Pharmacy Technology

The Pharmacy Technology curriculum prepares individuals to assist the pharmacist in duties that a pharmacy technician can legally perform and to function within the boundaries prescribed by the pharmacist and the employment agency.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of health care and pharmaceutical principles. Content emphasizes the pharmacy technician as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing safe, individualized care while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. Students prepare prescription medications, mix intravenous solutions and other specialized medications, update patient profiles, maintain inventories, package medications and gather data used by pharmacists to monitor drug therapy.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the certification exam with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Employment opportunities are vast within the global health care system. Employment opportunities include retail, hospitals, nursing homes, research laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

For specific information about potential positions and wages in pharmacy technology employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.

Pharmacy Technology (A45580)

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science degree – Pharmacy Technology is awarded by the College upon completion of this program.

Admissions

• Complete an admissions application to Central Piedmont.
• Submit high school transcripts, as well as any college transcripts, to Admissions, Records and Registration.
• Take the required placement tests.
• Consult with a counselor or advisor to review placement test scores, program information and select courses for registration.
• Complete any required Developmental Education courses with a grade of 'C' or better.
• Complete and submit a Pharmacy Technology AAS degree application by the deadline date.
• Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
• Progression in this program depends upon a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses and major and related courses.

Applicants to the Pharmacy Technology AAS degree program are selected on a “best prepared” basis. The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating Pharmacy Technology applicants. Applicants are ranked based upon points earned, and the students with the highest number of points will be selected each year. Admission points are assigned according to the applicant’s documented record. Criteria for selection include scores on standardized tests, past academic performance, and experience in the field of interest.

Notes

Students must demonstrate basic computer competencies through coursework or testing. The division director of Computer Office and Information Systems determines equivalent competency.

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs of this program include uniforms, physical examination, criminal background check, and specific vaccinations. The student must provide proof of health and accident insurance.

The North Carolina State Board of Pharmacy may request information regarding having been charged with or convicted of violating any controlled substances laws or charged or disciplined by any licensing or permitting authority, federal or state, on the application for registration. The Board of Pharmacy may decide not to register an individual based on the results of an investigation. A candidate may be disqualified for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification upon the disclosure or discovery of:

• criminal conduct involving the candidate.
• State Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure action involving the candidate.
• Violation of a PTCB Certification policy, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct.

To participate in clinical education experiences at health care facilities, students are required to submit results of a criminal background check at their own expense. As a condition of program admission, students are required to verify that they are United States citizens or are otherwise legally authorized residents of the United States. Students also are required, at their own expense, to submit to a 13-panel drug screen.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the Pharmacy Technology Program website. For further assistance, contact the Program Chair at 704.330.6432.

Pharmacy Technology Diploma (D45580)

The Diploma Program prepares graduates to perform essential functions in various areas of retail pharmacy practice. The program provides employers with competent technicians to assist the pharmacist within their scope of practice and perform necessary unsupervised daily tasks, including basic to extensive medication preparation, dosage calculations, compounding, patient information maintenance, inventory, and quality control. Graduates of the diploma program are eligible to take the National Certification Exam administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

Health Sciences Certificate (C45940)

Health Sciences Certificate with a Specialization in Fundamentals in Pharmacy Technology (C45940-C1)

This certificate also is available to high school students through the Career and College Promise program.

Pharmacy Technology Suggested Course Sequence

The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog.  This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.   Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor:    https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising