Nature of Work

The Pharmacy Technician is a health team member.  Working under the supervision of the pharmacist, the technician performs those tasks associated with the preparation and distribution of medication such as the following:                                             

Hospital Setting                                                                      

• Prepare intravenous additive solutions for injections.
• Fill patient medication drawers and deliver prepackaged doses to nursing stations.
• Assist in the inventory and distribution of controlled drugs.

All Settings                                                                                                                      

• Transcribe medication orders and/or prescriptions.
• Assist the pharmacist in preparing ointments, lotions, and other medications.
• Maintain records of patients' medication dosage.
• Type medication labels.
• Calculate medication charges.
• Answer phone inquiries.
• Fill prescription orders.
  

Program Description

The one-year program in Pharmacy Technology is offered on the Charleston Campus of the College of Southern Nevada and leads to a Certificate of Achievement.  It prepares students for employment in the fields of:

• Hospital Pharmacy
• Retail Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry
• Mail Service
• Home IV Therapy

Once accepted into the program, the program course work is completed in two semesters.   Students receive both classroom instruction and directed work experience in pharmacies to develop skills in the technical, procedural, and clerical tasks required in a pharmacy.  Experienced, practicing pharmacists provide both classroom instruction and supervision of the work experience.

Pharmacy Technician Program at CSN

Program Course Sheet and Application Deadlines

Career Guide and Approximate Costs

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Program Admission

This is a Limited Entry Program.  Therefore, an application for admission into the program must be submitted and all prerequisite requirements must be completed by the completion deadline in order to be eligible for consideration.     Students must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the practicum during the second semester of in-program course work.

Certification

The Nevada State Board of Pharmacy issues a Technician Registration upon satisfactory completion of the program.    Students with felony convictions are ineligible for certification as a Pharmacy Technician.   Those with misdemeanor convictions must contact the Board for clarification of certification eligibility prior to beginning the program.

Students First Checklist

New students planning to register for courses at CSN must follow the steps outlined on the Students First Checklist. This checklist provides information on the registration process for new students seeking a Limited-Entry Health Science Degree or Certificate.

How to Transfer Credits to CSN From Other Colleges

For further information, contact the Health Programs Advisement office.  Additionally, it is very important that interested students attend an orientation as soon as possible for complete admissions information.   Program orientations are held weekly.  You can call (702)651-5015 for pre-recorded orientation information. 

If you require other information, please e-mail the Health Programs Advisor directly.

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