Pharmacy Technician

Program Description

The Pharmacy Technician (PHARM) certificate program is endorsed by the Washington State Department of Health – Board of Pharmacy. This program will meet or exceed the goals and objectives of the American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists and the approved Washington State Pharmacy Technicians Training competencies.

The specific goals and objectives of the Pharmacy Technician program are to instruct students about the role of a pharmacy technician so that they may perform that responsibility within the legal limits of the law governing healthcare settings. Students should be able to categorize the top 200 drugs into major therapeutic classifications, distinguish between generic and trade names of drugs, and generally identify accepted drug dosage forms, strengths, routes of administration and dosing intervals. Students will learn to accurately apply mathematical principles required in the preparation and distribution of drugs, and will be instructed on how to correctly interpret prescriptions or medication orders. Students will perform: appropriate inventory control of drug products; prepare medications for review by the pharmacist; comply with pharmacy law, regulations, and ethical standards of practice; operate equipment to document drug dispensing and inventory activities; to bring awareness to the correct preparation of common intravenous admixtures utilizing aseptic technique, required supplies, and compounding equipment.

Job opportunities include hospitals, community pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, and other retail options. Graduates from this program may apply to the Washington State Department of Health – Board of Pharmacy to become a Washington State Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Entry into the Program

Please apply to the Admissions Office. Students may enter the program at the beginning of Fall quarter and courses must be taken in sequence. To enter the program duirng Winter or Spring quarters, advanced standing may be requested for prior education or experience with Department Chair approval. For more information, contact the Department Chair or Admissions Office.