Pharmacy Technician
Available at: Acadian, CB Coreil, Lafayette, Teche Area, and TH Harris
CIP 510805
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS),
Technical Competency Area (TCA)
Description: This Certificate of Technical Studies program consists of a 30 credit hour program of study designed to prepare graduates to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Program graduates who become pharmacy-board certified are prepared to assist in the practice of pharmacy under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed pharmacist and have duties that include filling prescriptions, counting pills, measuring medications and labeling products. Pharmacy technicians also verify prescriptions and maintain patient records and insurance information.
The Pharmacy Technician program is structured to meet the competency standards as established by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Board of Pharmacy. The curriculum outline consists of courses designed to train students in all phases of the pharmacy technician field. This program requires classroom and lab work in areas such as medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, pharmacy law and ethics, and customer service. An important aspect of this program is the clinical experience, which provides a bridge to future employment. The required supervised/preceptor clinical activities will be conducted in pharmacy-board approved sites such as a community pharmacy, institutional pharmacy, and/or hospital pharmacy. Prior to enrolling in clinical courses, Pharmacy Technician Candidates must register with the Pharmacy Board and possess a Pharmacy Technician Candidate Registration.
Click to View the Curricula and Syllabi Now
Click to View the Placement Exam Score Chart (PDF)
An application or re-application fee and a testing fee per component are charged for each Application for Admission submitted.
Admission criteria for students:
- COMPASS scores: reading 70; language/writing 33; and pre-algebra,36
- Minimum 18 years of age
- Submit a completed health and physical examination form, including TB test results, and HBV immunization series or provide written declination for HBV
- HS graduate or valid general equivalency diploma (GED)
- Required developmental education courses must be completed prior to enrolling in core courses
- Must not be impaired
- Must register with the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
- $25 fee
- Birth certificate, passport or naturalization papers required
- Copy of HS transcript or GED
- Proof of enrollment in board approved program
- 2x2 photo
- Successfully pass a statewide criminal history background check as required by Louisiana Board of Pharmacy
- Must pass a comprehensive drug screening test
Student certification information for program completion:
- Complete application
- Submit $100 fee
- Proof of clinical hours completed
- Copy of certificate of completion from approved program
- Successful completion of Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam
- Computer based exam offered periodically at Pearson Professional Centers (deadlines strictly enforced)
- $129 fee
- Not eligible if any drug or pharmacy related felony conviction or any felony conviction within 5 years prior to application
- Refer to website for rule information, application forms, etc: http://www.labp.com/
Objectives of the Pharmacy Technician program reflect those minimum competencies outlined by the Board of Pharmacy. Upon program completion, students will be prepared to:
- Understand the mission of pharmacy and the various permitted pharmacy practice sites, pharmacy literature, and references.
- Identify the respective roles of the pharmacist and the pharmacy technician and be able to perform duties of the pharmacy technician including the process of prescriptions and/or medication orders and the maintenance of a patient profile/information system as directed by a pharmacist.
- Demonstrate career readiness, including effective communication with other health professionals and patients, proper telephone etiquette, protocol, required identification, and professional attire.
- Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulations as they pertain to pharmacy technician responsibilities, including application of procedures of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state requirements for controlled substances; classification of drugs; and the role of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy and the regulations that pertain to pharmacy technicians.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of general pharmaceutical and medical terminology, the apothecary symbols, abbreviations (English and Latin), and the common chemical symbols.
- Demonstrate the mathematical terminology and calculations required to perform the duties of a pharmacy technician.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of drug nomenclature.
- Demonstrate understanding of the classes of drugs by their use and pharmacological effect.
- Demonstrate understanding of the various dosage forms and issues pertaining to their stability.
- Demonstrate understanding of the various routes of administration and special requirements/handling of products that ensure product integrity and suitability for safe and effective administration.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various factors that could affect drug activity (weight, gender, race, etc.).
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of proper procedure for materials management including ordering, receiving, and storing drugs; manufacturer drug labels, and inventory control and accountability for drugs.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the dispensing of drugs and with the use and maintenance of equipment used in pharmacies.
- Take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.
Use this link to search for job opportunities in the Louisiana Department of Labor 4th Regional Labor Market Area
Use this link to search Louisiana Department of Labor's Occupational Projections for All Occupations in Region 4.
Use this link to view the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook for this program.
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