1. Does completion of the Pharmacy Tech program count toward a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which will make me eligible for professional licensure?
No. Except for the English Composition and general education credits, the courses in this program are not the prerequisites for pharmacy school admission. The pharmacy courses at Cuyahoga Community College are taught at a technical rather than professional level.
Pharmacy schools do, however, prefer applicants with pharmacy experience, and participation in this program may make it possible to find pharmacy employment while earning pre-pharmacy credits.
2. Must a pharmacy technician be licensed or certified?
This question is very involved. While some states license technicians or require certification, Ohio currently does not—although legislation has been introduced to mandate some kind of training or certification.
However, a national certification examination—Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)—is required or preferred by many employers. While certification currently is not a legal requirement in Ohio, it is in some states, and it is a necessity for some of the better-paying employment opportunities in Ohio.
3. Can I apply existing credits to this program? Will I be able to complete the program in less time as a result?
Many previously earned credits can be applied toward the requirements of either the Pharmacy Tech degree or certificate.
Mathematics and science credits must have been earned within 7 years of beginning the program. Some course substitutions are allowed:
• Other college algebra courses may take the place of Applied Algebra in the program sequence
• General Biology or Anatomy/Physiology courses with labs may count toward the Human Biology requirement
• Combinations of Biology and Chemistry courses may replace the Biochemistry requirement
Credits may be earned at Tri-C or may be transferred from other institutions. Pharmacy credits from career schools or those without the same accreditation as Tri-C’s program will not transfer.
The certificate program requires at least 2 semesters of coursework after prerequisites are earned; the degree program, 3 semesters. Some courses are offered only during the fall semester; some only in the spring; and others are prerequisites for those that follow. However, prior coursework can make it possible to complete the program on a part-time basis.