Description:
This program is designed in a hybrid model to allow you to learn at times that are convenient for you. You will complete learning modules online and have opportunity to put your online learning into practice in three in-person lab experiences.
The need for certified Pharmacy Technicians is growing dramatically in the West Michigan area. Pharmacy Technicians who have achieved certification are in high demand and have great earning potential. If you are interested in working in the medical field or are currently working in a pharmacy but would like to be certified, GRCC's Pharmacy Technician program will prepare you for the next step. This newly revised and updated 16 week pre-certification class will take you through everything you need to know to be ready to take the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam. Utilizing textbooks from the American Pharmacists Association, this course will prepare you to be a pharmacy technician at the retail or hospital level. The program is designed in a hybrid model to allow you to learn at times that are convenient for you. You will learn online and have opportunity to put your online learning into practice in three in-person lab experiences. You will attend 3 labs on either on Mondays from 6:00pm - 9:00pm or Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.
Topics to be covered include:- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmaceutical Calculations
- Customer Service
- Insurance Billing
- Drug Interactions
- Legal Requirements
To meet learning requirements, we recommend that you have:- High School Diploma or GED
- Knowledge of Algebra
- Typing ability – 25 words per minute
- The ability to understand and communicate in English
Course fee includes:
- Books
- Lab supplies
- PTCB Exam
The following is a description of the functional abilities required of a Pharmacy Technician in the workplace. As you prepare for a career as a Pharmacy Technician, you are encouraged to reflect on whether you have these abilities in order to be successful in the career you are considering. As a student at Grand Rapids Community College, you should be able to perform these tasks with or without “reasonable accommodation”, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. A student requiring accommodation in order to perform any of these tasks should contact Disability Support Services.
We also encourage you to review hiring requirements of our area employers for Pharmacy Technician jobs. In addition to the eduction and certification required for hire, you may be required to obtain a drug test and/or criminal background check.
Job Summary
The Pharmacy Technician is an Allied Health specialist who, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy department. The pharmacy technician’s responsibilities may include preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, transcription of physician orders, preparation of intravenous fluids, maintaining inventory of pharmaceutical supplies, and maintaining patient profile records and preparing bulk information.
Physical & Mental Requirements
- Strength: Requires the ability to push/pull, as well as lift objects of more than 30 lbs.
- Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to constantly perform moderately difficult manipulative skills, such as word processing, preparation of aseptic IV solutions, compounding, packaging, labeling and using bar coding devices in the ordering and inventory process of drug products.
- Coordination: Requires the performance of gross body coordination such as walking, standing and bending. The ability to constantly perform tasks which require eye-hand coordination such as keyboard skills, use of syringes for measuring solutions, selecting from correct medication bin for stat doses and unit dose cart fill, etc. The ability to frequently perform tasks which require arm-hand steadiness, such as transferring drug cassette on the nursing floors, etc.
- Mobility/Endurance: Requires the ability to walk, sit and stand prolonged periods.
- Visual Discrimination: Requires the ability to see objects closely, such as syringe measurements, drug vial information, etc. and the ability to frequently discriminate colors as in capsules, IV solutions, and electrical wires for warning lights.
- Hearing: Requires the ability to constantly distinguish various sounds as in oral communications, phones, fax machines, alarms, hospital codes (fire, distress, etc.), equipment (refrigerators, computers), etc.
- Concentration: Requires the ability to concentrate on moderate to fine detail with constant interruption, such as reading doctor’s orders and/or prescriptions.
- Attention Span: Needs to be able to attend to tasks/functions for more than 60 minutes at a time, such as preparing an IV and adding mixture solutions, etc.
- Conceptualization: Frequently needs to be able to understand and relate to the theories behind several related concepts.
- Memory: Requires ability to constantly remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over long periods of time, such as different computer applications for billing, ordering, etc.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Convey information through verbal and nonverbal communication and written word. Communicate in a one-on-one setting as well as in groups. Interact effectively and appropriately with instructors, healthcare providers, peers, patients, and family to provide effective and efficient patient care.
Tuition Assistance
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