New Program Begins September, 2008
Information Meetings
Thursday, June 19, 2008
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Founders Hall, Room 171
About the Program
This intensive program is designed to qualify you for California State Board of Pharmacy registration as a Pharmacy Technician. California law requires this registration to work as a Pharmacy Technician. Our curriculum includes 260 hours of classroom instruction (lecture and labs) that will provide you with the theory and skills, and 340 hours of externship, in a variety of settings (such as retail and hospital) for hands-on, practical experience necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician in a variety of work settings.
Prerequisites / Admission Requirements
You must be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency certificate. You must pass the MJC graduation competency test for reading and the program entry exam for math. Testing dates will be provided at the information meetings listed on the front of this brochure. To be registered with the California Board of Pharmacy you must pass a fingerprinting and criminal background check. The State of California may deny you registration if you have a felony conviction. You must attach two current, signed, letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your education, interpersonal communication skills, personal ethics and/or work experience. The letters must include contact information for the reference. You must also include a resume, copy of driver's license, and a letter of intent, and high school graduation or equivalency documentation.
Schedule
Classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and some Saturdays. This course is designed to be completed in 12 months.
Instructors
Instructors are pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in local practice, and other professionals who are experts in their respective fields.
Completion Requirements
You must attain a C average or better in quizzes and examinations for all instructional modules and complete all laboratory and experiential work with a grade of S (satisfactory) or better to be eligible for MJC certification. MJC certification meets the California State Board of Pharmacy requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician. These courses are not eligible for credit from Modesto Junior College.
How to Enroll
Complete the application and return it to MJC Community Education, along with the following: nonrefundable deposit of $100 (refunded if not accepted into the program), resume, letter of intent, 2 letters of recommendation, copy of driver's license, and documentation of high school graduation or equivalency. After acceptance, final payment is due before the class begins, unless other arrangements have been made (promissory note signed, student loan paperwork processed, etc.).
Fees / Deadlines
The total fee is $4,500 (includes textbooks for the class, smock, and liability insurance for the externship).
Your deposit, application and all required documentation listed above will be due in our office on around the first of September, 2008 (more information will be given at the information meetings listed above). Student loans through Wells Fargo "Education Connection" and other financing options will be discussed at the information meeting. You must complete the assessment tests before the turning in your application. Test dates will be given at the Information Meeting.
Train you for an entry-level position in a variety of pharmacy settings
Provide a 600-hour program of lecture, laboratory and hands-on learning
Train you in aseptic technique and sterile product preparation, a unique program focus for acute care practice
Qualify you to register with the California State Board of Pharmacy
Prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam
Be completed in 12 months
Meet 3 evenings a week and some Saturdays, allowing working students to train for a new career
Study, Communication & Customer Service Skills: Focus is on time management, memory skills, and strategies for organization to maximize learning and self-study. Communication and sales skills emphasize listening techniques to maximize customer satisfaction and retention.
Introduction to Scope & Terminology of Healthcare & Pharmacy Practice: Provides knowledge of current concepts of healthcare in the U.S. and roles of different pharmacy personnel. Knowledge of dosage forms, routes of administration and medical and pharmacy terminology, abbreviations and symbols commonly used in prescribing and dispensing drugs are covered.
Pharmacy Calculations: Learn the fundamental calculations required for common dosage determinations and compounding, employing metric and apothecary systems.
Prescription and Drug Order Processing: Provides understanding of prescription labeling, medication distribution systems, interpretation of drug orders, and repackaging of medications.
Pharmacology: Emphasis is on preparations, properties, uses, actions, and toxicities of drugs. Learn the brand and generic names of common medications used to treat specific diseases.
Aseptic Technique: Provides knowledge and understanding of sterile product reconstitution, administration systems, parenteral nutrition solutions, special handling of hazardous drugs, and proper procedures for prevention of bacterial contamination of intravenous mixtures.
Pharmacy Law: Knowledge of standards and ethics, laws, and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy.
Computerization: Provides a basic understanding of computer technology as applied to the practice of pharmacy.
Purchasing & Inventory Control: Emphasis is on the process and procedures to obtain and maintain a well-stocked supply of drugs.
Quality Management: Covers handling of medication errors, continuous quality improvement methods, policies and procedures.
Job Search & Interviewing: Prepare your resume, cover and follow-up letters, and interviewing and negotiating practice.
Externship - 340 hours: Apply theory and practical knowledge in a hands-on work environment. Opportunities for practice experience occur in ambulatory and acute care settings. You must provide proof of current immunizations and ability to type 25 wpm before beginning externship.
