Course description
Utah Career College offers the two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Pharmacy Technology degree program at its West Jordan campus, 15 miles south of Salt Lake City Center. Students in the program acquire the technical skills and scientific knowledge to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam and become pharmacy technicians.
Skills, knowledge and professionalism for pharmacy technology
At all points, the pharmacy technology associate degree program integrates lectures and research assignments with hands-on practice. Students learn how to interpret, process, and compound extemporaneous and intravenous admixtures, and learn the effective use of available software programs with proficiency in receiving, interpreting, inputting and filling prescriptions. They also receive training in office procedures, computer skills and legal issues in pharmacy technology, including patient privacy.
Core requirements for the Associate in Pharmacy Technology degree
The AAS in Pharmacy Technology degree program includes courses in pharmacy technology courses and related technical and occupational studies. Topics include the following:
* Medical terminology
* Anatomy and physiology
* Chemistry for health professionals
* Pharmacy law and principles
* Pharmacy calculations
* Pharmacology
* Pharmacy procedures
* Computer information systems
* Microsoft Office Professional
* Keyboarding
* Introduction to business
* Supervisory management
* Pharmacy office procedures
Career development, certification review and externship
Job placement rates for graduates of the pharmacy technology associates degree program are excellent. That is at least in part a result of the final courses students take before graduation:
* The Pharmacy Externship provides real-world practice and site evaluations.
* The Pharmacy Certification Review prepares students for the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (CPhT) and the Utah Pharmacy Technician Law Exam.
* In Career Development, students prepare resumes and cover letters, practice interviewing techniques, and receive individualized job search assistance from our Career Services Department.
General education courses
In addition to technical coursework, the Associate in Pharmacy Technology program general education coursework includes Composition, Interpersonal Relations and College Math I. The student chooses remaining elective courses from communications, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences.
These liberal arts studies provide students with high-value critical thinking skills and knowledge. The general education coursework also positions a graduate for professional advancement and for future academic work.
