pharmacy Technician program adhere to the same admission, curriculum and graduation requirements as open-enrollment programs at Collin College.
In addition, students wishing to enroll in this program will need to complete the following prior to acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician program:

  • Program Application and Interview
  • Drug Screening
  • Background check
  • Proof of Health Insurance
     

Graduation Requirements

The Level 1 Pharmacy Technician Certificate (16 SCH) will be awarded to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Earn a minimum of 16 credit hours from the approved curriculum.
  • Complete a clinical externship as assigned by the college.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • Complete at least 25% of credit hours at Collin College to meet residency requirements.

The Level 2 Pharmacy Technician - Advanced Certificate (30 SCH) will be awarded to students who meet the following criteria:

  • Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours from the approved curriculum, including advanced pharmacy coursework.
  • Complete clinical rotations in hospital or specialty pharmacy settings.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
  • Complete at least 25% of credit hours at Collin College to meet residency requirements.


Functional Abilities & Performance Standards
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 pharmacy environments.

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. Students who think they may need accommodation should contact the ACCESS department as early as possible for assistance.


Scholarships & Financial Aid
Various scholarships are available to students who have been accepted into the Pharmacy Technician Program. Students are encouraged to apply early to maximize financial assistance opportunities. Additional support is provided through the Collin College Financial Aid Office.


Placement & Academic Policies
Placement in English 1301 is based upon each student's assessment results and coursework completed prior to program admission.
Students must meet all Collin College academic policies to progress through the program.


Department Website
http://www.collin.edu/department/pharmtech/