Pharmacy Technician

This less-than-one-year certificate program prepares students for gainful employment as pharmacy technicians in any number of pharmacy settings. The program also prepares students for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Test to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians

To accomplish these goals, the program combines classroom instruction with lab work and clinical experience. The curriculum is based on the broad learning objectives established by the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, the national accrediting body for pharmacy technology programs. Nineteen pharmacies in the Linn and Benton county area helped develop the program, and local pharmacists teach the classes.

In order to meet the basic curriculum requirements of the Pharmacy Technician Educators Council, courses such as Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Pharmacy Mathematics, and Pharmacy Practicum are incorporated. In these courses, students develop communication and interpersonal relations skills, as well as teamwork, responsibility and initiative.

A group of up to 24 students completes the training together and attends class for approximately 35 hours a week. A 210-hour cooperative work experience is part of the training and takes place at area hospitals, clinics and retail stores. Student is responsible for transportation to and from CWE sites.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete a certificate in Pharmacy Technician will be able to:

• Alert the pharmacist to potential problems in the filling of prescriptions such as duplications of therapy, possible adverse reactions or drug interactions and contraindications.
• Interpret prescription information, enter it into the computer, generate a prescription label, and dispense medication appropriately and correctly, under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals, both on the telephone and in person.
• •Students will be able to perform inventory control tasks, including placing, receiving and shelving orders.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with preference given to residents of Linn-Benton Community College’s tax district and students with previous college experience.

Students are required to:

• Attend a program information session,
• Have current immunizations
• Have an Oregon Board of Pharmacy initial Pharmacy Technician license
• Complete WR 095 College Writing Fundamentals and MTH 060 Introduction to Algebra with a “C” grade or better (or equivalent score on College Placement Test). The math class or math CPT must have been completed in the last five years.
• Submit a completed LBCC admission application form.

Students accepted into the program must pass a criminal background check and drug screening. On-line applications dates are posted in the Pharmacy Technician Bulletin. All applicants are given a time / date stamp on their applications and all supplemental documentation required for admission must be submitted in a sealed envelope within two business days of completing the on-line application. Applicants must be in good academic and financial standing at LBCC in order to be admitted to this program. Students receiving federal financial aid will be required to pass all classes with a “C” or better to maintain their financial aid status. The cost of this program varies.

Total Credit Hours: 25