PT23 Pharmacy Technology, Associate of Applied Science Degree
Offered at the Griffin Campus
| Program Entrance Term: |
Fall and Spring |
| Minimum Length of Program: |
6 terms |
| Minimum Credit Hours for Graduation: |
65 |
Program Description
The Pharmacy Technology degree is designed to provide an individual with entry-level skills required for success in a retail pharmacy or a hospital-based pharmacy department. Learning opportunities develop academic and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. Graduates are prepared to function as pharmacy technicians in positions requiring preparation of medications according to prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist. 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 admissions 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) ALHS 1090, COMP 1000, ALHS 1040, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L and all courses from Area I-IV with a minimum grade of C in each course. Must complete BIOL 2114 and BIOL 2114L prior to graduation with a minimum grade of C or better.
- 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
- PSB 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 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
Social/Behavioral Sciences elective—Choose one: (Required)
Natural Sciences/Mathematics elective—Choose one: (Required)
MATH 1100: Course will be accepted when transferred in from another institution with a grade of a C or better but may not be offered at this institution.
Second Term
Humanities/Fine Arts elective—Choose one: (Required)
Third Term
General Core elective: (Required)
Choose one non-repetitive course from Area I, II, III, or IV (see General Education Core Classes in this catalog)
Fourth Term
Fifth Term
Sixth Term