Program Type(s)
Certificate of Achievement 18+ Semester (27+ Quarter) Units
Associate of Science Degree
Program Goals
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
The Pharmacy Technology program prepares the student to become a pharmacy technician. These allied health professionals are employed in a variety of pharmacy practice settings. Supervised by a registered pharmacist, they perform a variety of technical duties related to preparing and dispensing drugs in accordance with standard procedures and laws.
Pharmacy technicians are trained to interpret physicians' medication orders, fill orders to be checked by pharmacists, and deliver the orders. They prepare admixtures of intravenous solutions, replenish drugs, maintain patient profile records, prepare bulk formulations, assist with over-the-counter drugs and health aids, and perform clerical duties, including processing insurance forms required by third-party payers. Pharmacy technicians are vital assets to pharmacists because their training allows them to perform technical pharmaceutical procedures, thus enabling pharmacists to devote additional time to their professional tasks.
At East Los Angeles College, the Pharmacy Technology student receives training in medication dispensing procedures. Additional study includes pharmacology, pharmaceutical math, microcomputers, and pathophysiology. The student practices procedural skills in a simulated pharmacy technology laboratory.
Pharmacy Technology graduates are prepared to meet this need, and job opportunities for these graduates remain excellent. In addition to employment in hospitals, graduates may also be employed by nursing homes, retail drug stores, drug manufacturers, research laboratories, wholesale drug companies, and home health care agencies.
MISSION:
It is the mission of the Pharmacy Technology Program to provide quality education and fulfilling career opportunities in pharmacy Technology; by offering academic courses, Laboratory experiences and professional Clinical skills that will lead to national certification, employability and ethical work practice.
VISION STATEMENT:
Pharmacy Technology Program is committed to provide the community with qualified, educated, trained, certified, registered and employable pharmacy technicians.
We are aware that world of pharmacy is ever changing and the need for qualified Pharmacy Technicians is essential, therefore, this discipline will continually evaluate its effectiveness to the individual student and the community as a whole.
Pharmacy Technology program is also dedicated to enhance educational and personal and economic growth of graduates by providing quality education and training to assist them in gaining an understanding of the world and in defining their personal goals in that world.
PHILOSOPHY:
The Pharmacy Technology Program meets community’s needs by providing opportunities for individuals to obtain a degree in Pharmacy Technology and become nationally certified. Based on this philosophy, the Pharmacy Technology Program improves health care through effective instructional methodologies, equipment, and continuing education.
The Pharmacy Technology Program is dedicated to provide students with didactic course as well as clinical opportunities for success. The program will prepare students through activities and trainings that will enrich their lives and contribute to the student's sense of well-being.
The Pharmacy Technology Program recognizes that students are individuals and come from a variety of backgrounds. We accept the challenges to individualize the education offered so all students are able to benefit from the experience.
GOALS:
1. To provide quality education that is necessary for a student to become qualified to practice in the field of pharmacy as Certified Pharmacy Technicians.
2. To employ updated equipment and software that corresponds to standard of excellence in didactic and laboratory courses.
3. To provide effective, innovative and alternative instructional methodologies to implement quality education.
4. To meet and exceed accreditation standards set by ASHP.
5. To enhance student enrollment and retention rate of Pharmacy Technology Program.
6. To conform to ethical and professional standards.