Program Goals:
The Pharmacy Technician - Direct Entry Certificate provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to prepare for a career as a certified pharmacy technician. The program will prepare the graduate to assume an entry-level pharmacy technician position in a variety of contemporary settings, including, but not limited to, community, hospital, home care and long-term care settings. Students learn various duties a technician may perform, as well as communication skills and aspects of assisting the pharmacist. Students will also perform 135 hours of externship at a local pharmacy to get practical instruction in this field.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Gain knowledge regarding the laws of pharmacy practice.
- Learn drug names and classification, compounding, calculations, abbreviations, and dosage forms.
- Perform various pharmacy technician duties.
- Refine communication and interview skills.
- Assist the pharmacist as directed.
Admissions Process:
Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.
Program Admissions Requirements:
Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.
- High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
- Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:
Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks are required in the program, either annually or every semester. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing results must meet clinical requirements. An issue with CORI/SORI, National Background, fingerprinting and/or drug testing could prevent a student from participating in a clinical/field rotation, which could result in dismissal from the program.
Additional Cost:
See the Program Fees page.
- Students should anticipate additional expenses for clinical uniforms, clinical parking fees, and materials required in the program.
Technical Performance Standards:
See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).
Credit for Prior Learning:
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.
Career Outlook:
Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.0805.
Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:
Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.
Additional Information:
- Students accepted into the Pharmacy Technician - Direct Entry Certificate must:
- Provide documentation of immunization currency and satisfactory health status, and must submit evidence of a positive Hepatitis B antibody titer prior to beginning the clinical externship; this is a six month process.
- Meet the health requirements as identified on the QCC Health Form; these documents must be submitted by first day of enrollment in ALH 138. Students who have not been cleared will not be able to participate in the clinical externship, and may necessitate withdrawal or course failure.
- Take the College Placement Test to determine mathematics and English levels, if no college level courses were previously completed.
- This is a great opportunity for students to gain entry-level employment in the healthcare field prior to matriculating into a selective program.
- Students will increase their chances of obtaining employment by completing both the theoretical course (ALH 137) and the clinical externship (ALH 138).
- Upon successful completion of this program, graduates may seek licensure with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy by:
- Completing a National Certification (ExCPT or PTCB),
- Obtaining a passing score (75) on a Board-approved pharmacy technician assessment examination after having successfully completed one of the following:
- A Board-approved pharmacy technician training program; or
- A minimum of 500 hours of employment as a pharmacy technician trainee.
- Upon passing the National exam (ExCPT or PTCB), graduates are required to apply for state licensure.
