Is a Career AS A pharmacy technician for you?

1. Is a Career AS A pharmacy technicianfor you? Here are some answers to your questions!

2. What is a Pharmacy Technician? • Pharmacy Technicians work under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists provide medications and other health products to patients. They must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice, and be skilled in the techniques required to order, stock, package, and prepare medications.

3. Course Responsibilities • Interpret drug orders for duplication, allergies, interactions, and dose • Identify ways to resolve any incorrect medication orders • Accurately perform calculations necessary in filling drug orders • Perform computerized order entry for medications • Assist in unit dosing of medication • Accurately restock automated dispensing equipment • Assist in dispensing controlled substances

4. Course Responsibilities • Learn the aseptic technique process • Prepare IV’s using aseptic technique • Correctly calculate additives needed for any IV product • Learn the requirements and standards for a USP 797 clean room • Learn IV compatibilities, incompatibilities and stabilities • Compare and contrast activities associated with the preparation of adult and pediatric IV medications. • Interact with hospital personnel regarding medications • Understand medications ordering procedures

5. Working Hours • Various Shifts-8 hours, 10 hours, 12 hours

6. What are the steps to enrollment in the Pharmacy Technology Program?

7. PROCEDURES • Complete and submit a York Technical College Application • Take the placement test or submit qualifying SAT/ACT scores • Submit college transcripts (if applicable) • Meet with an Admissions Counselor • Be accepted to the College • Be placed on the list of qualified applicants, or • Meet requirements for program goal • Meet with an Admissions Counselor • Be placed on the list of qualified applicants • Fulfill entry criteria Physical Exam Criminal Background Check Liability Insurance Drug Screen Students MUST be in good academic standing to enter the program. Required to register with the Department of Labor and Licensing Board of Pharmacy prior to clinical assignment

8. Courses to take in High School • High level math • College Preparatory English • Medical Terminology

9. What job opportunities exist?

10. Retail pharmacies, either independently owned or part of a drugstore, grocery store or department store chain • Hospitals • Mail order and internet pharmacies • Long-term care pharmacies • Home infusion pharmacies

11. Employment rates for Pharmacy Technician’s are expected to grow much faster than the average. • 790 new jobs are projected between now and 2013 in North and South Carolina. WHAT IS THE JOB OUTLOOK?

12. What salary will I make after completing this program? • In South Carolina the hourly wage is between $8.16 - @12.00 hourly and $17,000 to $23,400 annually.

13. Things To Consider • Curriculum is rigorous – requires extensive reading, study time and good time management • Program runs concurrently – starts only once each fall; if you withdraw or fail any PHM course you have to reapply to be able to reenter • Critical thinking required on the job • Stress level – medium to high • Must be a team player as well as able to work independently • Very interesting and rewarding field of study

14. How much time should I expect to spend in this program to be successful?

15. The program is very demanding! • The hours are 5 – 8 pm Monday through Thursday and 6 day-time hours every Friday. • Between the coursework and the clinical rotations, successful students should plan to devote approximately 40 hours per week each semester to their education.

16. This schedule can make it challenging to be employed full-time while enrolled in the program. • For students who must work, it is highly recommended that they work no more than 20 hours per week.

17. How stressful is the clinical environment?

18. The program can be quite stressful. Classroom material must be retained for the clinical setting where students are acquiring hands on skills to make the connection between theory and practice. Students must be willing to become motivated, independent learners and accept constructive criticism while in the clinical setting.

19. Is there a great deal of physical work associated with this field?

20. You must have the ability to stand for most of the workday and may need to lift heavy boxes or climb stepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves.

21. What type of special skills do I need to possess in order to be a successful Pharmacy Technician?

22. Responsible/reliable • Flexible/adaptable • Strong customer service and communication skills • Very strong math skills • Like working with people • Intermediate-level computer literacy • Detail oriented/organized • Willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays

23. What are the estimated expenses for the program?

24. Tuition for two semesters • Textbooks $400.00 • Uniforms/Lab coats $50.00 • Liability Insurance $15.00 • Physical Exam $250.00 • Criminal Background Check $54.50 • CPR Certification $50.00 • Transportation to Clinical Sites Variable • Name Tag $6.00 • SC Registration fee for Pharmacy Technicians $80.00

25. Will I be required to complete additional training? • Upon completion of 1000 hours of work in a pharmacy and passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam graduates are eligible to apply for state certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.

26. Can You Picture Yourself in a Career As A Pharmacy Technician?

27. If so, you may have additional questions. • Please feel free to contact: • Sharlene Plyler at 981-7067