The Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician program prepares individuals for employment in hospital and retail pharmacies. Pharmacy Technician is a category of support personnel and denotes a skilled worker who has been trained to assist the pharmacist in preparing and dispensing medications. This category of support personnel is spelled out in Oregon Administrative Rules 855-41-205 under the auspices of the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process. 

Due to the nature of this curriculum and the access to drugs, all students will have to declare themselves “drug free” and be subject to a criminal background check. Any student who is unable, for any reason, to complete the practicum parts of this curriculum will not be able to continue in the program. Drug testing will be done prior to clinical practicum. Graduates may choose to take a national certification examination at the successful conclusion of the program.

This program is currently offered entirely through distance education. All PHAR classes are offered only online. Other courses in the program are offered in the traditional classroom setting.

For more information contact the administrative assistant, Sumner Hall, Rm 4 541-888-7443 or the director at 541-888-7298. Click here to view more information about the Nursing & Allied Health program.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.

Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician can be found online at https://www.socc.edu/images/ge/pharmacy.html.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 51 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Pharmacy Technician is awarded.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Function as a professional in a pharmacy environment either in a hospital or retail setting.
• Assist the pharmacist in the preparation and dispensing of medications.
• Be aware of the duties and limitations of a pharmacy technician as per Oregon Administrative Rules 855-41-205.

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

Program Guide