Pharmacy Technician, Technical Certificate (Pharmacy Technician)

Degree: Technical Certificate

Emphasis: Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician 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 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 certification in the state of Tennessee, even though they have successfully completed the Pharmacy Technician program. Pharmacy technicians may not practice unless under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

Admission, Retention and Graduation Requirements:

1. Students applying to the program must meet the college’s general admission requirements. Pharmacy Technician students are not required to take or complete the college’s Compass Exam or any basic/developmental courses prior to enrolling in the program.
2. Student should indicate Pharmacy Technician (PHAR) as their major.
3. Prior to enrolling for PHAR courses a student must complete the pharmacy tech application which includes the Criminal Conviction Statement, the Alcohol and Chemical Abuse Statement, a work history/experience form, and identify one professional reference. These forms and application may be obtained from program faculty or http://www.ws.edu/health/PharmTech/default.asp.
4. After completion of the pharmacy technician admission procedure, the student’s application for admission will be reviewed by the Pharmacy Technician Admission Committee. The committee will consist of the pharmacy technician faculty and will be chaired by the program director. The committee will select qualified candidates based on the admission criteria including: a) admission to Walters State Community College; b) Pharmacy Technician major; c) no history of criminal conviction; d) signed alcohol and chemical abuse form; e) positive reference checks.

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

5. While in the program, students must comply with the college’s policies and successfully meet program curriculum requirements.
6. 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. Criminal background check and registration with the Board of Pharmacy at the student’s expense may be required.
7. Program graduation requirements include the successful completion of the courses listed below with a minimum grade of “C” in each course.