STUDENT GUIDE TO THE
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
SHERI ROUMELL, BS. CPhT AMY RAYMOND, BS. CPhT
PROGRAM DIRECTOR PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
307-268-3033 307-268-3311
sroumell@caspercollege.edu araymond@caspercollege.edu
CASPER COLLEGE
125 COLLEGE DRIVE
CASPER, WY 82601
Rev. 1/19
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Table of Contents
Checklist to Begin Pharmacy Technology Program……………..………………………………. 3
Eligibility Requirements…………………………………………………………………………. 4
Qualifications to enroll…………………………………………………………………………….4
Purpose of Training Program……………………………………………………………………...4
Background Check and Drug/Alcohol Policy……………………………………………………. 5
Clinical Accessibility Policy……………………………………………………………………… 5
Core Performance Standards……………………………………………………………………….5
Dismissal Policy……………………………………………………………………………………6
ASHP Educational Goals and Objectives…………………………………………………………..7
Associate Degree Program Curriculum…………………………………………………………... 9
Pharmacy Technician Certificate Curriculum………..……………………………….…………..10
Requirements for Wyoming State Licensure.……………………………………………………..11
Regulatory Issues/Legal Restrictions……………………………………………………………...11
Immunization and Health Exam…………………………………………………………………...11
Confidentiality Policy……………………………………………………………………………...11
Social Media Policy………………………………………………………………………………..12
Prospects for Employment…………………………………………………………………………12
Salary Expectations...……….…………………………………………………………………...…13
Estimated Expenses for Associate Degree…………………..………………………......................13
Program Application……………………………………………………………………………….14
Casper College adheres to federal nondiscrimination standards. For more information see the catalog or web site, or contact
the human resources office at 307-268-2634.
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Step One:
□ I have applied for admission to Casper College with a major in Pharmacy Technology.
All transcripts from previous college coursework must be on file in the admissions
office.
Step Two:
The following are pre-requisites courses for the Pharmacy Technology Program. You must have
taken or currently be enrolled with a passing grade of “C” or better to apply or with permission
from the program director.
Certificate or Degree Program Prerequisites:
□ CHEM 1005/1006 Basic Chemistry and Lab
□ BIOL 1000 or ZOO 2040/2041 or ZOO 2110
□ HLTK 1200 Medical Terminology
□ MATH 0920
Step Three:
□ I have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.
□ No prior felony convictions – to be eligible to receive a technician in training license
from the Wyoming Board of Pharmacy. See program director for more information.
□ I have completed or will enroll in HLTK 1620 or a BLS for health care provider class.
You must provide documentation of completion for clinical records.
If you checked off on ALL the above criteria or have met with the program director, you are ready
to apply!
Are you ready to apply to the
Pharmacy Technology Program?
Complete this checklist to find out if you are ready to apply
for admission to the Pharmacy Technology Program. If you
have any questions, call Sheri Roumell at 307-268-3033 or
e-mail at sroumell@caspercollege.edu.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for admission into the Certificate Program or the Associate of Science Degree
Program, the applicant must:
1. Have graduated from high school or have earned a GED;
2. Submit a completed application form with all high school and college transcripts and GED
certification (if applicable) to the admissions office and a departmental application form to the
pharmacy technology director by March 1 for primary consideration; if there is still room in the
program past this date the program director will still accept applications until program is full.
3. Have a composite score of 18 or better on the ACT if out of high school less than two years, and
have completed the developmental courses recommended by the test with a “C” or better, OR
4. Have taken the appropriate placement test and have completed all developmental courses
recommended by the test with a “C” or better, or successfully completed college courses and;
5. Have completed at least MATH 0920 with a “C” or better and;
6. Have completed ZOO 2040/2041 or ZOO 2110 or BIOL 1000;
7. Have completed CHEM 1005/1006 with a “C” or better;
8. Demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology by completing HLTK 1200 (or its equivalent)
with a “C” or better;
9. Have a college cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better for admission or readmission;
10. Participate in a personal interview.
If student is missing any of the above requirements please meet with the program director
for consideration.
QUALIFICATIONS TO ENROLL IN PROGRAM
1. Have evidence of immunizations/skin tests as required by agencies providing clinical
experiences;
2. Test negative on any drug or alcohol screening required by agencies providing clinical
experiences;
3. Must have a 2.0 or better GPA for each semester and a “C” or better in all pharmacy
technology, allied health, and laboratory science courses to progress in the program;
4. Maintain a technician-in-training license.
5. Procure and maintain health insurance.
PURPOSE OF THE PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
To provide academic and clinical training in pharmacy technology that will allow the student to prepare
to successfully pass the national Pharmacy Technology Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Further, to
provide the Wyoming pharmacy community with competent support staff to ensure the public safety.
The Associate of Science Pharmacy Technology and Certificate Program at Casper College provides
education to produce competent pharmacy technicians for immediate employment or advanced
education, by offering high quality educational and clinical experience.
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Background check and drug/alcohol policy
Students enrolled in any of the health science programs will participate in clinical experiences in a
variety of agencies. Prior to participating in the clinical experiences, students will be subject to that
agency’s requirements for a background check, drug testing and/or drug abuse prevention policies.
Students are then subject to the random drug testing policy of that agency.
Following graduation, several of the state and/or national licensing or certification (registry) boards,
including the Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy, may refuse to allow a graduate to sit for the required
exam or issue a license or certification to a person who has a prior felony conviction or proven history of
drug or alcohol abuse. Applicants to whom this applies should consult the program director for further
information.
Clinical accessibility policy
The pharmacy technology program utilizes a variety of health care agencies in the community for
clinical experience for the students. If you have been employed in one or more of the agencies and are
not eligible for rehire as an employee, the agency may not permit you to participate in the essential
clinical component of the program.
Please contact the human resources department of the affected agency and request documentation that
states the agency position on your participation in the clinical component of the program. If you receive
a negative response from the agency, you are automatically ineligible to register for PHTK courses. A
response indicating you will be permitted to attend clinical in the agency will be given to the program
director prior to the selection process for admission to the program. If you are unable to fulfill clinical
requirements due to a previous employer issue and have not complied with the above, you could be
dismissed from the program.
Core performance standards for admission and progression
Critical thinking: Critical thinking ability to exercise non-clinical and clinical judgment in a timely
manner.
Interpersonal: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact professionally and therapeutically with peers,
faculty, staff, administrators, patients/clients, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional,
cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
Communication: Communication skills sufficient for interaction with peers, faculty, staff,
administrators, patients/clients, families, and groups in verbal, nonverbal and written form.
Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room, safely perform
treatments/procedures, and assist patients/clients; lift and transfer patients/clients; manipulate
equipment; walk and/or stand for extended periods of time.
Motor skills: Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe and effective patient/client care.
Hearing: Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and safely assess health needs.
Visual: Visual ability with or without corrective lenses sufficient for observation and assessment
necessary in safe patient/client care.
Tactile: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment of patient/ client care.
Professionalism: The ability to understand and demonstrate sufficient respect for others in non-verbal,
verbal, and written communications in the classroom, laboratory, clinical settings, in the Casper College
community, and in related public settings. The ability to demonstrate sufficient understanding of the
cumulative effect that behavior, appearance, and communication has on the health science professional
image.
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DISMISSAL POLICY
There are two basic ways a student can discontinue the Pharmacy Technology Program:
1. Student Initiated:
When a student has decided for whatever reasons that continuation of the program is not advised,
then as a common courtesy, the student is asked to inform the program director in writing giving
the following information:
Date of exit from the program.
Reasons for the decision to leave.
2. Program Initiated:
The program has a duty to uphold certain standards in regard to the academic and clinical setting.
For this reason a student can be immediately dismissed from the program when a policy or
procedure is broken and jeopardizes the high standards of the program. Any student in the
Pharmacy Technology Program can be immediately dismissed from the program for the
following reasons:
Failing a drug screen test (Initial drug screen failure=immediate dismissal)
Breaking probation (Violating any policy while on probation)
Placement on probation for more than two policy infractions within the two-year period of the
program.
3. A grade of "F" or "U" from any didactic or clinical course automatically results in immediate
dismissal from the program.
4. Allowing cumulative G.P.A. to drop below 2.0
5. Unwarranted conduct as a student pharmacy technician in didactic or clinical education
will result in immediate dismissal from the program: Some examples include:
Misuse of college or clinical affiliate property.
Intoxication during classes or labs didactic and clinical education.
Committing a felony during education in the program.
Not following the clinical attendance policies: excessive absences or
tardiness
Willful refusal to follow policies outlined in this manual.
Dishonesty or cheating.
Breaking patient confidentiality.
Any infraction involving an ethical or safety issue can result in immediate dismissal
from the program. Failure to remain in assigned clinical rotation, failure to
participate in all exams, or being dismissed from a clinical site, can result in
immediate dismissal. Students being considered for immediate dismissal will be notified
in writing for the reasons for such action. Any student wishing to appeal may do so. Refer
to Casper College Student Handbook for the Casper College grievance procedure.
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ASHP/ACPE Key Elements
Standard 1: Personal/Interpersonal Knowledge and Skills
Key Elements for Entry-level:
1.1 Demonstrate ethical conduct.
1.2 Present an image appropriate for the profession of pharmacy in appearance and
behavior.
1.3 Demonstrate active and engaged listening skills.
1.4 Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
1.5 Demonstrate a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with diverse
patient populations, colleagues, and professionals.
1.6 Apply self-management skills, including time, stress, and change management.
1.7 Apply interpersonal skills, including negotiation skills, conflict resolution, customer
service, and teamwork.
1.8 Demonstrate problem solving skills.
Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level
1.9 Demonstrate capability to manage or supervise pharmacy technicians in matters such as conflict
resolution, teamwork, and customer service.
1.10 Apply critical thinking skills, creativity, and innovation.
1.11 Apply supervisory skills related to human resource policies and procedures.
1.12 Demonstrate the ability to effectively and professionally communicate with other
healthcare professionals, payors and other individuals necessary to serve the needs of patients and
practice.
Standard 2: Foundational Professional Knowledge and Skills
Key Elements for Entry-level
2.1 Explain the importance of maintaining competency through continuing education and continuing
professional development.
2.2 Demonstrate ability to maintain confidentiality of patient information, and understand applicable
state and federal laws.
2.3 Describe the pharmacy technician’s role, pharmacist’s role, and other occupations in the healthcare
environment.
2.4 Describe wellness promotion and disease prevention concepts.
2.5 Demonstrate basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, and medical
terminology relevant to the pharmacy technician’s role.
2.6 Perform mathematical calculations essential to the duties of pharmacy technicians in a
variety of settings.
2.7 Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process.
2.8 Practice and adhere to effective infection control procedures.
Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level
2.9 Describe investigational drug process, medications being used in off-label indications, and emerging
drug therapies.
2.10 Describe further knowledge and skills required for achieving advanced competencies.
2.11 Support wellness promotion and disease prevention programs.
Standard 3: Processing and Handling of Medications and Medication Orders Key Elements for
Entry-level:
3.1 Assist pharmacists in collecting, organizing, and recording demographic and clinical information for
the Pharmacist Patient Care Process.
3.2 Receive, process, and prepare prescriptions/medication orders for completeness, accuracy, and
authenticity to ensure safety.
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3.3 Assist pharmacists in the identification of patients who desire/require counseling to optimize the use
of medications, equipment, and devices.
3.4 Prepare patient-specific medications for distribution.
3.5 Prepare non-patient-specific medications for distribution.
3.6 Assist pharmacists in preparing, storing, and distributing medication products including those
requiring special handling and documentation.
3.7 Assist pharmacists in the monitoring of medication therapy.
3.8 Maintain pharmacy facilities and equipment.
3.9 Use information from Safety Data Sheets (SDS), National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hazardous Drug List, and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) to
identify, handle, dispense, and safely dispose of hazardous medications and materials.
3.10 Describe Food and Drug Administration product tracking, tracing and handling requirements.
3.11 Apply quality assurance practices to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment,
devices, and supplies.
3.12 Explain procedures and communication channels to use in the event of a product recall or shortage,
a medication error, or identification of another problem.
3.13 Use current technology to ensure the safety and accuracy of medication dispensing.
3.14 Collect payment for medications, pharmacy services, and devices.
3.15 Describe basic concepts related to preparation for sterile and non-sterile compounding.
3.16 Prepare simple non-sterile medications per applicable USP chapters (e.g.,
reconstitution, basic ointments and creams).
3.17 Assist pharmacists in preparing medications requiring compounding of non-sterile
products.
3.18 Explain accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.
3.19 Explain accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and
devices.
3.20 Explain accepted procedures utilized in identifying and disposing of expired
medications.
3.21 Explain accepted procedures in delivery and documentation of immunizations.
3.22 Prepare, store, and deliver medication products requiring special handling and documentation.
Additional Key elements for Advanced-level
3.23 Prepare compounded sterile preparations per applicable, current USP Chapters.
3.24 Prepare medications requiring moderate and high level non-sterile compounding as
defined by USP (e.g., suppositories, tablets, complex creams).
3.25 Prepare or simulate chemotherapy/hazardous drug preparations per applicable,
current USP Chapters.
3.26 Initiate, verify, and manage the adjudication of billing for complex and/or specialized
pharmacy services and goods.
3.27 Apply accepted procedures in purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.
3.28 Apply accepted procedures in inventory control of medications, equipment, and
devices.
3.29 Process, handle, and demonstrate administration techniques and document
administration of immunizations and other injectable medications.
3.30 Apply the appropriate medication use process to investigational drugs, medications
being used in off-label indications, and emerging drug therapies as required.
3.31 Manage drug product inventory stored in equipment or devices used to ensure the safety and
accuracy of medication dispensing.
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Standard 4: Patient Care, Quality and Safety Knowledge and Skills
Key Elements for Entry-level
4.1 Explain the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process and describe the role of the pharmacy technician in
the patient care process.
4.2 Apply patient- and medication-safety practices in aspects of the pharmacy technician's roles.
4.3 Explain how pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in responding to emergent patient situations,
safely and legally.
4.4 Explain basic safety and emergency preparedness procedures applicable to pharmacy services.
4.5 Assist pharmacist in the medication reconciliation process. 4
4.6 Explain point of care testing.
4.7 Explain pharmacist and pharmacy technician roles in medication management services.
4.8 Describe best practices regarding quality assurance measures according to leading
quality organizations.
Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level
4.9 Verify measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other healthcare
professionals.
4.10 Perform point-of-care testing to assist pharmacist in assessing patient's clinical status.
4.11 Participate in the operations of medication management services.
4.12 Participate in technical and operational activities to support the Pharmacists’ Patient
Care Process as assigned.
4.13 Obtain certification as a Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider.
Standard 5: Regulatory and Compliance Knowledge and Skills
Key Elements for Entry-level
5.1 Describe and apply state and federal laws pertaining to processing, handling and dispensing of
medications including controlled substances.
5.2 Describe state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to pharmacy technicians.
5.3 Explain that differences exist between states regarding state regulations, pertaining to
pharmacy technicians, and the processing, handling and dispensing of medications.
5.4 Describe the process and responsibilities required to obtain and maintain registration
and/or licensure to work as a pharmacy technician.
5.5 Describe pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal,
regulatory, formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.
5.6 Describe Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements for
prevention and treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (e.g., risk assessment, personal protective
equipment, eyewash, spill kit).
5.7 Describe OSHA requirements for prevention and response to blood-borne pathogen exposure (e.g.,
accidental needle stick, post-exposure prophylaxis).
5.8 Describe OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (i.e., “Employee Right to Know”). 5
Additional Key Elements for Advanced-level
5.9 Participate in pharmacy compliance with professional standards and relevant legal, regulatory,
formulary, contractual, and safety requirements.
5.10 Describe major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy profession.
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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE CURRICULUM
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
Or
ZOO 2040 Human Anatomy (3cr)
and
ZOO 2041 Human Anatomy Lab (1cr)
And
or
or
64.33 Total credits for AS Degree
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PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
or
Or
ZOO 2040 Human Anatomy (3cr)
and
ZOO 2041 Human Anatomy Lab (1cr)
And
47.33 or 51.33 Total credits for Certificate
* The Pharmacy Technology program has affiliation agreements with many pharmacies across
Wyoming so students may complete experiential hours close to where they live.
* Students can potentially finish the certificate program in 2 semesters plus an experiential rotation.
Students can finish the associate degree program in 3-4 semesters.
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REQUIREMENTS FOR WYOMING STATE LICENSURE
TECH-IN-TRAINING LICENSE
When applicant has received the acceptance packet from the program director, the student must apply
for a tech-in-training license through the Wyoming Board of Pharmacy. The fee is $65. Permit is valid
for 2 years from the date of issuance. The information and application needed to apply will be included
in your acceptance packet for the program.
LEGAL RESTRICTIONS
The Wyoming Board of Pharmacy requires national certification and licensure to practice as a pharmacy
technician. All applicants will be required to obtain a Pharmacy Technician-In-Training license prior to
class participation in the program.
A pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician-in-training shall:
(a) Be at least 18 years of age.
(b) Have no felony or gross misdemeanor conviction relating to controlled
substances within thirty-six (36) months of the date of application.
(c) Have no history of drug abuse or provide satisfactory evidence of
rehabilitation.
(d) Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent.
(e) Have completed requirements for registration as determined by the Board.
(f) Wear a name badge with the appropriate designation “Pharmacy
Technician” or a "Pharmacy Technician-In-Training" at all times when in or near
the pharmacy area.
(g) Identify themselves as a “Pharmacy Technician” or a "Pharmacy
Technician-In-Training" in all telephone conversations while on duty in the pharmacy.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Students must provide proof of MMR/Hepatitis B/Varicella immunizations and a PPD skin test. Student
must have a flu shot before starting the first experiential rotation. This can be submitted after the
student registers for the first PHTK course but must be before the first day of the pharmacy experiential
training I course.
CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
Students are expected to maintain client, family and peer confidentiality in every setting. A
confidentiality statement will be signed by the student and kept in their file. All clinical sites may
require the student to sign site-specific confidentiality statements.
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Social Media Policy Statement
Prohibited Recording Device Use, Social Networking Participation, and Public Disclosures of Care
To ensure compliance with both Federal and State patient confidentiality laws, while also maintaining a
professional working relationship with our clinical and/or field sites, students are not allowed to utilize
photographic, video, audio, or other recording devices (including cell phones) during the course of their
instruction or participation in the program unless specifically permitted by instructional staff and
affected parties, or as allowed by law. The use of such recording devices is strictly prohibited during all
clinical and/or field experiences.
Students are strictly prohibited from including or posting information pertaining to clinical and/or field
experiences on social networking websites (such as Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter) or any other type of
internet, computer, or technology-based social networking site, electronic bulletin board, blog, wiki,
listserv, or equivalent media outlet.
Public scrutiny, criticism, or disclosure of patient care delivered by clinical and/or field site
staff/personnel is strictly prohibited, unless such disclosure is required or protected by law. Such
disclosures include those made via social networking sites, as well as other traditional means of
communication. If a student witnesses care issues at a specific site, such concerns should be directed to
their instructor.
A breach of any of these provisions could lead to an immediate dismissal from Casper College’s
Pharmacy Technology program.
PROSPECTS FOR EMPLOYMENT
Good job opportunities are expected for full-time and part-time work, especially for pharmacy
technicians with formal training or previous experience. Job openings for pharmacy technicians will
result from employment growth and from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations
or leave the labor force. In the state of Wyoming and in the Casper community we have maintained a
very high placement rate for all students graduating from the Casper College Pharmacy Technology
program.
Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the
average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for
pharmaceutical services.
As cost-conscious insurers begin to use pharmacies as patient-care centers, pharmacy technicians will
assume responsibility for some of the more routine tasks previously performed by pharmacists. There
are many new roles that pharmacy technicians are involved in.
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SALARY EXPECTATIONS*
In Wyoming, the median expected salary is $24,000 to $45,000 depending on pharmacy setting and
experience.
Median hourly wages of wage and salary entry-level pharmacy technicians in May 2016 were $14.62.
The middle 50 percent earned between $11.91 and $17.92. The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$10.07, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.65:
General medical and surgical hospitals
$17.58
Grocery stores
14.07
Pharmacies and drug stores
14.86
Certified technicians may earn more. Shift differentials for working evenings or weekends also can
increase earnings. Some technicians belong to unions representing hospital or grocery store workers.
Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Pharmacy Technicians, on
the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm (visited February 2017).
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
CASPER COLLEGE
ESTIMATED EXPENSES
The following expenses are estimated for the pharmacy technology program:
• Tuition *(Wyoming Residents) $4248 (certificate)
$5664 (degree)
• Books (pharmacy technology program only) $ 500-1000
Program Total $4748-$6664
Other Expenses:
• Scrubs $ 25-40
• Background check & Drug Test $170
• Technician-in-Training license application fee $65
• Cap and gown fee $35
• National Certification exam fee $129
• Fingerprinting for licensing $5-7
• Wyoming technician license fee $100
Casper College provides at no expense to students liability (malpractice) insurance while pharmacy
technology students are engaged in their experiential training activities. As stated in the catalog,
students are responsible for their own transportation and its related expense.
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PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT
1. Name____________________________________________________ ______________________
(Last) (First) (Middle) Home Phone Number
2. Name____________________________________________________ ______________________
(Different from above that may appear on your records) Work Phone Number
3. Social Security Number or Student ID#: _______________________________
4. Present Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________
Street City State Zip
5. High School________________________________________________________________________
(City) (State)
Year Graduated _________________________
6. Have you applied to Casper College Yes ____ No ____
(A completed Casper College application must be on file in the Admissions Office before your
admission request can be processed).
9. Have you completed the following:
Certificate or Degree Program Prerequisites:
□ CHEM 1005/1006 Basic Chemistry and Lab
□ BIOL 1000 or ZOO 2040/2041 or ZOO 2110
□ HLTK 1200 Medical Terminology
□ MATH 0920
MAIL THIS APPLICATION TO: Sheri Roumell
Casper College
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
Date __________ Signature _________________________ Year applying for Admission_________
Please DO NOT apply before you have met the pre-requisites and have a cumulative
college GPA ≥ 2.0 or have permission from the program director (See Checklist provided)
3/17
CASPER COLLEGE
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
APPLICATION FOR
ADMISSION