PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to the Pharmacy Technology program must demonstrate sufficient physical and emotional health to be
considered fit to participate in academic education and laboratory experiences, and to practice clinically with the public in
a safe and effective manner.
EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES
(not inclusive)
CRITICAL
THINKING
Critical thinking ability sufficient
for problem solving and clinical
judgment.
• Identify cause and effect relationships in clinical
situations
• Understand and participate in appropriate interventions
to reduce medication errors
• Consider and handle multiple priorities efficiently
INTERPERSONAL
SKILLS
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to
interact appropriately with
individuals from a variety of
• Establish rapport with health care workers and patients
• Cope effectively with stress in the workplace
• Demonstrate a high degree of patience
COMMUNICATION
Communication abilities sufficient
for professional oral & written
• Give formal/informal reports
• Interact with patients and health care workers
MOBILITY
Physical abilities sufficient to
move throughout facilities & within
small spaces to provide effective
medication distribution.
• Move around efficiently in pharmacy, sterile preparation
work areas, corridors, and patient care areas
• Stand for excessive periods of time
• Squat, reach above head, lift, push, pull
• Walk the equivalent of 5 miles daily at work
MOTOR SKILLS
Gross & fine motor abilities
sufficient to provide safe and
effective pharmacy services.
• Perform manipulations required for sterile and non-
sterile compounding, packaging, etc.
• Calibrate, maintain and use equipment involved in
medication delivery
• Utilize gross, fine motor skills & repetitive movements
HEARING
Auditory ability sufficient to
maintain work environment
• Hear equipment alarms, emergency signals, etc.,
• Hear telephone communications
VISION
Visual ability sufficient for
observation & accuracy in
pharmacy practice.
• Inspect medications for signs of degradation
• Read equipment calibrations and instrument
graduations
TACTILE
Tactile ability sufficient for
pharmacy practice activities.
• Perform manipulations involving manual dexterity or
passive range of motion
EMOTIONAL
Emotional stability sufficient to
maintain composure in stressful
situations.
• Interact appropriately with peers, patients & supervisors
at all times, including high stress, fast paced and/or
undesirable situations
• Receive corrective feedback calmly
ENVIRONMENTAL
Ability to tolerate environmental
stressors.
• Adapt to variations in work schedule
• Work with pharmaceuticals and chemicals required for
pharmacy practice
• Work in situations that require wearing protective
garments
• Work in areas that are close or crowded
A prospective student with a disability that is concerned that the disability may impact his or her ability to perform one or
more of these skills, provide patient care, or participate in other job activities, is encouraged to contact a disabilities
services counselor for assistance by calling 919-536-7207. View more information in the Disability Services
section of the
Durham Tech web site.
NAME (Print) _______________________________ STUDENT ID# ________________________
SIGNATURE ________________________________ DATE ______________________________
Revised January 2013
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