Students seeking entrance to the Pharmacy Technician Program sometimes underestimate the curriculum requirements. The practice of pharmacy is a profession that requires excellent interpersonal skills (to include reading and writing), efficient computer abilities, and a strong understanding of math. These skills are critical for safe pharmacy practice. Requiring all students either place out of the remedial courses or successfully complete them prior to entrance to the program ensures all students are on the academic level required for potential success in the coursework.

• PHT students are required to successfully complete all PHT courses prior to being eligible for clinical internships. Internships are required for graduation, and are the last part of completing the certificate program. Students complete 160-hour rotations at 2 different sites- one community and one hospital. Students are not required to find their own internship site- all placement is made by the program coordinator.
• Students are required to have had a background check and drug screen with the program within the 6 months prior to internship enrollment. Students are required to meet all requirements of the Academic Progression Policy in completing their PHT coursework, and register for the internships within 2 semesters of completing the PHT lab courses. All students are required to attend mandatory clinical seminar sessions, and provide all required proof of identification and immunization by designated deadlines provided by the program coordinator.
• Students will be required to obtain a PHATP Certificate from the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy prior to being eligible for clinical placement. The fee for this is $57 and non-refundable. A full list of requirements and expectations cen be found on their website, but include:

1. Successful completion of a criminal record check
2. The ability to effectively read and write in the English language
3. Documentation of any legal name changes
4. Residency information and documentation
5. National PHT Certification (PTCB) is required to transition a Provisional Certificate (PHATP) to a standard Certificate (PHAT) after 18 months

• If you do not have current, accurate, and complete shot records you must update them prior to your clinical rotations. If you do not have insurance coverage for vaccines, the Health Department gives vaccines at reduced rates. The student's immunization record must include: Depending on the student’s specific clinical site, these requirements are subject to change to meet their individual requirements.

1. TB test current within one year
2. MMRx2 or positive titers
3. Varicella or positive varicella titer
4. Hepatitis vaccine is strongly recommended, but may not be required
5. Flu Vaccine for the current flu season is required.

State Board of Pharmacy

A national criminal background check and 10-panel drug screen is required of each and every Pharmacy Tech student at Pikes Peak State College. In order to participate in the PHT program, you will be required to order a background check and drug screen through CastleBranch. You will be responsible for the $63.00 fee at the time of order. This is a Colorado Community College System requirement; therefore, any previous background check completed for employment will not suffice. This policy is implemented and monitored by the PPSC Human Resource Services Department. The screening is not to be completed by students prior to meeting with a program advisor. The first screen is completed in PHT 111 Introduction to Pharmacy, and all policies and requirements are reviewed at that time. Additional information can be found in the PHT Student Handbook.

Order Background Check & Drug Screen

Download PHT Handbook

• An education and career in pharmacy can be quite demanding physically and mentally. View our department's Technical Standards Policy (located in the PHT Student handbook, page 31), containing valuable information concerning physical and academic rigor, which is expected of all pharmacy students.
• Hard work and dedication in the lab and classroom. Students are required to maintain a minimum of a 70% in all PHT coursework. In addition, many classes have objective check-off or validation requirements which must be met to successfully pass a course. Inability to pass a final or practicum may result in repeating a required course, and failure of more than one PHT course may lead to program dismissal. See the program's Academic Progression Policy and policies for program dismissal in the PHT Student Handbook.
• A good computer with internet access or transportation and time to utilize the computer lab and learning commons/resources on campus. The PHT Program is comprised of both traditional face-to-face coursework and lab, and both hybrid and online classes. Reliable internet and computer resources are essential. Additionally, the program utilizes multiple learning platforms to best meet different learners' needs. Access to these online platforms will be required, in addition to mandatory program textbooks.