Technical Standards for Pharmacy Technology Program

Our program technical standards have been developed to help students understand nonacademic standards, skills, and performance requirements expected of a student in order to complete this particular curriculum.

If an accommodation is necessary to participate in the program, it is imperative to identify a reasonable accommodations to those students who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonableness is determined by Accessibility Resources and the program on a case-by-case basis utilizing the program technical standards. The accommodation needs to be in place prior to the start of the program, or it may delay your ability to start the program. It is the student’s responsibility to contact Accessibility Resources and request accommodations.

Skills Description Specific Examples
Motor Skills Motor and Function Abilities required of a candidate include gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, strength, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision for the safe handling of patients, self and equipment in order to:
  • Elicit information from patients by verbal questioning for information, computer technology and other methods.
  • Safely perform therapeutic procedures and/or laboratory procedures.
  • Provide other patient services and patient-associated services.
  • Safely lift, manipulate and use equipment.
  • A candidate must have these abilities to provide safe care for patients in various states of mobility and awareness.
Vision Observation: Abilities required of a candidate include vision sufficient to:
  • Skillfully use precision instruments such as spatula with pill tray, graduated cylinders, hood and other electronic and digital equipment.
  • Observe and evaluate (i.e., right patient, right drug, right route, right frequency, right strength).
  • Observe the results of technical factors (i.e., various pharmacy computer software).
  • Observe the results of certain stimuli (i.e., medication reaction).
  • Observe changes in equipment operation (i.e., cross contamination of product under hood).
  • The senses of vision, smell and hearing are necessary for a candidate to effectively function in the Pharmacy Technology Program.
Hearing Observation: Abilities required of a candidate include hearing sufficient to:
  • The senses of vision, smell and hearing are necessary for a candidate to effectively function in the Pharmacy Technology Program.
Technological Much of the work done in this field is done using technology.
  • This includes computers, software, scanners, scales, automated dispensing cabinets, cameras, telephones and other essential technologically based equipment.
Communication Communication Skills required by candidate include the ability to speak, hear, and observe patients in order to:
  • Elicit information and cooperation (i.e., questioning of patient, giving medication instructions).
  • Describe changes in mood activity, and posture.
  • Perceive nonverbal communication (i.e., pain, lack of understanding).
  • A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients including but not only speech and hearing but reading, writing, and electronic forms.
  • A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with members of the health care team.
Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving Intellectual: Conceptual, Integrated, and Quantitative Abilities required for a candidate include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis to:
  • Solve problems (i.e., mathematical computation.
  • Comprehend three dimensional relationships (i.e., anatomical relations).
  • Understand the spatial relationship of structures.
  • A candidate must have these abilities to accurately calculate drug dosages to produce quality products for patients.
Interpersonal Skills Behavioral and Social Skills required of a candidate:
    Allow mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients, clients, and fellow workers (interpersonal skills).

  • Tolerate physically taxing workloads.
  • Function effectively under stress.
  • Adapt to changing environments (i.e., flexible schedules).
  • Display flexibility and ability to function during uncertainty inherent in health care (i.e., emergency conditions).
  • Display compassion, empathy, integrity, concern for others, interest and motivation.
  • A candidate must have these abilities to provide empathetic support to patients where quality care is dependent on a team approach.
Environmental Tolerance
  • Possible exposure to potentially hazardous and toxic substances.
  • Possible exposure to latex.
  • Moderate stress level.
  • Work is done behind the counter of a retail pharmacy. This can be confined/smaller area with fluorescent lighting but also some exposure to outdoor light at a drive thru.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time in an enclosed space.
Other
  • All of the above abilities, skills, and knowledge in a candidate will be continually tested and evaluated during the educational process of this program.

This document is intended to serve as a guide regarding the physical, emotional, intellectual and psychosocial expectations placed on a student. This document cannot include every conceivable action, task, ability or behavior that may be expected of a student. Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the degree program.