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Accelerated Pharmacy TechnicianGateWay Community College

Accelerated Pharmacy Technician

Certificate of Competency (CC)
Phoenix, AZ
424Hours
0Units/Credits
Hybridtype

Program Details & Enrollment Information

Learn everything you need to know about the program and how to take the first step toward enrollment.

Program Overview

Program Overview

The Certificate of Competency (CCT) in Accelerated Pharmacy Technician prepares students for entry-level pharmacy practice in retail, hospital, and institutional settings. Students will process and prepare medications, dispense medications, and learn inventory and quality control practices. The program includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, legal and regulatory standard, customer service, prescription analysis and interpretation, mathematical calculations for dosing and solution preparation, safety procedures, and billing practices. The curriculum for this program includes a 160-hour externship and meets the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requirement for students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).

Program Objectives

  1. Rapid Skill Acquisition: The program focuses on an intensive curriculum that efficiently imparts the necessary technical and practical skills required for pharmacy technicians.

  2. Pharmacy Operations Mastery: Participants will gain a deep understanding of pharmacy operations, including prescription processing, inventory management, and adherence to regulatory standards.

  3. Pharmacology Fundamentals: The program covers fundamental pharmacology concepts, ensuring participants are well-versed in drug classifications, interactions, and dosage calculations.

  4. Hands-On Training: Practical, hands-on training is a cornerstone of the program. Participants will engage in simulated pharmacy environments to apply their knowledge and hone their skills.

  5. Communication and Customer Service: Effective communication and exceptional customer service are vital in the healthcare industry. The program emphasizes interpersonal skills, ensuring graduates can interact professionally with both customers and healthcare professionals.

  6. Regulatory Compliance: Participants will be well-versed in pharmacy laws and regulations, ensuring they can navigate the complex regulatory landscape governing pharmaceuticals.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  • Describe the role of the pharmacy technician in retail, hospital, and institutional settings.
  • Apply all legal, regulatory, professional, and ethical standards applicable to the role of pharmacy technicians.
  • Employ proper customer service procedures related to professional communication, appearance, and knowledge of allowed duties when working under a licensed pharmacist in a variety of settings.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with brand and generic drug names, appearance, manufacturer, dosage forms(s), and route of administration for at least the top 200 drugs.
  • Analyze a prescription for accuracy.
  • Perform mathematical calculations for dosage determinations and solution preparations.
  • Demonstrate safe medication preparation.
  • Practice safe and appropriate dispensing principles.
  • Prepare for the national pharmacy technician certification and licensure as required by State of Arizona Regulation.

Potential Career Opportunities

  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Pharmacy Assistant
  • Compounding Pharmacy Technician
  • Hospital Pharmacy Technician
  • Long Term Care Pharmacy Technician
  • Retail Pharmacy Technician
  • Specialty Pharmacy Technician
  • Pharmacy Inventory Specialist
  • Pharmacy Billing Specialist
  • Pharmacy Technician Instructor

Skills you will gain
  • Customer Service
  • Inventory Management
  • Pharmacy Operations
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Communication Skills
  • Hands-On Training
  • Pharmacology Fundamentals
  • Healthcare Profession
  • Dosage Calculations
  • Pharmacy Laws
Degree Requirements:

This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

Admissions criteria:
  • 18 years of age to enroll.
  • Background check requirements: Admission to an Allied Health program requires that students be in compliance with the Maricopa County Community College District Background Check Standards. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Background Check Policy.
  • Clinical health and safety requirements must be met. Upon conditional program enrollment, the student must comply with all requirements of the MCCCD Clinical Health and Safety Policy.
  • Inability to comply with background check requirements and/or clinical health and safety requirements at the start of classes may result in cancellation of enrollment.
Please keep in mind:
  • This program is not eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
  • Students should meet with a navigator to discuss their academic and career goals.
  • The course sequence is laid out by block and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • This is a cohort program in which students progress through their course of study together in the required course sequence.

Please refer to the school's official website for the complete Program Course List.