Apr 18, 2024  
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Pharmacy Technology, A.A.S. (A45580)


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

Students will prepare prescription medications, mix intravenous solutions and other specialized medications, update patient profiles, maintain inventories, package medications in unit-dose or med-card form, and gather data used by pharmacists to monitor drug therapy.

Employment opportunities include retail, hospitals, nursing homes, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. Graduates from the program may be eligible to take the National Certification Examination to become a certified pharmacy technician.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates Will:

  1. Demonstrate the written and oral communication skills required for safe and legal practice in the role of pharmacy technician.
  2. Demonstrate the critical thinking skills necessary for safe preparation and distribution of medication.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of policies and other print materials related to safe preparation and distribution of medication.
  4. Perform mathematical calculations needed to safely prepare medications and solutions.
  5. Use current technologies to prepare, store, inventory, and distribute medications.
  6. Demonstrate the academic knowledge and technical skills necessary for safe preparation, storage, and distribution of medications.
  7. Deal effectively with others by displaying a positive attitude, working as a team member, showing initiative and responsibility, and displaying sensitivity to cultural diversity.
  8. Practice in a legal and ethical manner.

Course Selection Information

Students, to help you progress in your degree program; take prerequisite courses along with English and Math early in your academic career. This will align you for greater success in completing your program of study. Click on the courses listed below to ensure you are aware of prerequisites. The order shown below under the student program priorities is a guide.

Student Program Priorities:

PHM 110 , PHM 111 PHM 115  

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to this program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for General Admission to the College. In addition, students will need to demonstrate college readiness for English and math as exhibited through the college placement test, a placement test waiver, or completion of the acceptable coursework. Your academic advisor will be able to assist you in determining your college readiness. 

For students interested in applying to this program at Gaston College, please note that there is limited enrollment and participates in a selective admission criteria process to select the most qualified applicants for admission. Students will need to make an appointment with their Admissions Specialist/Advisor in order to review admission requirements and to verify if the student has met selective admission criteria in order to submit an application by the deadline. Students interested in participating in the selective admission process for this program can find additional information and program admission requirements under the subheading “limited enrollment/selective admission” in the College Catalog. 

Lab/Clinical Fee


Level 1: $6 per lab hour for Art, Business, Health, Languages, and Math
Level 2: $12 per lab hour for Computer Information, and Natural Sciences
Level 3: $18 per lab hour for Engineering and Industrial, Central Sterile Processing, Health & Fitness Science/Physical Education, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technology, and Nurse Aide
Level 4: $24 per lab hour for Cosmetology, Esthetics, Veterinary Medical Technology, Practical Nursing, EMS, Associate Degree Nursing, and Health Information Technology
Malpractice Insurance (required for nursing and allied health services programs students): $13 per year

FIRST YEAR


SECOND YEAR


Total Program Hours: 65


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