Course Catalog

Pharmacy Technology, Degree (PT23)  Degree


Campus Locations: Valdosta

Purpose: The Pharmacy Technology Associates Degree prepare students for an entry level and/or advanced level Pharmacy Technician position in a variety of pharmacy settings. The Pharmacy Technology Program will also prepare the student to successfully pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. New students are accepted into the Pharmacy Technology Program each Fall Semester.

Curriculum: Students will complete at least 600 hours total of pharmacy training. The training is broken into three main categories: coursework (didactic), simulated lab, and clinical experience, in accordance to ASHP/ACPE standards.

Careers: Pharmacy Technicians are trained to work in three main pharmacy career fields: Community Setting (Retail), Hospital, and Home Health.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Pass Rate (Summer 2020 – Summer 2023): 93.3%

Program cost, current salary trends, and career outlook can be found in the Pharmacy Technology Student Handbook.

**The Georgia Board of Pharmacy does not approve registrations for individuals who are currently on criminal probation for offenses including, but not limited to: theft, fraud, forgery, providing a false name, any crime of moral turpitude, or any crime related to substance abuse. In limited circumstances, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy may approve registrations for individuals who are on criminal probation for minor traffic offenses. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not considered a minor traffic offense.**

Pharmacy Technology Program is ASHP AccreditedRequirements:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.
  • Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain in good academic standing to be eligible for the program.
  • Student must complete MATH 1111 before registering for occupational courses.
  • Students may complete the following courses prior to the occupational portion of the program: ENGL 1101, PSYC 1101, BIOL 2113 Lecture and Lab, BIOL 2114 Lecture and Lab, ALHS 1040, ALHS 1090, COLL 1010 or COMP 2000.
Georgia Board of Pharmacy
Florida Board of Pharmacy

Start Terms:

  • This program begins every Fall semester on the Valdosta campus.

Program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists in collaboration with Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ASHP/ACPE).

4500 East-West Highway
Suite 900
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 664-8612

Curriculum Outline (65 hours)
General Core Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours 3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Complete 3 Hours 3
MATH 1100

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes algebra, statistics, and mathematics of finance. Topics include fundamental operations of algebra, sets and logic, probability and statistics, geometry, mathematics of voting and districting, and mathematics of finance.

3
MATH 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
MATH 1103

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None This course focuses on quantitative skills and reasoning in the context of experiences that students will be likely to encounter. The course emphasizes processing information in context from a variety of representations, understanding of both the information and the processing, and understanding which conclusions can be reasonably determined. Students will use appropriate technology to enhance mathematical thinking and understanding. Topics covered in this course include: sets and set operations, logic, basic probability, data analysis, linear models, quadratic models, exponential and logarithmic models, geometry, and financial management.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Occupational Courses 50
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
ALHS 1090

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
PHAR 1000

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): MATH 1012 or MATH 1111, COLL 1010 Co-requisite(s): None This course develops knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical calculations procedures. Topics include: systems of measurement, medication dispensing calculations, pharmacy mathematical procedures, and calculation tools and techniques.

4
PHAR 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Provides an overview of the pharmacy technology field and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary for successful participation in the pharmacy field. Topics include: safety, orientation to the pharmacy technology field, Fundamental principles of chemistry, basic laws of chemistry, ethics and laws, definitions and terms, and reference sources.

5
PHAR 1020

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010 This course introduces the student to principles of receiving, storing, and dispensing medications. Topics include: purchasing, packaging, and labeling drugs; pharmacy policies and procedures; documentation; inventory and filing systems; compounding; storage and control; pharmacy equipment; and health care organizational structure. This course provides laboratory and clinical practice.

4
PHAR 1030

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010 Co-requisite(s): PHAR 1040, PHAR 1050 Continues the development of student knowledge and skills in preparing medication, processing glassware, and maintaining an aseptic environment. Topics include: aseptic and sterile techniques, parenteral admixtures, hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, filtering, disinfecting, contamination, ophthalmic preparations, infection control, and quality control.

4
PHAR 1040

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): PHAR 1030, PHAR 1050 The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse.

4
PHAR 1050

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 15 Pre-requisite(s): PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010 Co-requisite(s): PHAR 1030, PHAR 1040 Orients students to the clinical environment and provides experiences with the basic skills necessary for the pharmacy technician. Topics include: storage and control, documentation, inventory and billing, community practice, institutional practice, and communication,

5
PHAR 2060

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): COMP 2000 or COLL 1010, PHAR 1030, PHAR 1050 Co-requisite(s): PHAR 2070 This course presents the advanced concepts and principles needed in the pharmacy technology field. Topics include: physician orders, patient profiles, pharmacy data systems, job readiness, legal requirements, inventory and billing, pharmaceutical calculations review and pharmacology review.

3
PHAR 2070

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 15 Pre-requisite(s): COMP 2000 or COLL 1010, PHAR 1030, PHAR 1050 Co-requisite(s): PHAR 2060 Continues the development of student knowledge and skills applicable to pharmacy technology practice. Topics include: dispensing responsibilities, physician orders, controlled substances, hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, patient profiles, pharmacy data systems, ophthalmic preparations, and hospital/retail/home health pharmacy techniques.

5
ALHS 1040

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens.

3
Choose One of the Following (3 Hours) 3
COLL 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0.5 Lab 3 - 2.5 Pre-Requisites: None Co-Requisite: None This course is designed to assist the learner to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic, personal, and professional success and to improve student retention. Areas of importance include Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Personal Financial Management, Stress Management and Wellness, Studying and Test Taking Skills, Communication Skills, Career Planning and Goal Setting, Computer Applications/Technology Skills and Employability/Professional Skills.

3
COMP 2000

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture-3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: Program Admission Co-Requisite: None This course provides an introduction to computer applications for the development of analytical and problem-solving workplace skills. The course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Topics include file management, word processing software, database software, spreadsheet software, and presentation software skill development. The course also introduces terminology related to computer hardware, computer networks, and social and ethical concepts.

3
Faculty
Advisor

Dean of Academic Affairs--Health Sciences
Valdosta Campus

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