Pharmacy Technology

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.