Program Details
Program Details

Program Details

Career Studies Certificate in Pharmacy Technician

Career Studies Certificate
Mountain Empire Community College

Provide students with advanced theory and laboratory experience required for employment in acute care and retail pharmacies. Prepare students to take the Virginia and/or national certification exam(s). Provide employers with competent, entry-level pharmacy technicians. Provide students with exposure to the latest technology and devices being used.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Understand and describe hospital and institutional practice and formulary guidelines.
2. Describe proper procedures for repackaging and dispensing medications. Describe the functions associated with drug information centers, specialty services such as intravenous admixture and total parenteral nutrition, satellite pharmacies, and clinical pharmacists working in an institution. Maintain a floor stock.
3. Describe and apply Standard (universal) Procedures, aseptic technique, sterilization, contamination, and the germ theory of disease. Identify parenterals, appropriate means of disposing hazardous agents, and procedures to follow in the event of exposure. Identify an automated dispensing device.
4. Describe the characteristics of intravenous solutions including solubility, osmolality, osmolarity, and pH. Describe equipment and supplies necessary for preparing intravenous parenterals. Identify the components of an intravenous administration set, syringe, needle, vial, and ampule. Perform conversions between Fahrenheit and Celsius and the reverse, calculate molecular weight, specific gravity, and intravenous administration rates.
5. Understand the extent and effect of medical errors on patient health and safety. Describe how and to what extent medication errors contribute to medical errors. Identify, define, and determine how to reduce types of medical errors. Describe root cause analysis of medication errors. Identify error reporting systems.
6. Understand the importance of human relations, communications, ethics, attitude, and appearance. Describe policies and procedures. Understand the importance of not dispensing medical or pharmaceutical advice.
7. Describe and abide by the confidentiality laws in healthcare. Understand and practice within the scope of duties of a pharmacy technician. Maintain professionalism at all times.
8. Create a resume that stands out in the job market and increases employability. Understand Virginia registration and licensure, Virginia certification, and national certifications, and the benefits of each. Identify recertification requirements.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
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External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree The Pharmacy Technician Career Studies Certificate provides students with advanced theory and laboratory experience required for employment in acute care and retail pharmacies. Students are prepared to take the Virginia and/or national certification exam(s) and are provided with exposure to the latest technology and devices being used.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
Students must possess a diploma from an accredited high school or home school, or possess a GED. Students must demonstrate competency as readiness for MTH 133 (test scores or completion of MTE 1-3 or MDE 10) or completion of MTH 133 or a higher-level math course with a grade of “C” or better. Students must demonstrate competency in English with readiness for ENG 111, test scores or completion of EDE 10, or completion of ENG 111 with a grade of “C” or better.
Passing of a criminal/sexual background check is required. Drug testing is also a requirement prior to placement of students for clinical rotations. Students with positive or inconclusive test results will be prohibited from experiential assignment and will not be eligible to complete the program and will be withdrawn. Students must be at least 18 years of age to attend clinicals.
Our clinical affiliates require certain vaccinations and testing requirements. This may change or be updated by them at any time.The current list may be found below. The background check, drug testing, and vaccine and document trackers are conducted through a third-party vendor and all costs are the responsibility of the student.
Considerations When Selecting Courses

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses All courses may be completed online with the exception of one hybrid course, HLT 105, the pharmacy lab simulation course, HLT 263, and the pharmacy clinical course, HLT 190.  Effective July 01, 2022, completion of the complete Pharmacy Technician Career Studies Certificate is required for eligibility for certification testing (PTCB or ExCPT).
Doing More With Your Degree Job opportunities for Pharmacy Technicians include retail pharmacies, acute care facilities , long term care facilities, and pharmaceutical companies.
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Career Studies Certificate in Pharmacy Technician
29
Career Studies Certificate in Pharmacy Technician
29
Course Requirements for 221-190-07
29
Core Requirements for 221-190-07
29
HIM 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 261
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 263
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 190
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HIM 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 262
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 105
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
HLT 145
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
SDV 107
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
HLT 250
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Residency
29
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 21 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 221-190-07
29
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
Transfer Students - Apply Here
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Danville Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Health Science - Practical Nursing SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
25-1071.00Health Specialties Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
29-2099.00Health Technologists and Technicians, All OtherAll health technologists and technicians not listed separately.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.01Neurodiagnostic TechnologistsConduct electroneurodiagnostic (END) tests such as electroencephalograms, evoked potentials, polysomnograms, or electronystagmograms. May perform nerve conduction studies.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.05Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistsAssist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-2099.08Patient RepresentativesAssist patients in obtaining services, understanding policies and making health care decisions.Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 29 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Career Studies Certificate in Pharmacy Technician at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 2 semesters or 1 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $4,843 $0 $4,843
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.