Pharmacy Technology (PHARM) Courses
PHARM 300 Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course introduces the concepts of direct pharmaceutical patient care and the technicians’ role in its delivery. Current direct patient care delivery system and medication distribution systems are emphasized. Topics include dosage calculations, the influence that medication laws, standards and regulations have on practice, and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical setting.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Understand the role of the Pharmacy Technician in collecting, organizing, evaluating, distributing and storing pharmaceutical goods or services for direct pharmaceutical therapy.
- Explain “direct patient care” and how it is delivered in the various care settings.
- Describe the various systems used to distribute medications.
- Explain the technician’s role in preventing and detecting medication errors.
- SLO 2: Understand the federal, state, and local laws; regulations and professional standards related to pharmacy practice.
- Describe how state laws and regulations determine the role and scope of practice for the pharmacy technician.
- Describe quality assurance methods in pharmacy.
- Describe the role of the Food and Drug Administration in regulating herbal and dietary supplements.
- SLO 3: Perform math operations, dosage calculations and compounding techniques.
- Explain the pharmacy technician activities associated with measuring, preparation and packaging of medications.
PHARM 315 Pharmaceutical Calculations I
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:PHARM 300
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course presents the mathematical concepts and practical experience required for students to prepare pharmaceutical dosages in both community and institutional pharmacy settings.
Through lecture demonstrations and practice problem sets, students will learn the skills necessary to pass the math portion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Understand and perform mathematical calculation methods necessary for daily operational duties in a community or institutional pharmacy.
- a) Identify the elements of the metric, apothecary and household systems of measurement and demonstrate how to convert between them
- b) Interpret a given prescription to calculate accurately the dosage amount needed, and conversion of metric system to common household measurement units in the daily processing of a prescription.
- SLO 2: Solve equations and inequalities which come from applied problems and critical thinking.
- a) Interpret accurately from a given word problem (situational) and translate to a mathematical equation to obtain an unknown from the given known variables.
- b) Understand the use of the principles of ratio, proportionality and dimensional analysis as a method to derive an answer for the unknown in a given problem.
PHARM 320 Pharmacology of Therapeutic Agents
- Units:5
- Hours:81 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:PHARM 300
- Advisory:LIBR 318
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course studies the anatomy and physiology of the various human body systems. Students will learn the use and side effects of prescription medications, nonprescription medications, and alternative therapies commonly used to treat diseases affecting the nervous, musculoskeletal, immune, dermatological, hematologic cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, renal system as well as the eye, ear, nose and throat. This course covers brand and generic names of the therapeutic agents studied, standard pronunciation, dosage forms, routes of administration, medical abbreviation and the role of the Food and Drug Administration in herbal and dietary supplements. The laboratory activities are designed to provide hands-on experiences in pharmacy calculation and compounding medications related to the various body systems.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and pharmacology.
- State the definitions of medical terms commonly used in the range of patient care setting.
- Describe the basic anatomy of the about the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems body, immune, dermatological, hematologic, reproductive systems, ear, nose and throat
- Describe the application of pharmaceuticals in treating conditions of the various body systems.
- Determine the dosage forms of prescription and non-prescription medications commonly used to treat diseases of the various body systems.
- SLO 2: Demonstrate knowledge in federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and professional standards.
- Explain the role of the Food and Drug Administration.
- Describe quality assurance methods in pharmacy.
- SLO 3: Perform basic math operations and dosage calculations for medication orders.
- Calculate the proper dose and strength for various medications.
- Demonstrate proper preparation and labeling of repackaged medications.
- Demonstrate accurate record keeping
PHARM 350 Pharmaceutical Information Management
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Advisory:LIBR 318
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course reviews how state laws and regulations determine the activities associated with collecting patient-specific information by the pharmacy technician. Students learn to secure information from the medical chart, record, patient profile, patient, caregiver, database, and health care professional. Technologies used for storing, accessing, and recording pharmacy data and proper methods for receiving and authenticating prescription orders are emphasized. Students will also learn about safety in medication use and monitoring program of medication therapy and the pharmacy technician’s role in preventing and reporting medication misadventures. Students will be introduced to the advanced roles of Pharmacy Technicians in handling insurance. The lab provides hands-on experience with pharmacy distribution software, technology, prescription processing, and medication order preparation.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Understand the role of the Pharmacy Technician in assisting the Pharmacist in performing daily functions necessary for operation at Community and Institutional Settings
- Demonstrate knowledge in managing Inventory, drug formulary, and purchasing pharmaceutical products in a pharmacy setting.
- Demonstrate ability in gathering, managing, and maintaining information needed for patient's profile in Community and Institutional settings
- SLO 2: Analyze the role of the Pharmacy Technician in distributive pharmacy.
- Appropriately secure the prescribed medication or device from inventory.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate knowledge of federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and professional standards.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient information and understand applicable state and federal laws.
- Apply established policies and procedures for maintaining records of prepared pharmaceutical products.
- Identify proper procedures in preparing, storing and distributing investigational drug products.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate knowledge of billing procedures and reimbursement processes in the pharmacy.
- Demonstrate skills in the use of technology and the internet.
- Identify the various types of Private, Federal and State insurance used in the pharmacy.
- Demonstrate knowledge in processing insurance claims and handling Prior Authorizations.
PHARM 360 Retail Operation of Pharmaceutical Practice
- Units:3
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 300 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course introduces the practical, technical, and legal aspects of drug management; distribution (dispensing); and storage in outpatient (retail) settings. Topics include the process of pharmaceutical purchasing; inventory control, including handling of receipts, storage, removal, and documentation. The course offers an overview of the technician’s role in billing, payment collection, and third-party payment. Students will be introduced to small or large-scale non-sterile compounding, packaging, quality control, and practical aspects of recordkeeping. The lab will provide hands-on training in interpreting, processing, and filling prescriptions.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Collect, organize, and evaluate pharmaceutical goods or services for direct patient care, medication use review, or pharmaceutical therapy.
- Process the correct medication, equipment, device, or supplies to the correct patient or patient’s representative.
- Monitor medication utilization to ensure that use is congruent with the prescription order for the patient.
- SLO 2: Analyze the role of the Pharmacy Technician in distributive pharmacy.
- Apply the established procedure for processing and receiving pharmaceutical purchases.
- Describe the proper procedures for storing pharmaceutical goods, equipment, devices, and supplies.
- Apply the established policies and procedures for inspecting and removing expired, discontinued, or recalled pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Apply the established policies and procedures to deter theft and/or medication diversion.
- Apply appropriate steps in processing third-party claims, Medicare and Medicaid payment for prescription orders.
- SLO 3: Apply the federal, state, and local laws; regulations and professional standards to pharmacy practice.
- Apply the established policies and procedures to maintain a record of controlled substances received, stored, and removed from inventory.
- Explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated with administering immunizations can be delegated by pharmacists to technicians.
- SLO 4: Follow the correct procedures and techniques related to non-sterile compounding operations.
- Demonstrate proper techniques in weighing, selecting and labeling products.
- Simulate compounding solutions, suspensions, creams, ointments, and suppositories following the physician's orders.
PHARM 370 Pharmaceutical Calculations II
- Units:2
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 300 and 315 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course presents advanced mathematical concepts and practical experience required for students to pass the math portion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. Through lecture demonstrations and practice problem sets, students will learn the skills essential for calculating and preparing pharmaceutical dosages in both community and institutional pharmacy settings
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Understand and perform advanced mathematical calculation methods necessary for daily operational duties in a community or institutional pharmacy.
a) Determine and validate accurately the drug amount & percentage strength of active ingredient(s) for a given extemporaneous or sterile compounding prescription.
- Perform special calculations in compounding which involve admixtures of various concentrations and dilutions.
- Perform alligation method of determining portions of stock preparations to compound a prescribed percentage strength of a pharmaceutical product not available commercially.
a) Determine accurately the least measurable quantity and aliquot measurements in compounding admixtures of a prescription solution or suspension.
- Calculate appropriate dosages for injectable and intravenous medications involving milliequivalents, units, solutions, powders and flow rates
- Calculate Pediatric dosages according to approved rules using age, weight, and body surface area.
b) Determine appropriate safe ranges of drugs.
- Calculate price, profit and discount, and perform other financial calculations relating to insurance reimbursement and business operation of a pharmacy.
PHARM 380 Preparation of Sterile Products
- Units:3
- Hours:27 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 300 and 315 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course presents a general study of the usual technician functions associated with an institutional drug distribution system. Students will learn the state laws and regulations pertaining to preparation and dispensing of pharmaceutical products. Hands-on training in medication order processing, pharmacy patient profile maintenance, medication preparation, and inpatient drug distribution using manual and automated systems. Extemporaneous preparations in an inpatient pharmacy with emphasis on aseptic techniques and use of the laminar flow hood in the preparation of sterile products. Includes history of sterile products and parenteral therapy, characteristics of sterile products and sterile products calculations. Also includes introduction to total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy and hazardous drugs.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Understand the role of the Pharmacy Technician in distributive pharmacy.
- Apply safety policies and procedures in securing, preparing and packaging of prescribed medications.
- Apply safety policies and procedures in the disposal of all hazardous and non hazardous wastes generated during medication preparation.
- Apply manufacturer’s recommendation and/or pharmacy’s guidelines for storage of all medications prior to distribution.
- SLO 2: Understand the federal, state, and local laws; regulations and professional standards related to pharmacy practice.
- Apply established laws and protocols to select the appropriate product.
- Apply protocol to assemble appropriate patient information materials.
- Apply established policies and procedures for recording the preparation of bulk, unit dose and controlled substances.
- Assess the correctness of medications produced by other technicians.
- SLO 3: Perform math operations and dosage calculations for institutional facilities
- Accurately calculate parenteral dosages
- SLO 4: Demonstrate the correct techniques and procedure for preparing, packaging and storing parenteral admixtures.
- Demonstrate the proper technique for manipulating syringes, needles, vials and ampules.
- Identify the different types of laminar-flow hoods and state their functions.
- Apply manufacturer’s guidelines in trouble-shooting and maintaining equipment and devices used in the preparation and dispensing of medications.
- Demonstrate appropriate skills in compounding sterile products.
- Demonstrate appropriate skills in compounding cytotoxic and other hazardous medication products.
PHARM 400 Pharmacy Technician Profession
- Units:2
- Hours:36 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:PHARM 350, 360, and 380 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course prepares the student for employment as a pharmacy technician. Students learn the scope of practice of a pharmacy technician. Students will also learn professional ethics, attitudes, values, and beliefs of successful pharmacy technicians. Emphasis is placed on projecting an image appropriate to the profession and effective interpersonal relationships with other health care professionals and the appreciation for certification and active involvement in local, state, and national technician organizations.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Collect, organize, and evaluate pharmaceutical goods or services for direct patient care, medication use review, or pharmaceutical therapy.
- Discuss the responsibility of a Pharmacy Technician for improving direct patient care.
- Explain the concept of workflow management.
- SLO 2: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all job-related activities.
- Explain ethical codes that pertain to the work function of pharmacists.
- Discuss appropriate and professional appearance.
- Apply personal self-control and professional decorum.
- Explain the necessity and methods for technicians to stay current with advances in pharmacy practices.
- Identify an effective plan for minimizing stress and balancing professional and personal obligations.
- Explain the benefits and the principles of change management.
- Explain the benefits and process of obtaining technician certification.
- SLO 3: Design and relate messages for effective and appropriate oral and written communication.
- Use effective negotiation skills to resolve conflicts.
- Demonstrate consistent use of a systematic approach to problem solving and consensus building.
- Use effective interpersonal skills to manage working relationships.
- Analyze and interpret interview techniques necessary for successful job placement.
PHARM 410 Acute Care Practicum
- Units:2
- Hours:120 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 350 and 400 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course develops practical skills in the didactic and practicum phases of pharmacy technician training in the acute and home care environment. Acute care includes hospital and/or long-term care facilities. Home care includes exposure to infusion therapy. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision. A preceptor (Licensed Pharmacist or Certified Pharmacy Technician) evaluates the student’s performance at the site. Students will directly interact with clients and other health care professionals. Students must have a TB clearance and any other immunization required by the clinical facility. Students must have an established Agency Agreement on file with the faculty with a sponsoring site prior to the beginning of the first day of class. Contact the Careers and Technology Main Office for information about the Agency Agreement.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Collect, organize, and evaluate pharmaceutical goods or services for direct patient care, medication use review, or pharmaceutical therapy.
- Collect pertinent patient information for use by the pharmacist.
- Receive and process prescription/medication orders.
- SLO 2: Analyze the role of the Pharmacy Technician in distributive pharmacy.
- Apply established policies and procedures for purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.
- Apply established policies and procedures for removing expired, discontinued, recalled items, and/or pharmaceuticals from inventory.
- Apply established policies and procedures for documenting repackaging items or pharmaceuticals.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate knowledge in federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and professional standards.
- Apply established policies/procedures for monitoring the practice site and/or service area for compliance with federal, state, local laws, regulations and professional standards.
- Apply the principles of quality assurance to all technician activities.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and pharmacology.
- Monitor utilization of medications to assure that use is congruent with the prescription.
- Identify potential for adverse medical event and participate in the formulation of a strategy for prevention.
- SLO 5: Perform math calculations, dosage calculations and compounding techniques
- Calibrate the weighing or counting device, compounder or pump accurately.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and use electronic devices appropriately.
- Perform selected monitoring procedures (finger-stick, cholesterol screening, blood pressure, pulse).
- SLO 6: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all job-related activities
- Act ethically in the conduct of all job-related activities
- Consistently maintain personal self-control and professional decorum
- Observe legal and ethical guidelines for safeguarding the confidentiality of patient information
- SLO 7: Design and relate messages for effective and appropriate oral and written communication.
- Organize all written or oral communication in a logical manner and pronounce technical terms correctly.
- Address all communication on the level appropriate for the audience.
- Demonstrate skills in the use of computer, word processing, computerized medication information databases, and internet.
PHARM 420 Retail Practicum
- Units:2
- Hours:120 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:PHARM 350, 360, and 400 with grades of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course develops the practical skills for pharmacy technicians in a community/retail environment. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision. A preceptor (Licensed Pharmacist or Certified Pharmacy Technician) evaluates the student’s performance at the site. Students will directly interact with clients and other health care professionals. Students must have a TB clearance and any other immunization required by the clinical facility. Students must have an established Agency Agreement with a sponsoring site on file with the faculty prior to the beginning of the first day of class. Contact the Careers and Technology Main Office for information about the Agency Agreement.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- SLO 1: Collect, organize, and evaluate pharmaceutical goods or services for direct patient care, medication use review, or pharmaceutical therapy.
- Collect pertinent patient information for use by the pharmacist.
- Receive and process prescription/medication orders.
- SLO 2: Analyze the role of the Pharmacy Technician in distributive pharmacy.
- Determine payment due for medication orders.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to patient’s concern regarding third party payment coverage and further actions to be taken.
- Record the receipt of payment for pharmaceutical goods and services.
- Apply established policies and procedures for purchasing pharmaceuticals, devices, and supplies.
- Apply established policies and procedures for removing expired, discontinued, recalled items, and/or pharmaceuticals from inventory.
- Apply established policies and procedures for documenting repackaging items or pharmaceuticals.
- SLO 3: Demonstrate knowledge in federal, state, and local laws; regulations; and professional standards.
- Apply established policies/procedures for monitoring the practice site and/or service area for compliance with federal, state, local laws, regulations and professional standards.
- Apply the principles of quality assurance to all technician activities.
- SLO 4: Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and pharmacology.
- Monitor utilization of medications to assure that use is congruent with the prescription.
- Identify potential for adverse medical event and participate in the formulation of a strategy for prevention.
- SLO 5: Perform math calculations, dosage calculations and compounding techniques
- Calibrate the weighing or counting device, compounder or pump accurately.
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and use electronic devices appropriately.
- Perform selected monitoring procedures (finger-stick, cholesterol screening, blood pressure, pulse).
- SLO 6: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all job-related activities
- Act ethically in the conduct of all job-related activities
- Consistently maintain personal self-control and professional decorum
- Observe legal and ethical guidelines for safeguarding the confidentiality of patient information
- SLO 7: Design and relate messages for effective and appropriate oral and written communication.
- Organize all written or oral communication in a logical manner and pronounce technical terms correctly.
- Address all communication on the level appropriate for the audience.
- Demonstrate skills in the use of computer, word processing, computerized medication information databases, and internet.