PT22 Pharmacy Technology, Diploma
Offered at the Griffin Campus and GRCCA Site
| Program Entrance Term: |
Summer and Fall |
| Minimum Length of Program: |
5 terms |
| Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: |
56 |
Program Description
The Pharmacy Technology diploma is designed to enable the student to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for employment within a pharmacy. Program graduates will be able to perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. A variety of clinical experiences are designed to integrate theory and practice. Graduates will be employable as entry-level pharmacy technicians. The Pharmacy Technology program is accredited by ASHP (American Society of Health System Pharmacists) and ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) upon recommendation of the ASHP and ACPE Boards of Directors. More information on this accrediting body can be found at www.ashp.org The SCTC Pharmacy Technology program is a PTCB (Pharmacy Technology Certification Board) nationally recognized sterile compounding program. Recognition allows students to take the national PTCB CSPT (Compound Sterile Preparation Technician) certification exam. More information can be found at ptcb.org.
Admission Requirements
- Submit completed application and application fee
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript with test scores and ALL post-secondary transcripts in an official sealed envelope
- Meet assessment requirements.
Applicants must meet general admission requirements, as well as the following minimum requirements. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program. The Pharmacy Technology program admits twice per year each Summer and Fall semester. The deadline to apply is June 15th. The following steps are required for admission:
- Successfully complete (or transfer in) with a minimum grade of C or better in each course:
- ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1101, MATH 1012 or MATH 1111, ALHS 1011 or BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L AND BIOL 2114 and BIOL 2114L. If substituting BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L AND BIOL 2114 and BIOL 2114L for ALHS 1011, then BIOL 2114 and BIOL 2114L must be completed prior to graduation with a minimum grade of ‘C ‘or better.
- Successfully complete a minimum of 2 of the following courses prior to program admission with the remaining 2 courses being completed prior to graduation with a minimum grade of C or better:
- ALHS 1040, ALHS 1090, COMP 1000, and PSYC 1010.
- Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher for core classes. GPA includes each attempt at core classes, including those transferred in. If a course is repeated to “get a better grade” both grades will be used to calculate GPA.
- A minimum of 25 percent of program courses must be completed on SCTC campuses for graduation from SCTC.
- Must have completed and submitted scores for Entrance Exam to program director.
- Obtain CPR certification – BLS for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association or ALHS 1040.
- Complete Program-Ready Form. Submit to room 205 in the Medical Building or to the CAP Center.
Candidate Selection
Selection of candidates for each Pharmacy Technology class will be based on a competitive admission process. If the number of qualified students wishing to enter the program exceeds the number of spaces available in the program, those qualified students will enter into a competitive selection process for acceptance. The following criteria will be used:
- Overall GPA for core classes
- Entrance Exam
- Program application date
Once accepted into the Pharmacy Technology program, the student must complete all clinical site health requirements as described by our participating sites, including, but not limited to, criminal background checks, drug screenings, and health screenings. Must be completed prior to semester start. The student is responsible for any fees needed to obtain these items.
There is no waiting list for the program. Applicants who are not selected for a class must reapply for the next class starting the progression.
Check with program advisors for more information.
Readmission Policy
Readmission into the Pharmacy Technology program following withdrawal or first-time failure will be based on the following:
- Proof of previous program course completion within the past one year.
- Successfully complete a drug calculations examination with a minimum competency of 80 percent.
- Successfully complete a lab skills check off for any course already completed. Deficiencies will result in the student repeating the appropriate course.
- Readmission will be based on available space within clinical sites for the class the student is attempting to join.
- Students who do not successfully complete a course on the second attempt, whether at this college or at another college, will not be allowed to continue in the SCTC Pharmacy Technology program.
- A returning student must complete a new background check and drug screen.
Approximate additional costs other than tuition, fees, and textbooks
| Medical/clinical requirements |
$150 to $200 |
| Student lab fee |
$25 per term |
| Scrubs and lab jackets (approx.) |
$100 |
| Background check |
$138 |
| Liability insurance |
$12 |
| GA Board of Pharmacy Registration |
$138 |
| National Certification Application fee |
$129 |
| Graduation fees |
$75 |
| Books |
$600 |
The following is a suggested path to complete this program in a timely manner. An individual’s path to completion may be different based on institutional and personal factors affecting his/her academic progress.
Grading standards for the Pharmacy Technology program are very stringent. For students to progress to the next semester and course of study, a minimum grade of C must be achieved in every PHAR course.
Note: While all courses are offered, they may vary by term and campus. See the program advisor for any questions.
Program Courses
First Term
Second Term
| ALHS 1011 | Structure & Function of the Human Body | 5 |
| ALHS 1040 | Introduction to Health Care | 3 |
| ALHS 1090 | Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences | 2 |
Third Term
Fourth Term
| PHAR 1020 | Principles of Dispensing Medications | 4 |
| PHAR 1030 | Principles of Sterile Medication Preparation | 4 |
| PHAR 1050 | Pharmacy Technology Practicum | 5 |
Fifth Term
| PHAR 2060 | Advanced Pharmacy Technology Principles | 3 |
| PHAR 2070 | Advanced Pharmacy Technology Practicum | 5 |