Pharmacy Technician

This program at Houston City College use a selective admissions process and requires an additional application beyond applying. Enrollment is limited, and not all qualified applicants may be offered placement. Please review the admission dates below carefully to ensure you complete all required steps by the required deadlines.

On average, approximately 50 students apply for admission each application period. Of these, approximately 25 are typically accepted.

When the number of eligible applications exceeds program seat availability, selective criteria are used to determine which applicants are offered admission. Selective criteria are awarded based on the following:

• 100% may be awarded based on the health program academic criteria (grades earned from pre-entry form, “recommended application criteria in this guide, and general education requirements.
• All application requirements must be satisfied by the close of the application window.

Learn more about the program by attending an information session.

Register to attend an in-person information session

Academic Requirements

• Required official or unofficial high school transcript showing graduation date or GED transcript showing completion.
  
• Required - Copy of college transcript showing completed/enrolled prerequisite course HPRS 1201.
  Note: HPRS 1201 course can be substituted with EDUC 1300 or any other college-level courses with the program director or program advisor’s approval.
• TSBP pharmacy technician trainee registration – Not required, but if you have already obtained it, please submit it with the program application form.

Additional criteria to earn points on the application rubric

Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) - Level 1 Retail Certificate: No TSI required for enrollment.
Advancing to Level 2 Certificate: Strongly encouraged to complete TSI for academic success and eligibility. If TSIA scores or transcripts do not show college-level proficiency in reading, writing, and math, you must complete:

• INRW 0420 (Integrated Reading and Writing) &
• One MATH course (0432P, 0424P, or 0442P) with a grade of "C" or higher.

If You Are Offered Admission

If you are offered admission, you will need to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status:

• Complete the letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the Admission Acceptance Offer email that will be sent to your email address submitted with the program application.
• Cleared Criminal Background. If you have ever been charged with or convicted in court of a misdemeanor or felony (including conviction of a similar offense in a military court-martial) you must contact the program director, Ms. Janet Pena (janet.pena@hccs.edu).
• Complete the mandatory Program Orientation on the date provided in your admission email. (Please clear your calendar so you are available to attend the mandatory orientations. If you are offered admission for the Fall Term, plan to attend Orientation between July and August; for Spring Term, plan to attend between December and January.

Please note below:

• During the first week of the C1 program, students must apply for their TSBP technician trainee registration.
• Students need to obtain the pharmacy technician trainee registration to participate in the PHRA 1260 Retail Clinical Rotation class, which begins during the second eight weeks of the semester.

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students’ progress and graduate as scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to weigh all options before accepting a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. To facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations.

Students are required to provide proof to HCC that they meet all immunization, testing, and other health requirements necessary for clinical placement. These requirements are determined by the healthcare facilities with which HCC partners for clinical education.

Many healthcare facilities require specific immunizations as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement. If a student chooses not to receive or provide proof of required immunizations, HCC may be unable to place the student in clinical rotations. HCC will make reasonable efforts to place such students in a clinical site that does not require immunization(s), provided an appropriate site is available, and HCC has an active affiliation agreement that meets the necessary conditions to support the student’s learning outcomes. Though HCC cannot guarantee that such sites will be available at the time clinical placement is needed.

If a student cannot be placed in a qualifying clinical site due to unmet immunization requirements, the student’s progression in the program and ability to graduate may be delayed or prevented. Our affiliate partners’ expectations for student trainees reflect the same standards applied to individuals employed in their respective professional settings.

Students with questions about clinical requirements or placement should contact the program director of their program of interest.

Certified Background Check

The Pharmacy Technician Program utilizes the company Complio to perform additional background checks and as the depository for all required clinic paperwork.  All pharmacy technician students are REQUIRED to complete a Certified Background Check.  Beginning 9/1/2014, pharmacy technician applicants are required to purchase and pass the background check BEFORE they are allowed to register for any pharmacy technician course.

Students log-on to the Complio website and create a profile.  The student must pay a $100 fee, which includes the student’s 10-panel drug screen, background check, and document manager.  Once the fee is paid, the student will then submit &/or upload all required paperwork (physical forms, vaccination records, TSBP registration, medical insurance, etc) directly to Complio.  The Pharmacy Technician program WILL NOT accept any clinic paperwork.  ALL paperwork must be submitted directly to Complio.  Directions for use of the Complio service will be given to the student during new student orientation.

Note: Students who begin the Pharmacy Technician Program as a part-time student will only need to purchase the background check and work with the program on due dates for the drug screen and document manager. 

Go to houstoncccompliance.com  for directions on how to purchase a certified background check account for the pharmacy technician program.

Other Clinical Requirements

After acceptance and before being placed into clinic, the student must complete and pass a 10-panel drug screen, physical exam and all required vaccinations must be up-to-date.  No student will be placed into a clinic site until they meet all clinic requirements listed below:

Vaccinations

Texas State Board of Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration

Texas state law requires all students to register with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) and obtain “active” registration as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee prior to beginning clinical rotations.  When registering with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, a federal criminal background check and fingerprinting will be performed on each applicant.  If the student has a criminal record they may be put on a pending status and will not be allowed to register for clinical until the pending status is lifted and the student is granted Registration.

It is against the law for any person to function as a pharmacy technician in any pharmacy setting without proper TSBP registration.  Therefore, the Pharmacy Technician Program WILL NOT place a student into any clinical site without valid TSBP Pharmacy Technician Trainee Registration under any circumstances.  TSBP makes all decisions on technician trainee registration.  HCC, Coleman College, or the Pharmacy Technician program have no say on whether an applicant is granted trainee status.

To be eligible for TSBP registration, applicants must have a valid social security number.  Students who are denied registration and/or not granted registration will not be allowed to continue in the Pharmacy Technician Program and may not be allowed future re-admission into the program.  Go to tsbp.state.tx.us  for more information on pharmacy technician trainee registration.

HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information please visit:  HB 1508 Licensing Requirements.

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Perform the calculations necessary to accurately prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing within the pharmacy profession.
• Model professional behavior and perform safely within the scope of the pharmacy technician profession.
• Assemble prescriptions and prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing in compliance with current legislation and established standards within the pharmacy profession.
• Produce compounded sterile preparations using proper USP aseptic technique.

Houston City College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).  More information on SACSCOC can be found at  about-hcc/accreditation/ and   sacscoc.org.

The Pharmacy Technician advanced-level certificate program conducted at HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, Houston, Texas, is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ASHP/ACPE).  More information on ASHP/ACPE accreditation can be found at ashp.org

As a student and graduate of the HCC Coleman College Pharmacy Technician certificate training program, accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPTE) is important for several reasons. Accreditation ensures that you are receiving the training and skills that reflect the national standard. Employers recognize that the education you received meets ASHP/ACPE standards which translate into a well-trained and highly skilled pharmacy technician. Also, as a graduate from an ASHP/ACPE accredited program, you will meet the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) requirements for IV certification.

The Pharmacy Technician program at Houston Community College prepares students for practice as an advanced-level pharmacy technician, in a broad range of advanced roles in a variety of contemporary settings (e.g., community, hospital, home care, long-term care) and has students acquire additional knowledge, skills, behaviors, and abilities beyond those of the entry-level pharmacy technician, needed for such advanced practice.  Below are the ASHP/ACPE accreditation competency expectations for the advanced-level pharmacy technician program at HCC.  Training competencies at HCC includes both key elements for entry level and advanced-level.

Standard 1: Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level:

1.1  Demonstrate ethical conduct.

1.2  Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior.

1.3   Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.

1.4  Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

1.5   Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.

1.6  Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.

1.7  Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.

1.8 Demonstrate problem solving skills.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

1.9  Demonstrate capability to manage or supervise pharmacy technicians in matters such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and customer service.

1.10  Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.

1.11  Apply supervisory skills related to human resource policies and procedures.

1.12  Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with other healthcare professionals, payors and other individuals necessary to serve the needs of patients and

Standard 2: Foundational Professional Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

2.1  Explain the importance of maintaining competency through continuing education and continuing professional development.

2.2  Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information, and understand applicable state and federal laws.

2.3  Describe the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare environment.

2.4  Describe wellness promotion and disease prevention concepts.

2.5  Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role.

2.6  Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.

2.7  Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process.

2.8  Practice and adhere to effective infection control procedures.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

2.9  Describe investigational drug process, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies.

2.10  Describe further knowledge and skills required for achieving advanced competencies.

2.11  Support wellness promotion and disease prevention

Standard 3: Processing and Handling of Medications and Medication Orders

Key Elements for Entry-level:

3.1  Assist pharmacists in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information for the Pharmacist Patient Care Process.

3.2   Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and authenticity to ensure safety.

3.3  Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.4  Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution.

3.5  Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution.

3.6  Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.

3.7  Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy.

3.8  Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment.

3.9  Use information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hazardous Drug List, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to identify, handle, dispense, and safely dispose of hazardous medications and materials.

3.10  Describe Food and Drug Administration product tracking, tracing and handling requirements.

3.11  Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies.

3.12  Explain procedures and communication channels to use in the event of a product recall or shortage, a medication error, or identification of another problem.

3.13  Use current technology to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

3.14  Collect payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.

3.15  Describe basic concepts related to preparation for sterile and non-sterile compounding.

3.16  Prepare simple non-sterile medications per applicable USP chapters (e.g., reconstitution, basic ointments and creams).

3.17  Assist pharmacists in preparing medications requiring compounding of non-sterile products.

3.18  Explain accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

3.19   Explain accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.20   Explain accepted procedures utilized in identifying and disposing of expired medications.

3.21  Explain accepted procedures in delivery and documentation of immunizations.

3.22  Prepare, store, and deliver medication products requiring special handling and documentation.

Additional Key elements for Advanced-level

3.23  Prepare compounded sterile preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

3.24  Prepare medications requiring moderate and high level non-sterile compounding as defined by USP (e.g., suppositories, tablets, complex creams).

3.25  Prepare or simulate chemotherapy/hazardous drug preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

3.26  Initiate, verify, and manage the adjudication of billing for complex and/or specialized pharmacy services and goods.

3.27  Apply accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

3.28  Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.29  Process, handle, and demonstrate administration techniques and document administration of immunizations and other injectable medications.

3.30  Apply the appropriate medication use process to investigational drugs, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies as required.

3.31  Manage drug product inventory stored in equipment or devices used to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

Standard 4: Patient Care, Quality and Safety Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

4.1  Explain the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and describe the role of the pharmacy technician in the patient care process.

4.2  Apply patient- and medication-safety practices in aspects of the pharmacy technician's roles.

4.3  Explain how pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in responding to emergent patient situations, safely and legally.

4.4  Explain basic safety and emergency preparedness procedures applicable to pharmacy services.

4.5  Assist pharmacist in the medication reconciliation process.

4.6  Explain point of care testing.

4.7  Explain pharmacist and pharmacy technician roles in medication management services.

4.8  Describe best practices regarding quality assurance measures according to leading quality organizations.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

4.9  Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other healthcare professionals.

4.10  Perform point-of-care testing to assist pharmacist in assessing patient's clinical status.

4.11  Participate in the operations of medication management services.

4.12  Participate in technical and operational activities to support the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process as assigned.

4.13  Obtain certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

Standard 5: Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

5.1  Describe and apply state and federal laws pertaining to processing, handling and dispensing of medications including controlled substances.

5.2  Describe state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians.

5.3  Explain that differences exist between states regarding state regulations, pertaining to pharmacy technicians, and the processing, handling and dispensing of medications.

5.4  Describe the process and responsibilities required to obtain and maintain registration and/or licensure to work as a pharmacy technician.

5.5  Describe pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.

5.6  Describe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements for prevention and treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., risk assessment, personal protective equipment, eyewash, spill kit).

5.7  Describe OSHA requirements for prevention and response to blood-borne pathogen exposure (e.g., accidental needle stick, post-exposure prophylaxis).

5.8  Describe OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (i.e., “Employee Right to Know”).

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

5.9  Participate in pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety

5.10  Describe major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy

The Pharmacy Technician/Assistant program graduates licensures/certifications are issued by the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

HCC Pharmacy Technician graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the PTCB.  To be eligible to sit for the PTCB exam, an applicant must complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training program.  HCC’s pharmacy technician program is a PTCB-Recognized program.  Once initial PTCB certification is obtained, the certified pharmacy technician must obtain 20 hours of pharmacy technician related continuing education credits and apply with PTCB to renew their certification.  Visit ptcb.org for more detailed information on the pharmacy technician certification process.

2022-2023 Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results 
Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by academic calendar year (Sept. 1–Aug. 31). Results for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022  academic years are provided for comparison. 

This program at Houston City College use a selective admissions process and requires an additional application beyond applying. Enrollment is limited, and not all qualified applicants may be offered placement. Please review the admission dates below carefully to ensure you complete all required steps by the required deadlines.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite course must be completed with a minimum grade of ‘C’ upon application submission.

If You Are Offered Admissions

If you are offered admission into the program, then you will be asked to complete the following pre-enrollment requirements by a specific due date to maintain eligible status. 

• Complete and send the Letter of Intent form by the deadline stated in the admission acceptance offer email. The offer and blank intent form will be sent to your submitted email address with the application form.
• Cleared Background Check through Certified Individuals with a positive background must declare to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) pharmacy.texas.gov.
• Complete the mandatory program orientation and student services orientation on the date provided in your admission email

The requirements below are to be completed before the start of the second semester:

• Proof of personal health insurance: If you need to purchase health insurance please visit the health insurance page for a list of health care insurance providers that HCC has compiled as a courtesy to students who wish to contact a potential provider to meet their personal health insurance Students are advised to contact more than one company and compare offerings.
• Passing drug screen.
• Physical examination.
• Immunization record showing (Monitored By Complio system: houstoncccompliance.com) completion of Hepatitis B immunization series (may take up to 6 months), MMR – 2 shots or titer, Tdap – every 10 years, TB Skin Test –for students start in Fall should complete the test by the 1st week of March of the following year and for students who start in Spring should complete the test by 1st week of November in the same year; Varicella 2 shots or titer, Meningitis (required for students 22 years or younger) and Influenza vaccine should be taken by the 1st week of October.
• CPR (BLS) current certification.
• Active registration status as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.

HCC Coleman College Grading Scale

To best prepare students for success in their chosen fields, Health Sciences Programs have high standards for progression. Unlike other HCC programs, the Pharmacy Technician  program requires a C (75%) or better to progress to the next course or semester in the program. For specific questions about grades, grading, and progression within Health Science programs, please contact Coleman College at co.pharmacytech@hccs.edu. 

Pharmacy Technician Program Grading Scale

• A = 100 – 90 %
• B = 89 – 80 %
• C = 79 – 75 %*
• D = 74 – 60 %
• F = 59 – 0 %

*A grade of C (75%) or better must be achieved to progress to the next course or semester. 

Regulations for Experiential Courses, Registration, Certification and Future Employment as a Pharmacy Technician 

Illicit drug use, negative background checks and lack of proof of immunizations can prevent pharmacy technician students, trainees and pharmacy technicians from participating in HCC Pharmacy Technician experiential courses as well as impact future employment in the field. Externships, employers and state boards of pharmacy have regulations about drug use as well as criminal background and immunization status.

Pharmacy technicians must meet all school and clinical site requirements regarding drug use, background checks and immunizations. Failure to meet these requirements will prevent the student from participation. Likewise, failure to meet employer requirements in regards to drug use, background checks and immunizations may prevent employment of a graduate of the pharmacy technician program.

Clinical Requirements for Program Progression & Completion

To provide students with the most robust clinical educational experience and to ensure that students’ progress and graduate as scheduled, applicants are strongly encouraged to weigh all options before accepting a conditional acceptance into their desired health science program. To facilitate this decision-making, students should understand all the requirements of their program, including clinical education.

To be placed in a clinical educational experience, students must comply with the guidelines and requirements of HCC clinical sites, including health and wellness directives. Most clinical sites require background checks, health testing, drug screens, and immunizations.

Students are required to provide proof to HCC that they meet all immunization, testing, and other health requirements necessary for clinical placement. These requirements are determined by the healthcare facilities with which HCC partners for clinical education.

Many healthcare facilities require specific immunizations as a condition of employment, volunteering, or student clinical placement. If a student chooses not to receive or provide proof of required immunizations, HCC may be unable to place the student in clinical rotations. HCC will make reasonable efforts to place such students in a clinical site that does not require immunization(s), provided an appropriate site is available, and HCC has an active affiliation agreement that meets the necessary conditions to support the student’s learning outcomes. Though HCC cannot guarantee that such sites will be available at the time clinical placement is needed.

If a student cannot be placed in a qualifying clinical site due to unmet immunization requirements, the student’s progression in the program and ability to graduate may be delayed or prevented. Our affiliate partners’ expectations for student trainees reflect the same standards applied to individuals employed in their respective professional settings.

Students with questions about clinical requirements or placement should contact the program director of their program of interest.

HB 1508 requires the following information be given to students:

This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information please visit:  HB 1508 Licensing Requirements.

Houston City College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).  More information on SACSCOC can be found at  about-hcc/accreditation/ and   sacscoc.org.

The Pharmacy Technician advanced-level certificate program conducted at HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences, Houston, Texas, is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education (ASHP/ACPE).  More information on ASHP/ACPE accreditation can be found at ashp.org

As a student and graduate of the HCC Coleman College Pharmacy Technician certificate training program, accreditation by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPTE) is important for several reasons. Accreditation ensures that you are receiving the training and skills that reflect the national standard. Employers recognize that the education you received meets ASHP/ACPE standards which translate into a well-trained and highly skilled pharmacy technician. Also, as a graduate from an ASHP/ACPE accredited program, you will meet the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) requirements for IV certification.

The Pharmacy Technician program at Houston Community College prepares students for practice as an advanced-level pharmacy technician, in a broad range of advanced roles in a variety of contemporary settings (e.g., community, hospital, home care, long-term care) and has students acquire additional knowledge, skills, behaviors, and abilities beyond those of the entry-level pharmacy technician, needed for such advanced practice.  Below are the ASHP/ACPE accreditation competency expectations for the advanced-level pharmacy technician program at HCC.  Training competencies at HCC includes both key elements for entry level and advanced-level.

Standard 1: Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level:

1.1  Demonstrate ethical conduct.

1.2  Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior.

1.3   Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.

1.4  Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

1.5   Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.

1.6  Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.

1.7  Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.

1.8 Demonstrate problem solving skills.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

1.9  Demonstrate capability to manage or supervise pharmacy technicians in matters such as conflict resolution, teamwork, and customer service.

1.10  Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.

1.11  Apply supervisory skills related to human resource policies and procedures.

1.12  Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with other healthcare professionals, payors and other individuals necessary to serve the needs of patients and

Standard 2: Foundational Professional Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

2.1  Explain the importance of maintaining competency through continuing education and continuing professional development.

2.2  Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information, and understand applicable state and federal laws.

2.3  Describe the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare environment.

2.4  Describe wellness promotion and disease prevention concepts.

2.5  Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role.

2.6  Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.

2.7  Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process.

2.8  Practice and adhere to effective infection control procedures.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

2.9  Describe investigational drug process, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies.

2.10  Describe further knowledge and skills required for achieving advanced competencies.

2.11  Support wellness promotion and disease prevention

Standard 3: Processing and Handling of Medications and Medication Orders

Key Elements for Entry-level:

3.1  Assist pharmacists in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information for the Pharmacist Patient Care Process.

3.2   Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and authenticity to ensure safety.

3.3  Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.4  Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution.

3.5  Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution.

3.6  Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.

3.7  Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy.

3.8  Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment.

3.9  Use information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hazardous Drug List, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to identify, handle, dispense, and safely dispose of hazardous medications and materials.

3.10  Describe Food and Drug Administration product tracking, tracing and handling requirements.

3.11  Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies.

3.12  Explain procedures and communication channels to use in the event of a product recall or shortage, a medication error, or identification of another problem.

3.13  Use current technology to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

3.14  Collect payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.

3.15  Describe basic concepts related to preparation for sterile and non-sterile compounding.

3.16  Prepare simple non-sterile medications per applicable USP chapters (e.g., reconstitution, basic ointments and creams).

3.17  Assist pharmacists in preparing medications requiring compounding of non-sterile products.

3.18  Explain accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

3.19   Explain accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.20   Explain accepted procedures utilized in identifying and disposing of expired medications.

3.21  Explain accepted procedures in delivery and documentation of immunizations.

3.22  Prepare, store, and deliver medication products requiring special handling and documentation.

Additional Key elements for Advanced-level

3.23  Prepare compounded sterile preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

3.24  Prepare medications requiring moderate and high level non-sterile compounding as defined by USP (e.g., suppositories, tablets, complex creams).

3.25  Prepare or simulate chemotherapy/hazardous drug preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.

3.26  Initiate, verify, and manage the adjudication of billing for complex and/or specialized pharmacy services and goods.

3.27  Apply accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.

3.28  Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and devices.

3.29  Process, handle, and demonstrate administration techniques and document administration of immunizations and other injectable medications.

3.30  Apply the appropriate medication use process to investigational drugs, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies as required.

3.31  Manage drug product inventory stored in equipment or devices used to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.

Standard 4: Patient Care, Quality and Safety Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

4.1  Explain the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and describe the role of the pharmacy technician in the patient care process.

4.2  Apply patient- and medication-safety practices in aspects of the pharmacy technician's roles.

4.3  Explain how pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in responding to emergent patient situations, safely and legally.

4.4  Explain basic safety and emergency preparedness procedures applicable to pharmacy services.

4.5  Assist pharmacist in the medication reconciliation process.

4.6  Explain point of care testing.

4.7  Explain pharmacist and pharmacy technician roles in medication management services.

4.8  Describe best practices regarding quality assurance measures according to leading quality organizations.

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

4.9  Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other healthcare professionals.

4.10  Perform point-of-care testing to assist pharmacist in assessing patient's clinical status.

4.11  Participate in the operations of medication management services.

4.12  Participate in technical and operational activities to support the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process as assigned.

4.13  Obtain certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.

Standard 5: Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge and Skills

Key Elements for Entry-level

5.1  Describe and apply state and federal laws pertaining to processing, handling and dispensing of medications including controlled substances.

5.2  Describe state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians.

5.3  Explain that differences exist between states regarding state regulations, pertaining to pharmacy technicians, and the processing, handling and dispensing of medications.

5.4  Describe the process and responsibilities required to obtain and maintain registration and/or licensure to work as a pharmacy technician.

5.5  Describe pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.

5.6  Describe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements for prevention and treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., risk assessment, personal protective equipment, eyewash, spill kit).

5.7  Describe OSHA requirements for prevention and response to blood-borne pathogen exposure (e.g., accidental needle stick, post-exposure prophylaxis).

5.8  Describe OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (i.e., “Employee Right to Know”).

Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level

5.9  Participate in pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety

5.10  Describe major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy

STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Perform the calculations necessary to accurately prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing within the pharmacy profession.
• Model professional behavior and perform safely within the scope of the pharmacy technician profession.
• Assemble prescriptions and prepare pharmaceutical products for dispensing in compliance with current legislation and established standards within the pharmacy profession.
• Produce compounded sterile preparations using proper USP aseptic technique.

The Pharmacy Technician/Assistant program graduates licensures/certifications are issued by the nationally recognized Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

HCC Pharmacy Technician graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the PTCB.  To be eligible to sit for the PTCB exam, an applicant must complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training program.  HCC’s pharmacy technician program is a PTCB-Recognized program.  Once initial PTCB certification is obtained, the certified pharmacy technician must obtain 20 hours of pharmacy technician related continuing education credits and apply with PTCB to renew their certification.  Visit ptcb.org for more detailed information on the pharmacy technician certification process.

2022-2023 Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results 
Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by academic calendar year (Sept. 1–Aug. 31). Results for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022  academic years are provided for comparison.