Immunizations and Training

Students are required to complete CPR/First Aid/4-hr HIV/AIDS training, obtain current immunization records, and apply for their pharmacy assistance license through the Washington Department of Health website prior to applying to the program. Proof of completion of HIV/AIDS training via a community source is acceptable. Certifications and immunizations must remain current through completion of the Pharmacy Technician Program Externship course.

Immunization Requirements

The Pharmacy Technician Program’s affiliation agreements with clinical and practicum training sites require students to be complete with all immunizations and tuberculosis (TB) screening as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for healthcare personnel. The requirements reduce the risk of exposure to communicable diseases for students and their patients/clients.

Students who have applied, or plan to apply, to the Pharmacy Technician Program must supply official documentation of their immunization status with their application to the program.

If Immunization status is not verified at time of application, the application will be ineligible for review. Failure to maintain immunization records with annual updates will impact enrollment status, jeopardize clinical participation, and continued program participation will be prohibited. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all immunizations and/or proof of immunity documentation be submitted on time (prior to the start of the program and any quarter thereafter). Immunizations, and any needed laboratory testing, are done at the student’s expense.

Current Immunization Requirements

Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap): Within the last eight years. If you have had a Tdap prior to the eight-year mark, a regular tetanus shot may be used.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR): Documentation of two injections. If this documentation cannot be provided, then serum titer must be done to demonstrate immunity. If any portion of the titer is negative, a booster must be conducted followed by a titer repeat 30 days after the booster, for the portion the applicant is negative.

Hepatitis B: The series of three injections must be given over a period of months. The second injection is administered one month after the first, with the third administered six months after the first. The series of three injections must be given over a period of months, followed by a post immunization titer. The second injection is administered one month from the first, with the third administered six months after the first. Documentation must be in the student’s file proving the immunization has been completed prior to participation in the program. A positive Hepatitis B titer may be used to replace evidence of the shot series.

Or Hepatitis B Titer: A serologic titer with LAB results for Hepatitis B demonstrating immunity. If the titer is negative for immunity, a restart of the series is required. Documentation demonstrating the restart of the series, using the CDC guidelines must be included with titer results.

Tuberculin skin test (PPD): Required once a year after the two-step baseline has been established. Evidence of recent, three, current consecutive years of testing history is accepted in place of the two-step baseline, provided they are annually and timely. Students with a positive PPD must have a chest x- ray demonstrate that they are negative for active disease and provide documentation to the Medical Assisting Program office. Once a chest x-ray is performed, the student must have an annual questionnaire in place of the PPD. The student should have a repeat PPD if exposed to a patient with active TB. A tuberculin titer, known as a Quantiferron, may also be used.

Date Administered/Date read and read results.
Date Administered/Date read and read results.

A PPd 2-step baseline is an injection, read and results that are repeated within 10 days. All PPd records must demonstrate the date administered, the date read, with results to be valid.

Hepatitis A: Currently not required, however, some facilities require a minimum of one injection prior to student placement so it is highly recommended to have at least one administered.

Varicella: Provide proof of two doses of inoculation, or titer lab results

Flu: Proof of seasonal flu immunization which is not due until Winter Quarter starting in January.

COVID-19: 2 vaccinations for Moderna 21 days apart, 2 vaccinations for Pfizer 28 days apart, or 1 vaccination for Johnson & Johnson

Background check and drug screen

Criminal history background information and drug screening are required of students after tentative acceptance into the Pharmacy Technician program. Information obtained from the background check and/or drug screen will be considered in determining student eligibility complete the experiential courses. Inability to participate externship experiences due to information obtained from the criminal history background check and/or drug screen may result in the student’s inability to satisfactorily complete program requirements.