Background Check & Drug Screen Requirements

The Colorado Community College System (“CCCS”) and the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education authorize the pharmacy technician program to conduct a background investigation of all student applicants. The clinical sites used in the pharmacy technician program require background checks of all potential interns, in addition to drug screens. The purpose is to maintain a safe and productive educational and clinical environment. Additionally, this is a standard requirement for all employment in the pharmacy career field and will be essential to obtaining a job. New students who refuse to comply with the background investigation will not be allowed to enter the PPSC Pharmacy Technician Program

All Pharmacy Technician Program students will be expected to pass a drug test and criminal background check in order to receive full acceptance to the Pharmacy Technician Program at PPSC. Students are required to complete the first testing within their first week of enrollment into PHT 111 Introduction to Pharmacy. The cost is $63.00 and must be paid online at the time of purchase. The are NO EXCEPTIONS for missing the initial deadline for this screen to be accepted into the program. A second set of screening will be required during enrollment in PHT 116 Institutional Pharmacy, prior to enrolling for clinical internships. Both screens are required. This screening will count towards the Colorado state requirement when applying for a CO State PHT Certification.

All testing is at the student’s expense, including any repeat or additional necessary testing. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the results of their drug test with a member of the human resources staff. Students who fail testing will not be admitted to the Pharmacy Technician Program. All background check and drug testing information is kept confidential. Please refer to Certified Background for more information.

NOTE - DO NOT PURCHASE A PACKAGE OR COMPLETE YOUR BACKGROUND CHECK WITHOUT EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS IN CLASS. SCREENING IS NOT INTENDED TO BE COMPLETED AHEAD OF STARTING YOUR CLASSES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INSTRUCTION MAY RESULT IN REPEATED SCREENINGS BEING REQUIRED.

See PHT Student Handbook for full policy and additional information - available at the PPSC Bookstore.

disqualifying offenses or background check issues, please contact PPSC Human Resources representative Patricia Padeway at (719) 502-2296.

An applicant will be disqualified from the pharmacy program based on the following guidelines:

• Felony convictions for violent felonies, including but not limited to homicide or sexual offense. (no time limit)
• Felony convictions for drug use, possession, or distribution in the seven (7) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
• Other felony convictions with seven (7) years.
• Violent misdemeanor convictions in the five (5) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
• Nonviolent misdemeanor convictions in the five (5) years immediately preceding enrollment in the program.
• The following crimes will result in automatic disqualification:
  • Any offense involving unlawful sexual behavior.
  • Any crime of child abuse, as defined in C.R.S. 18-6-401
  • Crimes of moral turpitude (prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc)
  • Any offense in another state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of any of the above offenses.

• Any offense involving unlawful sexual behavior.
• Any crime of child abuse, as defined in C.R.S. 18-6-401
• Crimes of moral turpitude (prostitution, public lewdness/exposure, etc)
• Any offense in another state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements of any of the above offenses.

If the investigation reveals information that could be relevant to the application, the designated individual responsible for background checks may request additional information from the applicant. The offense shall be reviewed on a case by case basis.

In addition to the current Drug Screen & Criminal Record Check policies:

Although possession and use of marijuana both recreationally and for certain medical conditions consistent with the requirements of the Colorado Constitution is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continue to be prohibited while a student is on campus, including any time the student is in a clinical experience or representing the College.

Effective March 2020, all pharmacy technicians will be required to be state certified to practice in the pharmacy. This applies to enrolled students while completing their clinical rotations as well. Students will be required to obtain a Provisional Certificate from the State Board of Pharmacy prior to being eligible for clinical placement. The fee for this is $57 and must be paid for at the time of application. Visit the SBOP website for a complete list of requirements for eligibility. Students who are determined ineligible for a state certificate will be ineligible for program completion and graduation.