Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology

Degree: Technical Certificate

Emphasis: Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology

The Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology educational program prepares individuals to take the national exam to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. As an integral part of this community college, the department of Pharmacy Technology accepts each student as an individual and endeavors to provide the guidance, which will enable development and maturation in realizing his or her potential in the field of Pharmacy Technology.

This program is designed for the student who does not intend to transfer to a baccalaureate degree program.

Legal Limitations for Certification

Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to take the national certification exam (PTCE) to become a certified pharmacy technician. However, individuals who have been convicted of crimes other than minor traffic violations could be ineligible for pharmacy technician national certification or registration in the state of Tennessee even if they have successfully completed the Pharmacy Technology program. Pharmacy technicians may not practice unless under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. To work as a technician in the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy requires registration, a fingerprint background check, and a declaration of citizenship.

Admission, Retention and Graduation Requirements:

Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology applicants must possess the following to ensure that they are reasonably likely to be able to achieve the educational goals and objectives of the program. Prior to acceptance of the applicant, the applicant must have the proper qualifications to enroll. At a minimum, the applicant must:

1. Complete the Walters State Application for Admission, if not currently a student.
2. Meet the college's general admission requirements and should indicate Advanced Pharmacy Technology (PHRX) as their major.
3. Must complete the Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology Program application at http://www.ws.edu/academics/health/pharmacy-technician/.
4. Be attending high school, possess a high school equivalency certificate, or be a high school graduate.
5. Have English language proficiency (including reading, writing, and speaking), except in cases where the native language of the country or territory in which the program is taking place is different (e.g., Puerto Rico).
6. Have math proficiency sufficient to fulfill the requirements of pharmacy technician job responsibilities.
7. Meet the minimum age requirements, which must be based on state requirements for employment of pharmacy technicians.
8. Complete a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to clinical experience. 

The tools used to evaluate English language proficiency (including reading, writing, speaking) and math proficiency include but are not limited:

• Providing ACT, SAT, Accu-Placer, or other approved standardized exam, with test scores that are less than 5 years old; or
• Providing transcripts that document the applicant has previously taken and successfully completed developmental, learning support, or college level courses in those areas.

Applicants are not required to take learning support courses before applying to the program; however, preference will be given to those applicants who demonstrate the ability to perform at a college level in English, reading, writing, speaking, and math through the proficiency criteria stated above.

Background checks and drug screening must be submitted through the approved TBR vendor prior to the clinical experience. 

• The criminal background check and drug screening (at the student's expense), will be required to make legally compliant and appropriate decisions regarding continuation into the program.
• Individuals who have been convicted of crimes other than minor traffic violations could be ineligible for clinicals, the pharmacy technician national certification examination, or registration in the state of Tennessee.

Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the program faculty for a student who chooses to take a non-clinical based pharmacy technology course as an elective or enrichment.

1. While in the program, students must comply with the college's policies and successfully meet program curriculum requirements.
2. Prior to the clinical training phase of the program, the student must obtain the following: a physical examination, laboratory tests, immunizations, and liability insurance, all at the student's expense. Liability insurance is obtained in the amount specified by the program's director. Registration with the Board of Pharmacy at the student's expense may be required.
3. Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of the courses listed below with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.