A pharmacy technician is an individual who, under the supervision of a pharmacist, assists in the performance of activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of a pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing healthcare to patients. Pharmacy technicians have been called pharmacy clinicians, pharmacy support personnel and various other titles, depending on their location. In all parts of the country, pharmacy technicians must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and must be skilled in the techniques required to order, stock, package and prepare medications, but they do not need the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, all of their work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed to a patient.
This program will prepare students for entry-level pharmacy technician positions. Medical and pharmaceutical terminology will be introduced along with pharmaceutical calculations. The basic anatomy related to the pharmacology of medications will be a major component of the coursework. This program will provide students with the necessary preparatory courses for seeking certification. Certification will require a passing score on a nationally recognized certification exam such as the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) or ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
As a part of the Pharmacy Technician diploma, students will be required to perform two clinical rotations. Clinical rotations will include both retail experience and a hospital or custom experience. The students will choose institutions to complete this requirement. The instructor will help each student locate local facilities where they can do their clinical rotations.
Criminal background checks will be completed on each student. Criminal convictions or documented history of abuse may delay or prevent students from participating in clinical education experiences. Students unable to participate in clinical education will be unable to complete the Pharmacy Technician program.
Proof of immunizations is required of all Pharmacy Technician students and current certification by either the American Heart Association (CPR for the Health Care Provider) or American Red Cross (CPR for the Professional Rescuer) is required prior to beginning clinical rotations. Proof of current flu vaccination is required of all Pharmacy Technician students by January of each year.
For more information about the Pharmacy Technician program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/pharmacytech.
Location: Ankeny
Program Entry Requirements
- Complete an application for admission.
- Submit to the Admissions Office evidence of high school graduation or GED completion.
- Obtain minimum COMPASS pre-algebra score of 39 or minimum ACT math score of 14.
- Obtain minimum COMPASS English score of 70 or minimum ACT writing score of 19.
- Obtain minimum COMPASS reading score of 81 or minimum ACT reading score of 19.
- Obtain a score of at least 35 NWPM with five errors or fewer on the typing/word processing skill test. Students who do not achieve a 35 NWPM score on the typing test must meet with the program chair.
- Completion of one year of high school algebra with a “C” or better or take MAT 063 in their first semester.
- Completion of one year of high school biology or chemistry or equivalent with a “C” or better is strongly recommended.
Students start Fall or Spring semester.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Pharmacy Technician diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. A grade of 2.0 (C) or better is required in all PHR courses. To remain in the program, a student must maintain a grade of “C” or higher in each required course.
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