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 various settings such as retail pharmacies, nursing homes, 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 ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) and ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) upon recommendation of the ASHP and ACPE Board of Directors. More information on this accrediting body can be found at www.ashp.org.
2022 – 2023 Pharmacy Technology Program Outcomes
PTCE pass rates: The program will work to obtain an examination pass rate of at least 80 percent for all test-takers.
Program completion rates: Eighty percent of students who begin the program pathways will complete.
Job placement rates: Ninety percent of new graduates will be employed in the pharmacy profession within 8 months of completing a pharmacy program pathway.
Program Statistics
|
Year
|
PTCE Pass Rate
|
Program Completion Rate
|
Job Placement Rate
|
|
2022
|
25%
|
80%
|
100%
|
|
2023
|
57%
|
74%
|
100%
|
|
2024
|
67%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the ability to accurately interpret the information on a prescription, request any missing information, and enter it into the computer system.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with brand and generic drug names, dosage forms(s), and route of administration for at least the top 200 drugs.
3. Demonstrate accuracy and timeliness in mathematical computation of ingredient amounts, doses, infusion rates, or any relevant calculation encountered in an outpatient and inpatient setting.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy law and apply it to the prescription filling process.
5. Display a professional attitude about the practice of pharmacy and the ability to problem-solve.
6. Display acceptable communication skills during interactions with patients, coworkers and other health care professionals.
Programmatic Accreditation
The Pharmacy Technology Program conducted by Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) and ACPE (Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education) upon recommendation of the ASHP and ACPE Board of Directors. More information on this accrediting body can be found at www.ashp.org.
Career Information
Occupation
Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician
Employment Opportunities
The skill set provided by this program is vitally essential to work in retail, hospital, and mail-order pharmacies; telepharmacy; and pharmacy benefit management (PBM). Entry-level pharmacy technicians must be knowledgeable in assisting a licensed pharmacist in the preparation of prescriptions for patients.
Career Projections
The number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by 7.8% nationally and 4.3% in the State of Georgia over the next several years. Estimated salaries in this field start at $25,000 a year.
Salary Potential: $25,000-30,000
Labor market data was compiled using Economic Modeling Specialists, international and is updated annually.
Career Coach
Please select the following link to review additional career information on Career Coach.
Admission Requirements
General College Admissions Requirements
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
- Must be 17 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
- The Office of Enrollment Services will determine the transfer of previous post-secondary credits
Student Performance/Graduation Requirements:
- Must complete MATH 1012 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 due to 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://www.tcsg.edu/about- tcsg/state-board/policy-manual/
Program Contact Information
Amanda Daniels
Program Coordinator, Pharmacy Technology Department
Brenda Watts Jones Allied Health Building H149D
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: BLS for Healthcare Providers through AHA or ALHS 1040
-
Liability Insurance: $11.00 per year
-
Uniform: $100.00 (varies by size)
-
Pharmacy Technician Registration/Fingerprint: $137.00
-
Immunization Records: Based on Healthcare Provider Source
-
Criminal Background Check/10 Panel Drug Test: $78.50
-
ACEMAPP $50
-
Certification Exam: $129.00
Required Courses
General Education Courses (3 Credits)
Occupational Courses (27 Credits)
Pharmacy Practicum (5 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 process prescriptions/ medication orders.
4. Graduates will identify the drug classifications of various disease systems.
5. Graduates will be knowledgeable in maintaining medication and pharmacy inventory.
6. Graduates will calculate dosages for medication accurately while applying critical thinking skills in patient care scenarios.