This two-part comprehensive 16-week course will prepare students to work as a pharmacy technician and enter the pharmacy field in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, and community pharmacies, as well as prepare them to work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Students are required to experience an externship as part of the class.
The course will cover:
- Medical terminology specific to the pharmacy
- Reading and interpreting prescriptions
- Defining drugs by generic and brand names
- Dosage calculations
- Blood and Lymph System
- IV flow rates
- Drug compounding
- Dose conversions
- Dispensing of prescriptions
- Inventory control, billing, and reimbursement
- Prearranged 45-hour Externship in a local Pharmacy
** A grade of "C" or higher is required to pass this course.
Graduates of the course will be eligible to challenge the certification examination of the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) examination. This certification examination is a requirement for employment as a pharmacy technician.
For additional course information view the course syllabus.
Semester Offered: Spring/Fall Semester
Program Costs:
5 Credit hour = $230 in-state, $730 out-state (HLSC 140: Pharmacy Technician)
3 Credit hour = $138 in-state, $438 out-state (HITP 110: Medical Terminology)
General Fee = $185 in-state, $305 out-state
Student activity fee = $ .75 x 5 CR hour = $3.75
Board of Pharmacy fee = $30.00
Drug Testing fee = $35.00
Background Check = $73.30
ESTIMATED TOTAL = $695.05 in-state, $1,615.05 out-state (*textbooks are not included)
The student must have an application to San Juan College completed. Apply online for free.
The cost of classes will be billed through the school.
Pharmacy Technician and Medical Terminology textbooks can be purchased at the bookstore.
You must have the Pharmacy books by the first day of class.
Co-Requisite:
* HITP 110--Medical Terminology -- This is a requirement for this course. It can be taken prior to the course or at the same time.
Course Requirements:
* Applicant must have a High school diploma or GED
* Applicant Must Have Social Security Number
* Applicant Must be 18 years old or older
* Applicant will be required to provide current Immunizations and is required to have a TB test and Flu shot annually. Required immunizations include DTP, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis A &B. Cost of immunizations is the student’s responsibility.
* Student will be required to complete and submit an application for a New Mexico Non-Certified Pharmacy Technician License- registration with the New Mexico State Board of Pharmacy before the beginning of the clinical portion of the program is required. The cost of the license is the student’s responsibility.
* A score of 80% or better on the Pharmacy Technician Calculation Admissions Test
* A state and federal criminal background check with fingerprints prior to starting the program and prior to beginning clinical experience is required. Please note that state licensure requirements will not allow misdemeanors or felonies. The cost of the background check is the student’s responsibility.
Please schedule an appointment with Advising at (505) 566-3404 to see if you meet program requirements, and to receive instruction about financial aid options available.
Contact Vickie Rothlisberger, rothlisbergerv@stylzthreading.com, (505) 566-3014, to schedule an appointment to take the Pharmacy Technician Calculation Admission Test BEFORE classes begin.