Pharmacy Technology Pre-Admission Conference
Mission Statement
The mission of the Pharmacy Technician Program is to prepare students to meet the health care needs of the community by providing premier training that ensures that graduates acquire the essential skills and knowledge that enable them to enter and succeed in the field of pharmacy.
The mission of the Pharmacy Technician program is consistent with the mission of Somerset Community College, which is to provide high quality, affordable, and accessible education and training to create student success, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life. Therefore, the program's mission is to graduate competent, ethical, and confident health care practitioners, benefitting the community at-large by providing quality pharmacy services. The program strives to prepare graduates for a career in the field of pharmacy technology and to provide them with marketable skills capable of maintaining a successful career.
Program Recognition
The Somerset Community College Pharmacy Technology is recognized as an education/training program for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), which guarantees graduates of the entry-level and advanced-level programs eligibility to register for and attempt the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The most recognized national certification exam in the United States.
KCTCS Pharmacy Technology Curriculum
The pharmacy technician requires training to provide a knowledge base on which to make decisions to assist the Pharmacist in their pursuit to provide exemplary patient care. The Pharmacy Technology Program prepares the student to function as a pharmacy technician under the supervision of the pharmacist. The essential elements of this program have been designed to provide competency in the skills that pharmacy technicians can use in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. The curriculum includes content areas in professional skills, processing and handling of medications and medication orders, patient care, quality assurance, medication safety, and regulatory knowledge. The program provides comprehensive educational experiences through lectures, simulation, and experiential training.
Entry-Level Pharmacy Technology Certificate (21 – 24 hours)
PHA 110 Pharmacy Procedures and Skills (lecture and lab)
- Introduces the field of pharmacy technology in various pharmacy settings. Includes content on legal requirements and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians at the state and federal level, professional communication, medication safety, community pharmacy practice, hospital pharmacy practice, and the hands-on skills necessary to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician in various pharmacy settings.
PHA 136 Pharmacology I
- Introduces the study of drugs and their effect on the human body. Students will demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role. Students will explain the use and side effects of prescription and non-prescription medications.
PHA 146 Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Provides knowledge to perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings. Including conversions, dosage calculations, compounding calculations, and IV calculations.
PHA 150 Pharmacy Experience I
- Provides entry-level work experience in the pharmacy setting to enhance skills required to reach occupational goals for the pharmacy technician. Focus is on community (retail) pharmacy skills.
General Education/Technical Courses:
- COM 181 Basic Public Speaking or COM 252 Interpersonal Communications
- AHS 115 Medical Terminology
CIT 105 Introduction to Computers
Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technology Diploma (38 – 46 hours)
*Includes all courses required for Entry-Level Certificate with the following additional courses
PHA 200 Admixtures for IV Therapy
- Provides the student with the information and skills for sterile compounding of intravenous products, including chemotherapy and other hazardous products, with a focus on USP <797> and USP <800> standards.
PHA 205 Admixture Preparations
- Provides simulation in aseptic technique and sterile compounding. Including the use of equipment such as LAFW, CACI, and repeater pump. Preparations introduced and simulated in the simulation lab include IVs, parenteral nutrition, PCAs, immunizations, pediatric IVs, and chemotherapy.
PHA 236 Pharmacology II
- Introduces medications commonly found in the hospital and specialty pharmacy settings. Examines the process of clinical trials and investigational drugs. Enhances knowledge of drug safety in special patient populations, such as pediatrics and geriatrics.
PHA 240 Pharmacy Technician Career Planning
- Prepares pharmacy technology students for networking, job searching, and interviewing. Introduces advanced pharmacy technician roles. Prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam through review and study plans.
PHA 251 Pharmacy Experience II
- Provides advanced-level work experience in the pharmacy setting to enhance skills required to reach occupational goals for the advanced-level pharmacy technician. Focus is on institutional (hospital, LTC, nuclear, clinic-based) pharmacy practice.
General Education/Technical Courses:
- BIO 135 Basic Anatomy and Physiology or
- BIO 137 and BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- CPR 100 CPR for Healthcare Professionals
Program Plan
Credential: Advanced Pharmacy Technician Diploma
General Education/Technical Requirements (May be taken during any semester):
- Oral Communications - COM 181 OR COM 252: 3 hours
- Medical Terminology AHS 115 OR CLA 131 OR MIT 103: 3 hours
- Computer Literacy or Introduction to Computers CIT 105: 0-3 hours
- BIO 135 Anatomy & Physiology OR BIO 137 and BIO 139: 4-8
- CPR 100 or equivalent: 0-1
- FYE 100 OR FYE 105 *not all students will need: 0-3
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHA 110 - Pharmacy Procedures and Skills | 6 |
| PHA 146 - Pharmaceutical Calculations | 3 |
| PHA 136 - Pharmacology I | 3 |
| PHA 150 - Pharmacy Experience I | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHA 200 - Admixtures for IV Therapy | 3 |
| PHA 205 - Admixtures Preparations | 1 |
| PHA 236 - Pharmacology II | 3 |
| PHA 240 - Pharmacy Technician Career Planning | 3 |
| Total | 10 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PHA 251 - Pharmacy Experience II | 3 |
| Total | 3 |
Total credit hours for diploma: 38-49
Pharmacy Experiences
Entry-level students will complete one pharmacy experience (externship) during the program. The entry-level (PHA 150) externship will be conducted at a community pharmacy. Advanced-level students will complete two pharmacy experiences, the student must first complete PHA 150, then they may enroll in PHA 251 where they will complete an externship at an advanced practice site, such as a hospital, long-term care facility, nuclear pharmacy, or other specialty pharmacy.
The program coordinator has conducted a site inspection at all participating sites and the Pharmacy Technology Advisory Committee has reviewed the site credentials and approved these sites as acceptable for experiential training.
In addition, the program coordinator will make arrangements for students at the respective experiential sites, except for the student work schedule. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the site preceptor prior to the start of the semester to establish a work schedule. The program coordinator will provide contact information to the student. Once the schedule is set, the schedule must be reported to the program coordinator by the student.
Each student will complete 130 hours in the pharmacy for each experiential site, and the site preceptor, supervising pharmacist, or supervising pharmacy technician will sign off daily verifying the hours worked and the activities completed. Below is the list of competencies that are to be completed during PHA 150 Pharmacy Experience I and PHA 251 Pharmacy Experience II.
All sites:
- Demonstrate ethical conduct.
- Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and behavior.
- Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.
- Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.
- Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer service, and teamwork.
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information, and understand applicable state and federal laws.
- Apply patient and medication safety practices in all aspects of the pharmacy technicians’ role.
- Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of settings.
- Practice and adhere to infection control procedures.
- Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions or medication orders with completeness, accuracy, and ensuring safety.
- Assist with the daily maintenance/cleaning of pharmacy facilities and equipment.
- Identify NIOSH-listed hazardous drugs/materials and follow proper handling and disposal procedures.
- Use technology available at the site to ensure safety and accuracy of medication dispensing. (Ex: barcode scanners, automated pill counters)
- Prepare simple non-sterile medications per USP Chapter <795> (Ex: reconstitution, basic ointments and creams, magic mouthwash)
- Assist or observe the preparation of medications requiring compounding of non-sterile products.
- Assist or observe in the preparation, storage, and delivery of medication products requiring special handling and documentation.
- Observe the billing/adjudication for complex and/or specialty pharmacy services and goods.
- Assist in the purchasing of pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.
- Assist with daily inventory control procedures including order reconciliation, recalls, PAR monitoring, etc.
- Communicate with other healthcare professionals, payors, and individuals necessary to serve the needs of the patient and practice.
- Assist in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information.
- Alert pharmacists to patients who need or request counseling.
- Observe the quality assurance practices related to pharmaceuticals, durable, and non-durable medical equipment.
- Collect (or observe) payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.
- Observe the processing, handling, and administration techniques of immunizations and other injectable medications.
- Observe or assist the pharmacist in point-of-care testing.
- Participate in the operations of medication management services.
- Assist the pharmacist in gathering information for an MTM session.
- Assist in the preparation of patient-specific medications. (ex: Medication cartfill, LTC pill packs, etc…)
- Assist in the preparation of non patient-specific medications for distribution. (Floor stock, ADC restock, unit-dosing, etc…)
- Observe or assist in the preparation of compounded sterile preparations and identify applicable USP Chapters.
- Observe or assist in the preparation of medications requiring moderate and high-level non-sterile compounding. (ex: suppositories, complex creams, tablets, etc…)
- Observe the preparation/handling of chemotherapy/hazardous drugs per current USP Chapters.
- Initiate a discussion with your site preceptor about the facilities policies & procedures regarding investigational drugs, off-label drug usage, and emerging drug therapies.
- Assist with managing drug inventory stored in equipment or devices used in medication dispensing. (ADCs, RobotRx)
- Observe or assist with medication reconciliation.
- Attend a safety or P&T committee meeting at your site. (If not possible, discuss compliance policies with your site preceptor)
Estimated Tuition, Fees & Expenses*
- Tuition: $182.00/credit hour + $8.00/credit hour course fee
- Textbooks: $500
- Scrubs (varies, approximately $50)
- Background Check $34.20
- 12 Panel Drug Screen $60.00
- 2-step TB skin test – $8 per test x 2 = $16 total (Price for Laurel County Health Dept, varies depending on office/clinic)
- Additional immunizations may be required such as influenza (cost varies)
- Transportation to clinical sites
- Professional Liability Insurance $11.00/semester (Included in course charges)
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Fee $129
*All expenses are subject to change.
Selective Admission Assessment
Required: (Prerequisite for PHA 145) MAT 65 = 2pts, MAT 85 = 4pts, MAT 140 (or higher) = 6 pts
| Courses | Earned Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Computer/Digital Literacy CIS 100 or CIT 105 |
A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 Currently enrolled = 1 CPR 100 or BLS = 4 |
| COM 252, COM 181 | |
| AHS 115, OST 103, or CLA 131 | |
| BIO 135, or BIO 137 and BIO 139 | |
| CPR 100 or BLS certification | |
| HS Seniors ONLY Letter from Guidance Counselor | 10 |
| ACT Scores (for each section) | Points |
|---|---|
| 25 or > | 10 |
| 24 | 9 |
| 23 | 8 |
| 22 | 7 |
| 21 | 6 |
| 20 | 5 |
| 19 | 4 |
| 18 | 3 |
| Experience | Amount | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Program (ATC, CFI, etc…) or Certified Pharmacy Tech | Earned credential | 20 |
| Pharmacy Tech Experience | 0-1 years | 10 |
| 1 or more years | 20 |
Pharmacy Technology Program (Laurel Campus) Admission Checklist
All required documents and forms must be submitted to Program Coordinator Lorrenda Merritt (Laurel Campus Health Science Bldg.), Health Div. Administrative Asst. Miranda McQueen (Laurel Campus), or Tanya Cowan (Somerset Campus - Blakely Building). Application and supporting forms can also be emailed to lorrenda.merritt@kctcs.edu.
- Attended individual pre-admission conference online or with Program Coordinator at least one week prior to the first day of classes and signed the Preadmission Acknowledgment Form
- Application for admission to SCC must be on file in registrar’s office
- Signed and returned the Pharmacy Technology Program Application for Admission or the online application
- A copy of any related certifications, licenses, or registrations. (CPhT, KY BoP, CPR, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, etc.)
Additional Information for Prospective Students
- All students will have completed federal and state background checks, Kentucky Nurse Aide Abuse Registry check, and Kentucky Caregiver Misconduct Registry check.
- All students will complete a 12-panel drug screen.
- All students will complete 2-step TB skin testing or its equivalent.
- Students will provide to the experiential site any information regarding immunizations/immunity and obtain any immunizations required by the experiential site. (The student is responsible for cost)
- KCTCS and SCC will obtain the necessary professional liability insurance for each student.
- All obligations outlined in the Memorandum of Agreements, Statement of Understanding, or other such agreements will be fully met before students are permitted to begin the externship portion of the program.
Ready to apply? Fill out the online application below!
Pharmacy Technology Application
Location/Mailing Address:
Somerset Community College, Laurel North Campus
Building 3
100 University Drive
London, Kentucky 40741
Contacts:
Lorrenda Merritt
Pharmacy Technology Program Coordinator
100 University Dr., Building 3, 214N
London, Kentucky 40741
(606) 878-4865
lorrenda.merritt@kctcs.edu
Dr. Ron Meade
Dean of Health Sciences
808 Monticello St., Blakely Building, Room 301D
Somerset, Kentucky 42501
(606) 451-6842
ron.meade@kctcs.edu
Miranda McQueen
Administrative Assistant
100 University Dr., Building 3, 214
London, Kentucky 40741
(606) 878-4831
miranda.mcqueen@kctcs.edu
