Pharmacy Technician
Program Description
The Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to cover both the academic and clinical skills necessary to perform as a pharmacy technician. The program begins fall semester of each year. The Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Program is designed to be completed in one year. For the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician Degree, prerequisite courses, including Essential Learning courses, are completed in year two of the program. The application process occurs in the second semester of the first year. Once accepted to the program, the second year prepares students to work as advanced pharmacy technicians and assist in pharmacy operations.
Pharmacy Technicians who pass the certifying examination offered by the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) are certified and authorized to use the initials CPhT to designate their status as Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technicians, which further allows them to apply for licensure in their individual states.
Contact Information
Office of Student Services
CMU Tech, Bishop B102
2508 Blichmann Avenue
970.255.2670
PHTE 111 Introduction to Pharmacy3 Credits
Introduction to the practice of pharmacy and the work that pharmacy technicians perform. Provides an overview of careers within the field; educational, certification and accreditation requirements; ethical and legal responsibilities; pharmacology; as well as a variety of issues that touch on attitudes, values and beliefs of successful pharmacy technicians.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
PHTE 112 Pharmacy Law and Ethics2 Credits
Introduction to the laws, regulations, and agencies that pertain to pharmacy practice and the role that technicians play to ensure compliance. Establishes a foundation of ethical behavior and decision-making and discusses the consequences of violating laws and ethical principles.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
PHTE 114 Computer Skills for Pharmacy Technicians1 Credit
Introduction to basic pharmacy and computer terminology and applications of a pharmacy management system. Focuses on the practice of pharmacy and the multiple operations that contribute to safe and effective patient care and discusses the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in computer-based systems.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
PHTE 115 Pharmacology I3 Credits
Fundamentals of pharmacology, the pharmacokinetic phases, and the basic concepts of normal body function. Examines diseases which impact the various body systems and the drugs used to treat such diseases emphasizing disease states and drug therapy.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
PHTE 116 Institutional Pharmacy3 Credits
Exploration of the role of pharmacy technicians and the practice of pharmacy in the institutional setting. This course covers institutional and pharmacy organization, terminology, medication distribution systems, packaging, and preparation of intravenous admixtures.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
PHTE 118 Pharmacology II3 Credits
Examination of disease states, which impact the various body systems, and the drugs used to treat such diseases. Emphasizes disease state management and drug therapy. Serves as the second part of the two-part presentation of the basic concepts of pharmacology.
Prerequisites: PHTE 115.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
PHTE 119 Community Pharmacy3 Credits
Tasks and responsibilities involved in the practice of pharmacy in a community setting. Emphasizes chain and independent community pharmacy practice and other related practice settings, such as consultant pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, and nuclear pharmacy.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
Fees: Yes.
PHTE 170 Pharmacy Clinical I3 Credits
Hands-on experience in an pharmacy setting. Students must be supervised by a licensed pharmacist or qualified designee and are expected to participate in activities delineated in the Clinical Site Manual, such as dispensing, compounding, inventory handling and control, drug distribution, and/or preparation of intravenous products.
Prerequisites: PHTE 111, PHTE 114, PHTE 115, PHTE 116, and PHTE 235.
Corequisites: PHTE 112, PHTE 118, and PHTE 119.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHTE 171 Pharmacy Clinical II2 Credits
Hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting. Supervision by a licensed pharmacist or qualified designee required and are expected to participate in activities delineated in the Clinical Site Manual, such as dispensing, inventory handling and control, drug distribution, processing of third-party claims, and communication with patients.
Prerequisites: PHTE 111, PHTE 112, PHTE 114, PHTE 115, PHTE 116, PHTE 118, PHTE 119, PHTE 235, PHTE 250, and PHTE 255.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PHTE 189 Review for PTCB National Exam1 Credit
Preparation and practice for national certification exam.
Terms Typically Offered: Spring.
PHTE 235 Calculations and Compounding Techniques4 Credits
Development of the necessary skills required to perform calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a variety of contemporary settings. Applies these skills in hands-on compounding of pharmaceutical products, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, quality, and infection control.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
PHTE 250 Sterile Compounding and Aseptic Technique2 Credits
Overview of methods and regulation of sterile products as well as instruction and training for the mastery of aseptic technique and the successful production of sterile preparations. Prepares students for passing process validation checklists and provides comprehensive coverage of all procedures and techniques related to the skill sets necessary for sterile compounding.
Prerequisites: PHTE 111, PHTE 112, PHTE 114, PHTE 115, PHTE 116, PHTE 118, PHTE 119, and PHTE 235.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.
PHTE 255 Advanced Practice and Nontraditional Roles2 Credits
Comparison of nontraditional roles and responsibilities for pharmacy technicians and compares career opportunities for pharmacy professionals as pharmacy practice expands into many new areas.
Prerequisites: PHTE 111, PHTE 112, PHTE 114, PHTE 115, PHTE 116, PHTE 118, PHTE 119, and PHTE 235.
Terms Typically Offered: Fall.
Fees: Yes.