Pharmacy Technician Applied Technology Diploma (PHRM-ATD)
Program Description
The Applied Technology Diploma in Pharmacy Technician (PHRM-ATD) program prepares the student to work in both institutional and community pharmacy settings under the supervision of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing medications and are accountable to the supervising pharmacist who is legally responsible through state licensure for the care and safety of patients served by the pharmacy. This program uses a combination of lecture, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction.
Pharmacy technician job duties include providing medication and other health care products to patients and working with third party agents and physicians in resolving adjudication of patients' insurance or state program. Pharmacy technicians often do the routine tasks associated with preparing and providing prescribed medications to patients, but may also do compounding of medications, doctor calls, expense, and medication orders, returns and expired credits, and non-licensed pharmacy management. State rules and regulations as well as job policies and procedures define the functions and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians.
Program Information
This program is a limited access program, which means program admission and course registration are restricted to a limited number of students each semester due to student-faculty ratios and clinical resources. A student first will be admitted to Pensacola State College, and after satisfying all admission requirements for this program, the student is considered for admission to the PHRM-ATD program.
The Applied Technology Diploma in Pharmacy Technician (PHRM-ATD) program accepts 20 students each Spring semester.
The graduate of the program that is seeking to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) must successfully complete the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam for pharmacy technicians.
Program Accreditation
The PHRM-ATD program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 4500 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Phone: 1.866.279.0681
asd@ashp.org
Program Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED;
- College Application; and
- Must be at least 17 years of age.
When the student has met the program admission requirements, the student’s application is evaluated by the Office of Admissions and ranked according to the date on which the student completed the final requirement. Students are selected in that rank order.
Program Progression Requirements
Progression through the Applied Technology Diploma in Pharmacy Technician program requires the following:
- A grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum
- Satisfactory completion of clinical requirements which include the following:
Program Completion Requirements
- Earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in all courses applicable to the program of study.
- Meet the academic residence requirement of completing at least 25% of the program with classes at Pensacola State College.
Program Contact:
Dr. Mitzie Sowell
Department Head, Health Sciences
(850) 484-2308
msowell@pensacolastate.edu
Diploma Requirements
The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Term I (12 cc)
| BSC 1080 | Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology | 3 cc |
| ENC 1101 | English Composition I | 3 cc |
| PTN 1001 | Introduction to Pharmacy | 3 cc |
| PTN 1017 | Pharmacy Technician Calculations | 3 cc |
BSC 1080: Students who have completed BSC 1093/2085 and BSC 1094/2086 may request these two courses to be substituted for the BSC 1080 requirement. See Program Director or an Advisor to discuss the course substitution.
Term 2 (10 cc)
| CGS 1570 | Computer Concepts and Applications | 3 cc |
| HSC 1531 | Medical Terminology | 3 cc |
| PTN 1121 | Therapeutic Agents I | 3 cc |
| PTN 1132L | Basic Business Skills for the Pharmacy Technician | 1 cc |
Term 3 (13 cc)
Term 4 (5 cc)
Total Credit Hours: 40
Note : CPR for Health Care Providers must be taken prior to starting clinicals. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Additionally, Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) scores must be on file, if required. Please check with the Testing Center for more information.