PGM Code – 399C
Program Description The Pharmacy Certificate program prepares students for the role of support personnel in hospital, community and other pharmacy settings. Pharmacy technicians provide assistance to the pharmacist in a variety of technical tasks involving the packaging, distribution, compounding, labeling, and recording of drugs. Knowledgeable, experienced professionals will guide students in their clinical coursework, which is supervised by the college.
The Pharmacy Technician Certificat program is a three-quarter instructional and clinical program with preliminary requirements that must be completed before program entry. Admission to the program is outlined in two stages: preliminary requirements and final program admission.
Prerequisites Applicants must be 18 years of age and provide proof of graduation from an accredited high school or GED. Proof of completion of the prerequisite courses (minimum 17 credits) with a minimum grade of 2.0 or equivalent is required to enroll in the certificate classes. Course substitutions are allowed. Students with previous healthcare training may be able to waive prerequisites on adviser approval. Students must see their Allied Health program adviser to complete this process. New students must contact Enrollment Services at 425.640.1458 for their initial advising appointment. Students wishing to transfer credits for their prerequisite classes must have completed the classes within the last five (5) years.
Students must apply to the Washington State Department of Health – Board of Pharmacy to obtain licensure as a Pharmacy Assistant before entering into Clinical Work Experience. This will include a criminal background check. Some employers/externship sites may require a drug test prior to employment. Students should be aware that any criminal history may disqualify them from participating in clinical externship and completing their certificate. Externships must be completed within two (2) quarters of the theory and lab classes.
In the clinical/work environment, candidates must:
• Verify immunizations, tuberculin status, and/or chest x-ray
• Be able to lift 10 to 20 pounds repetitively
• Be able to stand, reach, grasp, and use fine motor skills often*
*Physical requirements may change depending on the individual situation and accommodations
Common Course Numbering Please refer to www.edcc.edu/ccn for more information.
Credit/Grade Requirements This certificate requires successful completion of a minimum of 39 credits as outlined. A minimum of 30 credits or one-third of the required credits, whichever is less, must be earned at Edmonds CC. Students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all college level courses.
Students must achieve a grade of 2.5 or higher in all Pharmacy Technician courses. Upon completion of the program, students must pass the National Certification Exam before receiving license. Visit the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board for more information. Required program courses may only be repeated once.
Students Are Advised To
- Plan their schedule several quarters in advance in order to accommodate courses that are offered only once or twice a year,
- Review the college catalog for required course prerequisites and include these in schedule planning,
- Communicate with an academic adviser, and
- Submit an Evaluation Request - Transfer Credits Form (available in Enrollment Services) to activate the process of transferring credits to Edmonds CC.
Graduation Application A completed Graduation Application form must be submitted online by the 10th day of the quarter in which the student expects to graduate. Note: Applications for summer quarter are due by the 8th day of the quarter.
College Resources
College Website | www.edcc.edu
How to Enroll | www.edcc.edu/es
Transfer Center | www.edcc.edu/transfer
College Bookstore | www.edcc.edu/bookstore
Advising Appointments | 425.640.1458
Advisers
The advisers for this program are
Erika Ferreri | erika.ferreri@edcc.edu | 425.640.1924
Connie Lockwood | connie.lockwood@edcc.edu | 425.640.1691
Elizabeth Patterson | elizabeth.patterson@edcc.edu | 425.640.1061
Cindra McCrann | cindra.mccrann@edcc.edu | 425.640.1174
Department website
Allied Health Education | www.edcc.edu/ahe
Gainful Employment
Gainful Employment Information is available for this program.
Return to: