Pathway Description

This pathway prepares individuals, under the supervision of pharmacists, to prepare medications, provide medications and related assistance to patients, and manage pharmacy clinical and business operations. Includes instruction in medical and pharmaceutical terminology, principles of pharmacology and pharmaceutics, drug identification, pharmacy laboratory procedures, prescription interpretation, patient communication and education, safety procedures, record-keeping, measurement and testing techniques, pharmacy business operations, prescription preparation, logistics and dispensing operations, and applicable standards and regulations. ***Pathway courses cannot be taken before sophomore year***

For a list of example job outlooks and salaries as a Pharmacy Technician, click here!

Suggested Course Progression

Course Descriptions

Principles of Health Science

Principles of Health Science is an orientation and foundation for occupations and functions in any health care profession. The course includes broad health care core standards that specify the knowledge and skills needed by the vast majority of health care workers. The course focuses on exploring health career options, history of health care, ethical and legal responsibilities, leadership development, safety concepts, health care systems and processes, and basic health care industry skills. This introductory course may be a prerequisite for additional courses in the Health Science program.

Emergency Procedures (1/2 Credit)

This course will focus on potential emergency situations. It is designed to promote an understanding of standard precautions necessary for personal and professional health maintenance and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate the necessary skills in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and will be given the opportunity to take the completion examination as outlined by the sponsoring agency.

Medical Terminology (1/2 Credit)

Medical Terminology is designed to develop a working knowledge of language in all health science major areas. Students acquire word-building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. Students will learn correct pronunciation, spelling, and application rules. By relating terms to body systems, students identify proper use of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances the student’s ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in health care.

Pharmacy Technician

This course may be completed as an independent study or classroom course during the student’s senior year. Material covered will include orientation, federal law, medication review, aseptic techniques, calculations, and pharmacy operations. It is best practice for students to participate in a work-based learning experience at a pharmacy during this course. Upon successful completion of this internship, students may be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification examination in order to obtain national certification. Students will be required to follow program and agency requirements for attendance and health screenings. These may include but are not limited to: drug screens, TB (tuberculin) skin test, and immunization certificates.

Body Structures and Functions

Body Structures and Functions is designed to provide knowledge of the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on normalcy. The interactions of all body systems in maintaining homeostasis will promote an understanding of the basic human needs necessary for health maintenance. Academic knowledge from life science core content as it relates to the human body will be included. Laboratory activities should be a part of the course when appropriate.

Anatomy

Major concepts addressed in this course include plant structure, animal structure, tissues, organs, and systems.