Program Description
The Pharmacy Assistant Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) is designed to provide students with short term training to prepare them for entry-level employment in a variety of settings such as, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, medical clinics, etc. Students will receive didactic instruction and laboratory training in anatomy and physiology, fundamental concepts and principles for receiving, storing and dispensing medication.
The Pharmacy Technology Program conducted by Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Career Information
Occupation
Pharmacy Aides
Employment Opportunities
The skill set provided by this program is required to work in laboratories at research universities, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, many major research hospitals and government laboratories and agencies. Additionally, these same skills are required to work at food production companies and bio manufacturing facilities that produce pharmaceuticals and vaccines for both humans and animals. Designing new medications and medical devices, improving the environment, enhancing food yield and quality as these are samples of the work that bio scientists perform.
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by -5.7% nationally and -8.3% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $25,000 a year.
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
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Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
- Must be 18 years of age
- Cannot be convicted of a felony that occurred within the last ten 10 years, and/or any conviction that was drug or pharmacy related
- Completion of high school diploma or GED and submission of official transcript required to apply
- Achievement of minimum program admission scores in Reading, English, and Math
- Transfer of previous post-secondary credits will be determined by the Office of Enrollment Services
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements:
- Must complete MATH 1111 with a minimum letter grade of B within 2 attempts.
- Must complete PHAR 1000 with a minimum letter grade of B within 2 attempts.
Blood and Airborne Pathogens
Students enrolled in Category I and II programs at Atlanta Technical College will be performing tasks in which there is a normal occurrence for exposure to blood, other potentially infectious body materials, and airborne pathogens.
These tasks will be performed in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical activities for each occupational training program/course. Students will be required to present documentation of Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis immunizations as a result of potential occupational exposure. Students should contact their program directors for more information. Policies and procedures regarding blood and airborne pathogens may be reviewed at https://tcsg.edu/tcsgpolicy/tcsg_policy_manual.pdf.
Program Contact Information
Amanda Daniels
Program Coordinator, Pharmacy Technology Department
Brenda Watts Jones Allied Health Building H149F
404-225-4559
adaniels@atlantatech.edu
Program Length and Cost
Minimum Program Length in Semester Terms:3 Terms
Credit Hours: 35
Estimated Program Cost: $5,559
Program Additional Fees (Cost are estimated and are subject to change):
- Books & Supplies: $2,000.00
- CPR Card $9.00
- Liability Insurance: $11.00 per year
- Uniform: $100.00
- Certification Exam: $129.00
- Physical Exam: $150.00
- TB Test: $40.00
- 10 Panel Drug Test: $50.00
- Criminal Background Check: $50.00
- Pharmacy Technician Registration/Fingerprint: $136.25
- ACEMAPPL $50
- Immunization Records: Based on Healthcare Provider Source
Course Outline
General Education Courses (3 Credits)
Occupational Courses (32 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 35
Program Outcomes
1. Graduates will assist in the prevention of medication errors.
2. Graduates will package and store medication.
3. Graduates will use computer technology to complete pharmacy transactions.
4. Graduates will identify the drug classifications commonly used to treat diseases of the cardiovascular system.
5. Graduates will track and control inventory.