Program Overview
North Seattle College's Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for entry-level careers in pharmacy. The 9-month certificate program boasts a 99.6% success rate in the certification exam and a 100% hiring rate. The program combines theoretical instruction with supervised laboratory work and extensive clinical experience through externships, ensuring students develop a well-rounded understanding of the profession and its practical application. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers and poised for success in an expanding field.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for entry-level careers as pharmacy technicians. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to safely and effectively handle medications, assist pharmacists with patient care, and perform other essential tasks in various pharmacy settings.
Description:
North Seattle College has offered a Pharmacy Technician certificate program since the mid-1980s and boasts a strong reputation within the healthcare sector. The program offers comprehensive career training that equips students to excel in the certification exam and secure employment as pharmacy technicians. Notably, the 9-month certificate program boasts a 99.6% success rate in the certification exam, and graduates enjoy a 100% hiring rate among those seeking flexible employment options.
Content:
The Pharmacy Technician program covers a wide range of knowledge and skills, including:
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Pharmacology
- Medication safety
- Medication dispensing
- Inventory management
- Patient counseling Students also gain basic knowledge of pharmacology, medication safety, and dosage calculations.
- Pharmacy Technician II: This intermediate module builds upon fundamental knowledge and skills acquired in the first module while introducing advanced concepts like sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy operations, and pharmacy calculations.
- Pharmacy Technician III: This advanced module focuses on refining the skills learned throughout the program, with students applying their knowledge through case studies and simulations. Additionally, they participate in 432 clinical hours of supervised externships at diverse sites, gaining invaluable practical experience.
Schedule:
The Pharmacy Technician program typically includes two days of on-campus classes per week during the second and third quarters, coinciding with the externship period. The specific schedule is subject to change.
Assessment:
Methods:
The Pharmacy Technician program employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning and performance, including:
- Examinations: Written exams assess students' theoretical knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
Criteria:
Students must demonstrate competence in all areas and achieve a minimum grade of 70% in each module to successfully complete the Pharmacy Technician program.
Teaching:
Methodology:
The Pharmacy Technician program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining theoretical instruction in the classroom with supervised laboratory work and extensive clinical experience through externships. This method ensures students develop a well-rounded understanding of the profession and its practical application.
Faculty:
The Pharmacy Technician program employs experienced instructors who are pharmacists or pharmacy technicians with extensive practical experience. This ensures students receive instruction from qualified professionals who have a deep understanding of the field.
Unique approach:
The Pharmacy Technician program utilizes PioneerRx Pharmacy Software, providing students hands-on training with industry-standard software used by many independent pharmacies. This realistic experience prepares students for seamless integration into professional practice.
Careers:
Potential pathways:
Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician program, graduates can pursue various career avenues within the pharmacy field, including:
- Retail pharmacy technician
- Hospital pharmacy technician
- Ambulatory care technician
- Home infusion pharmacy technician
- Long-term care pharmacy technician
Opportunities:
Pharmacy technicians play critical roles in diverse healthcare settings, contributing to safe and efficient medication dispensing while collaborating with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% growth in employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians from 2021 to 2031 and anticipates an average annual salary of \$35,390.
Outcomes:
Graduates of North Seattle College's Pharmacy Technician program are highly sought-after by employers, with a 100% job placement rate for flexible employment seekers. The program enjoys a strong reputation for producing highly competent and well-prepared individuals for successful careers in pharmacy.
- Students who successfully complete the 432 supervised clinical externship hours fulfill the Washington State Board of Pharmacy requirement for 200 total hours.
Conclusion:
With its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, hands-on approach, and extensive externship opportunities, North Seattle College's Pharmacy Technician program equips aspiring individuals with the necessary skills and expertise to embark on rewarding careers in various pharmacy settings. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers and poised for success in an expanding field. The program's reputation, proven success rate, and commitment to preparing competent pharmacy technicians make it a compelling choice for anyone considering a career path in this vital healthcare field.
