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Are there any prerequisites?
No. At this time there are no prerequisites to enter the program; however, students are encouraged to take HPRS-1106, Essentials of Medical Terminology, as soon as possible to ensure a firm base of knowledge when entering the program. Students may also take PHRA 1301, Introduction to Pharmacy, and PHRA 1309, Pharmaceutical Mathematics, with department approval, before enrolling in the program as a means to gauge if a career as a Pharmacy Technician is right for them.
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What is a Technician Trainee? What are the requirements? How do I register?
Effective September 2006, any person seeking experiential or training hours in a pharmacy is required to register as a Technician Trainee with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy.
For more information concerning Technician Trainee registration, please click here.
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Do I have to take Medical Terminology before I start the program?
No. You do not have to take Medical Terminology before you start the program, but it is highly encouraged to do so to ensure a firm base level of knowledge when entering the program.
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Do I have to have all the immunizations completed at the time of application?
No, although it is highly recommended to have all your immunizations complete, at the time of application you are only required to provide proof of immunization for the following:
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Mealses
- Tetanus, and
- 2 of 3 injections in the Hepatitis-B Series (The third must be documented by the end of your first semester in the program.)
For more information regarding immunizations, please go to http://www.austincc.edu/health and select Immunizations from the left menu.
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What is the difference between taking CE versus Credit? Advantages of either?
As far as courses are concerned, there is no difference between the CE and College Credit program. These courses are integrated, so you are taking the same courses and learning the same information at the same time as college credit students.
The true differences between CE and college credit are explained in this list:
- A student taking CE courses does not earn college credit in the Pharmacy Technician Program, but can convert the CE to college credit at a later date
- CE students have limited access to financial aid
- If the proper agreements are in place, college credit hours will more likely transfer to other community colleges or four-year institutions; CE contact hours will not.
- If you live outside of the ACC taxing district, enrolling in the CE program may be more economically beneficial than paying out-of-district tuition. If you live inside the ACC taxing district, the college credit program may be more economical.
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Are there different admission requirements for the two programs?
No. Admissions criteria are the same for both College-Credit and the Continuing Education programs.
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How can I get information for this program?
For more information on this program, please attend an Information session and/or contact the Health Science Admission Office. Information Session dates may be viewed by clicking on the Information Session link in the menu to the left. You may contact the Health Science Admissions Office by calling (512) 223-5700 or (888) 626-1697, or by emailing healthsciences@austincc.edu.
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Do I have to listen to or view an Information Session?
Yes, listening to or viewing an Information Session is a mandatory requirement when applying for the program. Information Sessions may be viewed by clicking on the Information Session link on the menu to the left.
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Where can I get an application?
Applications may be downloaded by clicking on the Application Packet link on the menu to your left and then by downloading the packet in either Word or PDF format. Students may also visit or contact the Health Science Admissions office for an application.
The Health Science Admissions office is located in room 8356, on the third floor of the 8000 (Health Sciences) Building at the Eastview Campus. The Eastview campus is located at 3401 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas, 78702. You may contact the Health Science Admissions Office by calling (512) 223-5700, (888) 626-1697 or by emailing healthsciences@austincc.edu.
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When is the deadline for applications?
The deadlines for applying to the Pharmacy Technician program are:
- Spring Admission: November 1 or until full
- Fall Admission: July 1 or until full
- There is no summer admission
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When does the program start?
The program admits a new class each fall and spring semester; however, students are welcome to get a jump start on the certificate by enrolling in HPRS 1106, Essentials of Medical Terminology as soon as possible. Additionally, students may enroll in PHRA 1301, Introduction to Pharmacy, and PHRA 1309, Pharmaceutical Mathematics, with department approval.
The program is typically two semesters in length; however, some students wish to take as long as three semesters depending on their personal schedules.
As of fall 2009, the approximate cost of the program, including tuition, fees, books, and uniforms, is:
- In-District College Credit: $1,947.00
- Out of District College Credit: $4,125.00
- Continuing Education: $2,430.00
This is a significant savings when compared to other technician training programs in the central Texas area. Other programs may cost upward of $15,000.
Fees and tuition are subject to change. Please check the current college catalog for more details and up-to-date information.
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How many students are admitted to the program?
The number of students admitted each semester is dependant on the availability of clinical placement. This may change each semester. Typically, we have enough space to admit 14 to 25 students each fall and spring.
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How are the students selected to be in the program?
Students entering the program are selected by the following criteria:
- Timely submission of completed Application Packet
- Attending a Pharmacy Technician Program Information Session
- COMPASS or other college assessment scores, or previously earned degree
- Successful completion of the ACC Health Sciences Student Criminal Background Check (Submitted only at the request of the Program)
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Can I take any courses before I submit my application?
Students are welcome to get a jump start on the certificate by enrolling in HPRS 1106, Essentials of Medical Terminology as soon as possible. Additionally, students may enroll in PHRA 1301, Introduction to Pharmacy, and PHRA 1309, Pharmaceutical Mathematics, with department approval.
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What is the typical weekly schedule?
Students attending taking a full load of classes (12 to 15 hours per semester) can expect to be in classes four days a week, Monday through Thursday.
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Can any of these courses be taken online or distance learning?
Yes, we offer most courses, except Practicum, as an internet-based distance learning course. Check the course schedule for the current and future course offerings. Be advised that certain courses also have a required lab component which will require a student’s presence on campus during announced lab times. Additionally, course testing is administered at an ACC testing center.
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Are there any evening or weekend courses?
We offer four programs throughout the year. Each fall, we admit students in an evening program. These classes meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons/evenings, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Each spring, we admit a morning class with classes each morning and early afternoon from Monday to Thursday. While there are no weekend courses, we do offer the program through distance learning. Courses offered via the internet-based distance learning program may require onsite labs on Fridays or Saturdays as determined by your instructor.
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Do any of these courses help me if I want to further my education in Pharmacy?
Yes, these courses are significantly helpful for currently practicing technicians. If you are a Pharmacy Technician seeking to enhance your skills, you may wish to enroll in, with department approval, PHRA 1345, Intravenous Admixtures and Sterile Compounding.
PHRA 1345 is taught in partnership with the University of Houston, College of Pharmacy. Students enrolling in this course have the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized certification in Aseptic Techniques for Pharmacy Technicians. Aseptic technique is a series of specials manipulations used in the compounding of sterile admixtures and intravenous solutions.
This course is approved by the American Council on Pharmacy Education (ACPE) to count as 20 hours of CE for currently registered and/or certified technicians.
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Can I do my practicum at my present job with a pharmacy?
The practicum is an unpaid field-based internship where students gain valuable clinical experience in a live pharmacy setting. As a course requirement, students are not allowed to receive reimbursement for service rendered while in practicum. Due to labor laws, this may present a conflict of interest if you wish to complete your practicum at a place of employment; therefore, students are not allowed to complete their practicum at their place of employment.
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What are the job prospects here in Austin after graduating?
The US Department of Labor and Statistics lists the job prospects for Pharmacy Technicians as good for the upcoming future. As the population grows older, pharmacies continue to open, and the pharmacist shortage continues, the job opportunities for Technicians will continue to grow.
Some students receive job offers as they complete their Practicum rotations. Pharmacy Technician Program Faculty are happy to assist students with cover-letter and resume’ development as they begin searching for jobs.
Local pharmacy employers prefer to hire trained pharmacy technicians as their knowledge base and skills are more generally more advanced than those without formal training.
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What do Pharmacy Techs usually make?
At the entry-level, Pharmacy Technicians typically earn $12 to $14 per hour.
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Is the program accredited?
Yes, the Pharmacy Technician program conducted at Austin Community College, Austin, Texas, is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
ACC offers the only accredited Pharmacy Technician Training Program in the Austin Area. For more information on program accreditation, please visit www.ashp.org
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Does ACC offer an Associates Degree in Pharmacy Technology?
No, at this time ACC does not offer the Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technology.
