Pharmacy Technician

One Year Certificate or Two Year Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Description

The Pharmacy Technician program on the Hays Campus is a part-time, mostly evening program with some daytime classes. The program is designed as an Associate of Applied Science degree program. However, a Certificate can be earned after four semesters if the student passes the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy Pharmacy Technician Examination for registration as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of Kansas.

The program involves classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmacy law and ethics, and customer service and communication skills. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses.

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other healthcare products to patients. Technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on State rules and regulations. They receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients and doctors offices. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. Technicians count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. They prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to a patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Technicians in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, have added responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

For more information or program questions you can contact: bkleiker@ncktc.edu

Related resources

• Curriculum
• Instructor

Brian Dechant