Catalog Description

An overview of the qualifications, operational guidelines, and job duties of a pharmacy technician. Topics include definitions of a pharmacy environment, the profile of a pharmacy technician, legal and ethical guidelines, job skills and duties, verbal and written communication skills, professional resources, safety techniques, and supply and inventory techniques. College transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

Course Rationale

This course is designed to provide a foundation of understanding that prepares students for all lecture and laboratory courses in the pharmacy technician program. This course also provides a broad overview of the most common aspects of pharmacy practice and assists students in preparing for the national pharmacy technician certification exam. The course also provides a framework of success for graduates who will apply this knowledge and experience in practice, both during their practicum internship and in future pharmacy technician employment.

Textbooks:

1.    Pharmacy Practice for Technicians, 7th Edition, McKennon/Anderson. ISBN: 978-1-7924-8471-1

NOTE: The textbook for this course is used as a supplemental text to support instruction that is provided via PowerPoint lectures in Blackboard. You are strongly encouraged to purchase the textbook and do the suggested reading so that you will have a full understanding of all the coursework presented in this class. Please note that this textbook is also used in several other courses in the ACC pharmacy technician program. 

Additional materials: will be posted on Blackboard. It is your responsibility to access these materials and bring copies of whatever will be needed in class when instructed to do so.

End of Course Outcomes
Describe the purpose of the health care institution and its pharmacy department; identify the duties and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician including standards of ethics governing pharmacy practice; Identify common medical terms and abbreviations related to pharmacy practice; explain the importance of utilizing pharmacy resource materials; identify the major functions of pharmacy supply and inventory control; and summarize the importance of environmental safety standards, pharmacy safety, and personal safety and hygiene.

Course Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Pharmacy and a Pharmacy Technician Career
Identify the purpose of accreditation of a pharmacy technician-training program
Identify the purpose and objectives of ASHP’s Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technician Training Identify different practice settings a pharmacy technician may be employed in
Identify career options for the pharmacy technician
Identify the role of the technician, pharmacist and other members of the pharmacy team in each career setting
Define pharmacy Define pharmacist
Define pharmacy technician
Identify significant historical events that influenced pharmacy practice

Interpreting Prescriptions and Medication orders
Identify the brand and generic names of the most commonly prescribed drugs Recognize and define Latin terms and abbreviations commonly used in pharmacy Accurately interpret signas of prescriptions and medication orders
Identify and label the parts of a prescription: inscription, superscription, subscription, and signa Identify how a prescription may be received in a pharmacy
Identify information required on a prescription Identify information required on a medication order
Identify the differences between a prescription and a medication order

Sources of Information
Given specific description of a drug or a drug information question, select and identify the appropriate reference to use
Given a list of references, select the reference(s) most commonly used in a drug information section of a pharmacy
Describe the function of a drug information section of a pharmacy

Technician Certification and Registration
Discuss the value of and process of obtaining technician certification
Discuss the processes of registration as a pharmacy technician in the state of Texas

Pharmacy Organizations
Discuss the benefits of active involvement in, & the differences between local, state, & national technician & pharmacy organizations

Federal Pharmacy Law
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Sherley Amendment
State and briefly discuss the purpose and the three main sections of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938
Identify the role of the Food and Drug Administration as outlined by the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act State the Federal Legend: “Caution: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.”
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Durham-Humphrey Amendment
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Kefauver-Harris Amendment State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Controlled Substances Act Identify the five types or schedules of controlled substances
Identify the organization responsible for enforcing the Controlled Substances Act
State & briefly discuss the purpose & specific examples of types of exceptions of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Orphan Drug Act
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act State the purpose of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990 Identify the National Drug Listing Act
Identify specific points that should be covered by the pharmacist when counseling a patient according to OBRA State and briefly discuss the purpose of the FDA Modernization Acts of 1997 and 2002
Discuss the Combat Methamphetamine Act Identify the Affordable Care Act
Discuss the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA)
State the purpose of the PREP Act and its COVID-19 Amendments Texas Pharmacy Laws & Rules
State the differences in technician duties as outlined in pharmacy law for Class A, A-S, B, C, C-S, D, E, E-S, F, and G pharmacies
Identify and define the different classes of pharmacy licenses in Texas Define pharmacy terms listed in Texas laws and rules
Describe the ratios of technicians to pharmacists in the different classes of pharmacies Identify duties that cannot be performed by a pharmacy technician in the different classes of pharmacies
Describe the characteristics of a prescription and a medication order as outlined in Texas law Discuss the responsibility of health care providers in maintaining patient confidentiality

Ethics, PatientConfidentiality, & Cultural Competence
Discuss the need for a Code of Ethics for Pharmacy Technicians and other health care providers Discuss patient confidentiality as it pertains to pharmacy
State and briefly discuss the purpose of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Identify the pharmacy technician’s role in cultural competence

Prerequisites

Admission to Pharmacy Tech program.

Corequisite(s)

Previous or concurrent enrollment in HPRS 1171 and HPRS 1106 or HPRS 1206

Instructional Methodology 

This course incorporates the use of lectures, assignments related to coursework, hands-on lab activities, role playing, student self-study to apply lecture knowledge, and various other methods of instruction. 

Course Grade Breakdown 

Course grading is determined by points. Points are assigned for each portion of the component coursework. Please review the following table for the breakdown of your coursework points. 

Lecture Grade Breakdown 

Lab Grade Breakdown

The “Minimum Required Points” are the minimum points that are required to achieve the passing score of 75% for each component. A score of 75% or higher is required for BOTH the lecture AND lab components of this course.

Course Grading Ranges

Passing Grade - If the required minimum score of > 75% has been achieved for both components of the course, the final letter grade will be determined by the average of the lecture and lab components.

Failing Grade -    If the required minimum score of > 75% has NOT been met for a component of the course, the final assigned grade will be based on the percentage of the failed component of the course.

Course Final Letter Grade

Students are encouraged to check their grades/scores in Blackboard by clicking the My Grades tab on the left side of Blackboard. Check your grade regularly and reach out to your course instructor if you have any questions or need assistance in determining your standing in the course.

Pharmacy Coursework

The type and amount of coursework required for each class varies depending on how advanced the course is, and whether there is a lab component in the course. However, most coursework will fall into one of the categories listed below. A brief synopsis of each category is provided. This overview is for your information only. Be sure to refer to the course schedule, grading breakdown, and other details provided for your course in Blackboard.

NOTE: Not all of the items listed below are required in this course. This is simply a broad overview that identifies the types of coursework you may encounter in the pharmacy technician program. Only the course-specific information that is in your Blackboard course, or is disseminated in class by the instructor, should be relied upon as being the most up to date and accurate.

The course information in Blackboard will include specific details related to the amount and type of coursework as well as the instructions for completion, due dates, and your instructor’s desired method of submission.

Assigned Reading/Videos

Most courses in the pharmacy technician program require you to complete assigned readings or video viewings. Reading may be assigned from lectures or other documents posted in Blackboard, from identified websites, from documents distributed in class, or from your workbook, reading book, or textbook. Videos are generally accessed through Blackboard but may occasionally be accessed through YouTube or website links provided by your instructor. In general, assigned reading and video viewing is designed to prepare you for the scheduled lecture or lab. The pharmacy technician program uses a Flipped Learning approach to instruction. This requires students to prepare ahead of time by completing the assigned readings and/or video viewing before the scheduled class meeting or lab. Completing this preparatory work before engaging in the day's class or lab activities helps to prime the brain for deeper learning.

Discussion Board

Discussion board is a feature of the Blackboard learning management system. Discussion boards are primarily used in online (DIL) courses but may be incorporated into hybrid and live courses as well.

Discussion board is used as a tool to help students engage with and learn about each other and their instructor. Discussion boards can also be used to assist students with exploring and discussing coursework and other relevant topics.

Assignments

Assignments, which may also be referred to as homework, are generally designed to be completed outside of class, although you may occasionally work on assignments in the classroom or lab.

Assignments are used as a way for you to explore the information that was presented in a lecture, class, or lab, or in the assigned reading. Assignments will enhance your understanding of the coursework, and in some instances, may be used as a tool for exam preparation. Assignments may require you to utilize your textbook, reading book, workbook, Blackboard, the internet, and/or other resources as applicable.

Quizzes

Quizzes are most frequently completed in Blackboard; however, in some instances, your instructor may instead have you complete a hard-copy quiz (e.g., pencil and paper). Quizzes require you to use critical thinking and recall of coursework that was presented in class or lab, or in assignments or assigned readings. Quizzes are used to assess your understanding of previously presented material. Quizzes are an excellent tool to help you prepare for exams.

Exams

Exams are used as a tool to assess your knowledge of material covered in previously presented coursework or labs. Exams require you to apply critical thinking and recall ability over a wide-ranging section of coursework that was presented in class or lab, in Blackboard modules, or in assigned readings. Referring to previous lectures, notes, handouts, quizzes, and in some cases previously covered labs, are an excellent way to prepare for exams. Depending on the course, exams may be administered in class, online, or in the testing center.

Lab Coursework/Labs

Laboratory activities are sometimes referred to as labs, lab coursework, or competency assessments. Lab activities are generally designed to be completed in the pharmacy lab, although you may occasionally be required to work on them outside of class. Labs are used as a way for you to apply the information that was presented in class or lab, or in the assigned reading, or lecture. Labs may require you to utilize lab handouts, pharmacy software, and/or equipment as applicable. You also may be required to use your textbook, reference books, workbook, and/or the internet, as applicable.

Depending on the course, you may be required to complete written lab exams that test you over lab procedures and lab-specific information. You may also be required to complete a variety of competency assessments where your instructor observes you performing a variety of skills and then scores you and provides you with detailed feedback using a process validation competency assessment worksheet, which is a form of a grading rubric. Because of the nature of competency assessments and other coursework done in the lab, these activities can be hard to “make-up” if a lab session is missed, so attendance is very important.

Miscellaneous Coursework

Depending on the course, there may be several other activities you are required to complete. Some of these may include orientation activities, projects, presentations, portfolios, attendance quizzes, (e.g. Ten- Minute Quiz), flash cards, case studies, module assessments, journaling, Quizlets, etc. All these activities are intended to enhance or assess your attainment of knowledge and skills necessary to pass the course.

Clinical Coursework

The capstone course in the pharmacy technician program is the pharmacy practicum. Students in the practicum course will engage in a variety of experiential learning activities that will require them to apply what they have learned in all previous pharmacy courses. Practicum coursework will include an internship rotation at one or more pharmacies. Students will be evaluated by their clinical preceptor and will be required to complete several reflective self-evaluations. Additional coursework may include discussion boards, and a variety of other assignments. Only students who are in the practicum course will complete clinical coursework.

Extra Credit

Depending on the course, your instructor may occasionally make extra credit points (e.g., bonus points) available. In general, extra credit points are earned by submission of an optional activity(ies) in which a small number of points can be earned by successfully completing a relevant activity(ies) to increase the total number of points you have in a course. Extra credit activities are not intended to replace assigned coursework. Since all assigned coursework is required, extra credit activities should be engaged in only after completing your assigned coursework, or upon the advice of your instructor. Extra credit activities will be identified in Blackboard or by your instructor as they become available.

Course Schedule and Due Dates

Refer to the Course Schedule in the “Start Here” folder in Blackboard to find the due dates for all coursework.

Blackboard Learning Management System and Required Technology

All courses in the pharmacy technician program utilize the Blackboard Learning Management System. Blackboard may be used for instruction, coursework submission, collaboration with faculty and fellow students, and communication. To access Blackboard, and learn about the technology required for your course, go to https://acconline.austincc.edu.

Some of the courses in the ACC Pharmacy Technician Program may be taught in an entirely online (Distance Learning; DIL), or in Hybrid (HYD) format with online lecture coursework with live labs.

Successful DIL and HYD students generally have good time management and study skills and utilize tools like a hard copy calendar to stay on top of coursework due dates. DIL courses may require you to have additional technology such as a webcam. To learn more about and identify resources to support you in DIL and HYD courses, go to: https://programs.austincc.edu/acc-online/.

Student Technical Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at Student Technology Access.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit Student Technology Access.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit Student Technology Access.

Attendance
Attendance in all pharmacy technician classes and labs are required. Refer to the course schedule to determine if your class meets live or in Blackboard. Unless otherwise indicated, all lab classes meet in person at the Eastview campus. Except in the case of potentially contagious illness, or personal/family emergencies, absences are strongly discouraged. The student should make every attempt to notify the instructor, in advance, if an absence is anticipated. The student is responsible for getting missed notes from another student and any missed instructions and handouts, etc. from their instructor. For courses that meet on campus for lecture and lab, students are expected to attend both the lecture and lab section of the class in its entirety to get full attendance credit for that day. A student who attends only one half of a day’s course (e.g., attends lecture but not lab, or attends lab but not lecture) will be assigned ½ day absence.

16-week courses: A student who misses three (3) class and/or lab sessions will be expected to meet with their faculty during office hours for a check in to identify issues that are preventing class attendance, connect with appropriate resources, and determine a plan to get back on the track to success.
•    A student who misses a fourth (4th) class and/or lab sessions will be required to meet with their faculty for a follow-up and written student success check-in, and to receive a referral to meet with the pharmacy technician program department chair for additional support.
12-week and 10-week hybrid courses: Because of the limited number of live lab dates (often just two days for the entire course), a student who misses any lab session would generally be encouraged to withdraw from the course and take it at a time when they can be fully available for the live labs.
•    Students who find themselves in this situation should immediately consult with their assigned faculty to determine the best course of action for their situation.
8-week courses: Because of the limited number of lecture/lab sessions in this short semester, a student who misses one (1) class session should touch base with their instructor to see if there is a need for support, so that the student can have the greatest likelihood of student success. A student who misses two (2) class and/or lab sessions will be required to meet with their faculty during office hours for a check in to identify issues that are preventing class attendance, connect with appropriate resources, and determine a plan to get back on the track to success.
•    A student who misses a third (3rd) class and/or lab sessions will be required to meet with their faculty for a follow-up and written student success check-in, and to receive a referral to meet with the pharmacy technician program department chair for additional support.

Students who miss an(y) additional class and/or lab day(s), in excess of those described above, are required to meet with the pharmacy technician program’s department chair to identify opportunities to connect the student with resources for additional support, as well as to discuss the possibility of withdrawal, and identify the best course of action for their situation.

Students are expected to arrive to class on time and ready to begin working. If a student arrives late, they should quietly enter without disturbing others. A student who is late by 10 minutes or more is considered officially tardy. Four official tardies will constitute one absence.

Students who are continually absent, arrive to class late, disrupt the classroom upon late entrance, or come to class unprepared may be in violation of the Technical Standards and Essential Functions agreement and/or the Agreement of Understanding that they signed during program orientation. In these situations, the student may be subject to disciplinary action including referral for academic coaching or mentoring, reduction in grade, being withdrawn from the course, or potentially being removed from the program.

Participation & Professionalism
Classroom and laboratory sessions are a time and place for learning where all students are expected to engage in the process of learning, and participate in the lesson as well as any associated activities, labs, or assignments. Depending on the course, points may be assigned for student participation and/or professionalism. There is generally no way to “make up” points awarded for professionalism or participation.
The foundation of professionalism is to behave respectfully toward your fellow students, faculty, and yourself. Students must communicate in a polite and respectful manner and refrain from doing anything that is not directly related to the assigned coursework. Some examples are:

•    Students should refrain from using their cell phone (including looking at notifications, text messaging, etc.), tablet, computers, or other electronic devices (see electronic device policy below).
•    Students should avoid side talking or carrying on conversations on topics other than immediate coursework, or engaging in conversations or activities that may distract others.

Students who are unprofessional, disrespectful, or who disrupt the learning of others may lose professionalism or participation points which may negatively impact the student’s overall grade. Students who regularly engage in actions or activities that are unprofessional or disruptive are in violation of the Agreement of Understanding that they signed during the new student orientation, they may also be in violation of the Technician Standards and Essential Functions that they signed and submitted in Castle Branch. Continued violations may result in withdrawal from the course and/or removal from the program.

Standardized Grading Policy
The pharmacy technician program has a standardized grading policy for all courses. A minimum score of
> 75% is required to pass lecture-only, and clinical courses in the pharmacy program. A minimum overall course score of 75% is required in both the lecture and laboratory components of a combined lecture/lab course to pass. If the student fails either component of a combined lecture/lab course, the final grade posted will be that of the failed portion of the course.

If the student achieves ≥ 75% in both the lecture and lab component of a course, the instructor will assign
the course grade based on the lecture/lab average

A final score of > 75% is required to earn a grade of “C”. A grade of “C” or higher is required to pass all courses in the pharmacy technician program.
 
Exam Retesting
There are no retests on exams in the pharmacy technician program.
We understand that sometimes life happens, and something might prevent you from making it to class on a testing day, or perhaps you didn’t devote quite as much time to studying for an exam as you should have, and you end up with a less than desirable exam grade. The end of course replacement exam is designed to help you still have a way to do well in the course.

There is no downside, disadvantage, or penalty to taking the end of course replacement exam. Whichever score is highest (either the score you received on the original exam or the score you earned on the end of course replacement exam) will be used for the student’s official exam score.

The end of course replacement exam is also a great way to bring up your grade in a class. Taking the end of course replacement exam may help you to pass the course. For some students it may just give you enough of a point boost that you get that “A” you’ve been working for. Go for it!

How to use the end of course replacement exam:

Replace a Missed Exam:
•    If the student misses an exam, they must take the end of course replacement exam
•    The end of course replacement exam score will be used to replace the missing exam score
•    If the student misses an exam and fails to take the replacement exam, they will receive a zero for that exam
Replace a Failed Exam:
•    If the student scores <75% on an exam, they should plan to take the end of course replacement exam
•    The end of course replacement exam score will be used to replace the failed exam score
•    The end of course replacement exam can only be used to replace the lowest failed exam score; it cannot be used to replace multiple failed or low scoring exams
Replace a Low Scoring Exam:
•    If the student completed all the course exams with ≥ 75%, but they want to boost their overall grade in the course, the student can elect to take the end of course replacement exam which would be used to replace their lowest scoring exam

Quizzes
If your course has a quiz component, you will be allowed up to three attempts on each quiz, prior to the due date listed in your course syllabus. Whatever the highest score you have achieved at 11:59 pm on the due date will be recorded as your final score. If you submit your quiz after the due date, you will have only one attempt. Late quizzes will also be subjected to the late work penalty described below.
 
Late Work
Assigned coursework is required. It is essential to your learning and to overall class progress that you stay caught up and submit assigned coursework by the due dates indicated in your course schedule.
Submitting coursework by the due date is the best way to ensure that you are prepared for activities conducted in class or lab, as well as related exams. Unless otherwise indicated in the course schedule, coursework is due by 11:59 pm on the date listed on the course schedule.

You are encouraged to submit your work early. This will avoid potential issues related to unforeseen delays such as: being stuck in traffic, having to work overtime, being sick, sick kids, poor internet connection, etc.

Unless otherwise approved in advance by your instructor, all late work will be subject to a penalty, even if it was submitted late due to an unforeseen issue such as those described above.
Failure to submit your work by the assigned due dates will result in a late work penalty with a 5% deduction per day up to a maximum point deduction of 25%. After five days, the maximum highest grade that can be earned on the assignment is 75%.

Repeated failure to submit coursework by the due date will result in the student being required to meet with the assigned instructor to develop a plan to get back on a track to success, and potentially also a referral to speak with the program’s department chair to identify resources for additional support.

Incompletes
Incompletes are rarely granted. In certain circumstances, an incomplete (grade of “I”) will be granted if a student was unable to complete all requirements for a course by the end of the semester.

To be considered for an incomplete, the student must have completed at least 80% of the coursework and have an average of 75% or higher in both the lecture and lab portion of the course.
Upon student request, the instructor will verify the student’s eligibility, and complete the necessary incomplete form which identifies the work that the student must complete to earn a grade, the instructions for submitting that work, and the date by which all work must be submitted.

•    The instructor and student must sign the incomplete form
•    The instructor must then submit the signed form to the department chair for final approval
•    The student, faculty, and department chair will all be provided a signed copy of the incomplete form
•    The student is responsible for submitting all coursework to the faculty by the due date listed on the incomplete form
Under no circumstances will the student be allowed to carry an incomplete longer than the end of the following semester. If the incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to a failing grade or “F”.
 
Withdrawals
Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Students must withdraw by the posted withdrawal dates. If the student fails to withdraw prior to the withdrawal date, and they do not have sufficient points to pass the course, they will end up with a grade of “F” (fail) or, in the case of CE students, a grade of “U” (unsatisfactory). Students should refer to posted college withdrawal deadlines, procedures, and consequences listed at: https://admissions.austincc.edu/registration/withdrawals/.

Students intending to withdraw from a course should first reach out to their course instructor. The instructor may refer the student to meet with the program’s accreditation coordinator, or the program’s department chair for further advising. Our goal will be to assist you in making the best choice for your personal situation, and to identify the potential impact on program progression, as well as course planning for future semesters. In addition, students are encouraged to reach out to their academic adviser who can provide additional advising support, especially as it applies to financial aid requirements.

Academic Integrity Statement
•    I understand that I am not to view unauthorized copies of previous or current versions of exams prior to taking them.
•    I understand that I am prohibited from receiving exam or quiz questions or answers from another student.
•    I understand that I am prohibited from sharing questions or answers with any other student, including current, past, and/or future students.
•    I understand that notes, smartwatches, smart glasses, Airpods, headphones, cell phones, computers or any other unauthorized devices are prohibited during exams and quizzes.
•    I understand that I must keep my eyes on my own paper and must not share views of my paper with anyone at any time.
•    I understand that even though some coursework will involve group participation, I am expected to demonstrate my own knowledge and competency by completing my assigned coursework.
•    I understand that copying another person’s work, or allowing someone to copy my work is considered cheating.
•    I understand that failure to abide by the policies described above may be considered cheating, which may result in disciplinary action, including academic penalty and possible withdrawal from the program.
•    Students in the pharmacy technician program indicate their agreement to comply with the above academic integrity statement during the new student orientation which occurs during the first week of the first semester in the program.
•    During the new student orientation, the student signs the Agreement of Understanding form which signifies they will comply with the program’s academic integrity statement.
•    The student may further indicate their agreement & compliance with the academic integrity statement by submitting a required orientation quiz or assignment during the first week of class, as applicable.
•    There may be additional academic integrity requirements that are specified by the college. It is the student's responsibility to stay abreast of these requirements, as well as procedures and processes related to Student Standards of Conduct and disciplinary processes by visiting the https://students.austincc.edu/student-rights-responsibilities/.

Electronic Devices
Electronic devices including cell phones, pagers, smartwatches, Airpods, headphones, tablets, laptops, etc. may be disruptive to the learning environment and are generally prohibited in the classroom and lab.

Unless otherwise directed by your instructor, please do the following:
•    Silence your electronic device(s) immediately upon entering the classroom or lab
•    Before class starts, place your silenced device in your bookbag or purse and place it under the table next to your chair
Failure to follow this policy:
•    May result in your electronic device being sequestered by the instructor. It will be returned to you upon completion of the class session.
•    Any resulting disruption of the learning environment may put you in violation of our program’s Agreement of Understanding statement, and/or Technical Standards and Essential Functions statement that you signed prior to starting the program or course.
•    Continued violations of the policy or disruptions to the class or lab environment may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the course or program.

If you have an emergency situation where you must be immediately available by phone, please inform the instructor who will assist with identifying an acceptable process that is not disruptive to the class.
If applicable, your instructor will inform you when it is acceptable to remove your device from where it is stowed; however, it should be kept on silent while in classrooms, labs, and hallways.

Calculators
If use of a calculator is allowed, students are only permitted to use calculators within the following parameters:
•    Silent
•    Hand-held
•    Non-programmable
•    Without a fraction key
•    Must be a BASIC calculator
*Scientific, business, programmable, or other complex-operation calculators are not permitted
•    Use of a cell phone or other non-basic function calculator may be considered cheating
•    Cell phones are expressly prohibited for use on quizzes and exams and are not permitted under any circumstances
•    If you need to borrow a calculator while in class, please inform your instructor
 
Email and Communication Requirements
Faculty are here to guide you in the course, and to assist you in developing strategies to overcome any challenges you may face during the semester. We can also assist you with connecting to student support services including financial assistance, childcare support, technology-related issues, tutoring, counseling, etc. It is important for you to take responsibility for your own learning and success by staying in touch with your instructor about any issues you have that might affect your academic performance. Don’t wait until it is too late to seek help! Reach out as soon as you begin to encounter difficulties, that is the best time for us to come up with a plan of support that will help you reach your goals.

Some Important Notes About Communication
If you have a general question that others in class may know the answer to, you are encouraged to check in with your classmates first. If unable to obtain the information from classmates, reach out to your instructor.
Examples of these types of questions include:
•    What day is next week’s exam, Monday or Wednesday?
•    Which questions are we supposed to submit tomorrow in Blackboard?

If you have a question the whole class might benefit from, please ask it in class, or in the virtual lecture (if applicable).
Examples of questions the entire class might benefit from include:
•    I am confused about translating SIGNAs, can you go over that again?
•    Can you show us again how to set up a ratio and proportion question and to show our units of measure?
•    You said that exam 2 was going to be next Friday the 24th, but the course schedule still says exam 2 will be on the 1st, which one is correct?

If you have a question of a private or personal nature, please see your instructor before or after class, visit with them during office hours, or set up an appointment to discuss it with them.
Examples of these types of questions include:
•    What is my grade right now in this class?
•    What grade do I need to make on the next exam in order to be passing before the withdrawal deadline?
•    I am having some personal difficulties that make it difficult for me to attend class, is it okay if I miss next week?
•    Do you know anywhere that I can get help paying for textbooks?
 
Important Information Regarding Emails
•    Students are required to use their ACC Gmail account for all course communications, as it is the only secure means of communication accepted by the college
•    Instructors teach several courses/sections each semester. To be sure that your email gets answered in a timely fashion, be sure to include the four-letter course rubric: PHRA, and the four- digit course number, followed by the three-digit section number in the email subject line for every email (for example: PHRA 1301-001; PHRA 1305-804, etc.)
•    The four-letter rubric for all pharmacy tech courses is PHRA
•    You will find the course number and section number for this course on the front page of your syllabus
•    Students are expected to use appropriate, professional email etiquette which includes:
•    Use complete sentences
•    Avoid slang, text language, ALL CAPS, unusual font colors/sizes/types
•    Avoid misspellings – be sure to use spell check
•    Emails MUST include the students first and last name
•    Emails should include the students ACC eID number
•    Include a phone number where you can be reached for questions
•    Respond to instructor emails within 72 hours or by the second business day
•    Course instructors will strive to respond to your emails within 72 hours or by the second business day (for instance, if you email your instructor on Friday, they have until Tuesday evening to reply and still be within the desired response time – remember that response time will be longer if over a holiday)
•    While course instructors will always strive to reply within 72 hours or by the second business day, there are times when – due to workload or unforeseen situations, our response time may be slightly longer than that
•    If you haven’t received a response within 72 hours or by the 2nd business day, please feel free to reach out again
•    Use the email feature within Blackboard as an easy way to reach your instructor without having to remember their email address – just go to the Tools section on the left side of the screen, within your Blackboard course, and click on the email tool. Then select your instructor in the “To” field and it will go directly to that instructor when you hit “submit”
•    Failure to follow the email policy outlined above may result in a significant delay in replying to your email
 
Midsemester Meeting
Students must meet at the midpoint of each semester with either the department chair or the program’s accreditation coordinator for a mandatory advising session. Agenda items may include: Castle Branch compliance items that are due, course planning for next semester, petition instructions, practicum planning, student support services, etc. Students will only need to complete the midsemester meeting once each semester (e.g., fall, spring, summer), or three times per year. Students will not be allowed to register for classes for next semester until they have completed the mandatory midsemester meeting.

Students will receive an email instructing them when and how to sign up for their midsemester meeting. Meetings are generally conducted by phone; however, should a video or live meeting be preferable, reply to the accreditation coordinator to inform them of your preference and that will be arranged. Students should use their ACC email and provide a phone number where they can be reached at their appointment time.
Students are strongly encouraged to touch base with their course instructor to determine their academic standing in the course at the midpoint of the semester so that they know if they are missing any coursework, as well as the scores they need to achieve on remaining coursework to get a passing grade in the class.

Students should be aware of the withdrawal date for the semester, which is available on the college website. Students who are considering withdrawing from a course should first discuss it with their instructor, and also inform the program’s accreditation coordinator, who may arrange an advising appointment with the department chair so that the student can be sure that they are making the best decision for themselves with regard to academic progress and availability of future courses, etc.

Tutoring
Free tutoring is available at all ACC learning labs. Some tutors at the Eastview Campus Learning Lab have specialized training in pharmacy mathematics and pharmacology. Students are strongly encouraged to have tutors proofread all written assignments (e.g., papers, essays, etc.) prior to submitting them for a grade. The learning labs have a great environment where you can drop in without having to set up an appointment, use their computers or printers, get help with an assignment, have them proofread a paper, etc. It is a quiet environment where you can study and do your homework. If you prefer, you can also schedule one-on-one tutoring in advance. For more information: https://students.austincc.edu/learning- lab/.

Dress Code
Classroom: Students are expected to attend class in clean, appropriate clothing. Students wearing overly revealing clothing, or clothing with offensive language may be asked to cover themselves with other clothing or may be asked to leave class and return wearing more suitable clothing.

Labs: Students in lab courses are expected to wear medical scrubs, preferably teal-colored. Students are also required to wear low-heeled, soft-soled, close-toed shoes such as sneakers, tennis shoes, deck shoes, etc.

Practicum: Students in the practicum course are required to wear teal-colored scrubs (only) and shoes that meet the previous description.
 
Food and Beverages
Classroom
In general, only drinks in sealable containers are allowed in the classroom. However, at the instructor’s discretion, there may be situations where a limited amount/type of food (etc. a piece of fruit, Ziplock bag of chips, small sandwich, etc.) may be allowed in the classroom, provided that the following conditions are met:

•    Limit foods that are overly smelly or aromatic
•    Limit foods in containers that make a lot of noise when opened
•    Avoid foods that make a mess when opened and/or eaten
•    Be respectful of the people around you – do your best to avoid distracting your instructor or fellow students
•    If you are distracted from the classroom activities or your studies due to preparing, eating, and/or clean-up of your food during class time, you may lose the opportunity to eat in the classroom
•    Clean up after yourself – wipe down the table after you eat (there is a kitchen with paper towels just down the hall). If necessary, empty the small trash container in the room into one of the larger containers in the hallway
* - The person who sits at your desk after you should not see any trace that you had food in the classroom
•    Having food in the classroom is a privilege not a right
•    Anyone who fails to abide by the policies described above may end up having that privilege taken away for everyone
•    For your convenience, there is a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave that is located near the second-floor elevator. Be sure to put your name on lunches left in the refrigerator
•    There are two vending machines with a limited number of snacks located in the first-floor kitchen that is directly below the second-floor kitchen
•    Use of tobacco products and/or vaping products (such as e-cigarettes) on campus is strictly prohibited. For more information on the college policies on smoking and vaping, refer to the college website.
Lab
•    Other than sealable water bottles, food and beverage are strictly prohibited in the pharmacy lab