The Pharmacy Technology diploma is designed to enable the student to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes for employment within a pharmacy. Program graduates will be able to perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. A variety of clinical experiences is designed to integrate theory and practice. Graduates will be employable as an entry level pharmacy technician.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technology program are prepared for employment in hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, home infusion pharmacies, institutional pharmacies, military base pharmacies, compounding pharmacies and other healthcare facilities requiring professional qualified personnel. NOTE: A felony conviction may limit employment opportunities.
Accreditation/Approval
The Pharmacy Technician training program conducted by the Pharmacy Technology program at Ogeechee Technical College, Statesboro, Georgia is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814, 866.279.0681.
Licensure/Certification
Upon entry into the Pharmacy Technology program, students must attain licensure from the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. Students cannot conduct shadowing exercises without licensure. Licensure information will be provided to the student by the program director. Prior to completion of the program, students may register to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. In order to sit for the PTCE, a candidate must have never been convicted of a felony. Students are responsible for submitting applications and all fees for the examination.
Admissions Criteria
- Submit a completed application and application fee;
- Be at least 16 years of age (must be at least 18 to graduate from the program)
- Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;
- Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
- Meet the following assessment requirements:
| Test |
Reading |
Writing |
Numerical |
Algebra |
| Accuplacer |
55 |
60 |
34 |
NA |
| Accuplacer (Next Gen) |
224 |
236 |
229 |
NA |
| Compass |
70 |
32 |
26 |
NA |
| SAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| SAT |
270 |
280 |
310 |
NA |
| ACT |
14 |
13 |
14 |
NA |
| ASSET |
37 |
38 |
32 |
NA |
| PSAT |
16 |
15 |
18 |
NA |
| GED |
NA |
145 |
145 |
NA |
| TABE |
461 |
NA |
442 |
NA |
Pharmacy Technology Curriculum
The curriculum for the Pharmacy Technology diploma program is designed for the semester system. A student may enter the program any semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 56 semester credit hours and must be at least 18 years of age. The program requires a minimum of 1290 contact hours and generally takes 5 semesters to complete from core to finish.
Program Courses
Basic Skills Courses (9 Credits)
Occupational Courses (47 Credits)
NOTE: “C” or higher grade is required for all the above courses.
Program Costs
Tuition/Fees: $5,970
Books/Supplies: $1,500
Uniform Costs: Approximately $250
Liability Insurance: $10 per fiscal year
Certification Exam: $129
Physical Exam: $150
TB Test: $40
Hepatitis B Series: $276
Drug Screening: $45
Criminal Background Check: $36
Georgia State Pharmacy Technician Registration/Fingerprinting: $100 – $136
Course Supply Fee:
- ALHS 1040 Introduction to Health Care: $22
(Costs are estimates and are subject to change.)
Clinical Education
Number of Practicum Sites: 24
General Location of the Practicum Sites: Bulloch, Candler, Chatham, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jefferson, and Screven Counties
Special Requirements of the Practicum Sites
- CPR Certification
- Prior to beginning clinical practicum, students must submit a medical exam stating that the student is in good health. This must include documentation of TB skin testing and all required immunizations, including Hepatitis B. Students who refuse the Hepatitis B vaccination series must sign a declination form and be aware that practicum sites may refuse to accept them. Forms will be provided by the instructor. Flu vaccines are required by most hospital facilities.
- Prior to beginning clinical practicum, students must submit proof of an Active Georgia Board of Pharmacy Technician License number. This number is mandatory for any student/technician who is placed in a pharmacy setting. All Georgia State Pharmacy Technician Registration information will be provided by the instructor.
- Criminal Background Check
- Urine Drug Screen
Clinical Education Courses
The Pharmacy Technology practicum provides students with an opportunity for in-depth application and reinforcement of principles and techniques in a hospital and retail pharmacy. The clinical practicum allows the student to become involved in a professional work situation applying technical skills.