Program Overview
The Yakima Valley College Pharmacy Technician Program is Washington State approved, accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and a recognized training program by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. This program combines convenient on-line instruction, hands-on laboratory simulations, and supervised experiential practice in the community that prepares students for entry to advanced level positions in a variety of pharmacy settings.
The YVC Pharmacy Technician Program is 55 credits in length and includes core courses for health professionals as well as specialty courses in pharmacy technology. Students may complete the course of study in four quarters of full-time attendance. Limited part-time study is also available. A program application is required and up to twenty students are accepted annually.
The externship is the final program requirement. Students must complete all required coursework both didactic and simulated at the C level or above to be eligible for the pharmacy experiential site externship. During the externship, the students are placed in a variety of hospital and retail pharmacy settings throughout the region. The students must complete at least 240 hours of practice under the preceptorship of pharmacists. Scheduled hours may vary to accommodate externship site and/or student needs. YVC provides no salary or stipend to students during this rotation.
Finally, students must take and pass (75% or better) a final comprehensive examination. Students who have completed all required coursework, including the externships, and pass the final comprehensive examination, will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Students may choose to continue their studies and complete the program with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Pharmacy Technician Studies. A five-credit natural science course, 5 credits of billing and coding courses, a five-credit social science course, and at least 15 additional credits from elective courses are needed to qualify for this two year degree for a total of 90 credits. Students are encouraged to seek additional credits that will help enhance their future career as a pharmacy technician such as in areas of information technology, billing and coding, medical assisting, business, and/or care navigation.
The curriculum of the pharmacy technician program is designed to provide instruction to ensure students meet entry to advanced level competencies for pharmacy technicians as well as prepare them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). After successful completion of this national exam, graduates will earn the credentials of a nationally recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
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