Pharmacy Technician Program – Schedule Of Courses
A Pharmacy Technician works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The duties and responsibilities of technicians are consistent with their training and experience. Pharmacy Technicians, as part of a team, fill requisitions for drugs after review of the physician’s order using unit-dose or appropriate packaging. They are involved in reviewing orders for drug allergies, dosing, interactions and incompatibilities.
Pharmacology Course Descriptions
The objective of the Arizona College’s Pharmacy Technician program is to provide a sound educational environment for instruction and training to equip its graduates for entry-level positions in pharmacy-related services. Approximately half of the program consists of lecture/demonstration and half hands-on laboratory procedures.
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 111
Pharmacology: Cardiovascular & Renal
3.0 Credits
This course begins with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the heart, circulatory system and renal system. Students then study diseases and disorders that affect each system and the drug classes that treat them. Students become familiar with indications for use, most common side effects, dosage forms and brand and generic names for commonly prescribed medications. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 114
Pharmacology: Nervous, Ear & Eye
3.0 Credits
This course presents an overview of how the brain and nervous systems function. Students learn medications used to treat disorders such as depression, psychoses, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other diseases that affect the nervous system. Medications that affect the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are reviewed. While learning drug classifications, students learn indications for use, dosage forms, side effects and brand and generic names of commonly prescribed medications. The course also gives an overview of the eye and ear, including disorders and treatments. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 117
Health & Wellness with Blister Packaging
3.0 Credits
This course explores the increasing popularity of over-the-counter medications and supplements. Students become familiar with indications for use, dosage recommendations, side effects, warnings and precautions of some of the most popular herbals and supplements. Vitamins and common active ingredients in over-the-counter products are taught, along with their indications for use. Prerequisites: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 121
Sterile Preparations: IV Basics
1.5 Credits
This course covers techniques and procedures used to prepare sterile IV products. Students perform hands-on practice and become familiar with equipment used in preparation. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 122
Sterile Preparations: TPN & Chemotherapy
1.5 Credits
This course begins with an overview of IV techniques followed by specialized techniques used to prepare Total Parenteral Nutrition bags (TPN’s) and chemotherapy IV’s, focusing on TPN’s. Calculations involved in determining amounts of medications to be added and preparation and labeling of such are taught. The second half of the course is devoted to proper techniques for handling and preparing chemotherapy medications. Students utilize hands-on practice. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 123
Sterile Preparations: Special Therapies
1.5 Credits
This course covers basic IV techniques, including preparation of syringes, irrigation solutions and ophthalmic solutions. Students utilize hands-on practice. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 130
Pharmacy Law & Ethics
3.0 Credits
This course covers federal and state laws governing the practice of pharmacy. It covers ethical issues in the health care field and their relationship to pharmacy. Students will review real case studies and be drawn into ethical issues which will enhance critical thinking and broaden their perspectives. Key topics include workplace safety, ethics and other key topics recommended by PTCB and ASHP. Prerequisites: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 133
Pharmacy Calculations
3.0 Credits
This course teaches students calculations required of Pharmacy Technicians. The course begins with a review of basic math. Students learn specific calculations used in various pharmacy areas. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 142
Data Entry Systems & Third-Party Billing
1.5 Credits
This course will explain the role of pharmacy management software in the daily administration of pharmacy services, specifically in retail and hospital settings. Students will learn how to interpret orders for accurate prescription entry into the software, how to manage electronic databases, maintain inventory electronically and generate accurate medication administration records for long-term care patients. This course will also cover third party billing. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 151
Retail Pharmacy Systems
2.5 Credits
This course examines day-to-day duties performed in a retail pharmacy. Students learn to read prescriptions and to fill, package and label medications. Basic duties such as greeting clients, assisting customers with over-the-counter medications, handling refill requests and working the “out” window are discussed. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 152
Inventory Systems & Non-Sterile Compounding
2.5 Credits
This course teaches ordering, receiving, stocking and rotation of pharmaceutical supplies and medications. Also covered are pricing, discounts, mark-ups and sale prices. The next portion of the course explores insurance, third-party payers and universal claim forms. Students will also gain an understanding of extemporaneous compounding. Prerequisite: None
Pharmacology Courses: PHM 154
Technology & Special Topics
2.5 Credits
This course will cover topics such as drug distribution systems, medication administration records and unit dose packaging and how each topic influences the administration of pharmacy services in a hospital setting. The interpretation of physician orders, dosage calculations and the use of automation in the hospital pharmacy setting will also be covered. Other special topics such as errors, safety, special dosing circumstances, reference sources, addiction, CPR and First Aid will also be discussed. Prerequisite: None
Computer, Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies, and Externship Course Descriptions
A Pharmacy Technician prepares parenteral medications and properly labels all dispensable and secondary products. Technicians participate in drug utilization, evaluation and quality assurance programs and consistently review a pharmacy’s inventory of drugs expired, withdrawn, recalled, inadequately labeled or other non-usable drugs. These examples of duties are not all encompassing or restrictive and are expected to vary with changing needs and priorities.
Computer Courses: COM 108
Microcomputer Concepts & Keyboarding
2.5 Credits
This course provides a microcomputer orientation with an overview of computer information systems. It introduces computer hardware, software and information systems. Students will learn Windows as well as Microsoft Office, Word and Excel. Finally, this course also helps students build basic typing skills as well as develop speed and accuracy while typing. Prerequisite: None
Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: ADM 101
Career Development
2.5 Credits
This course guides students through the employment process by learning to complete applications, prepare cover letters and write effective resumes and follow-up letters. Other topics include interview skills, networking, continuing education, resigning a position, career advancement and a general orientation to the ever-changing dynamics of the health care delivery system. Prerequisite: None
Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: ADM 107
Medical Administrative Practices
2.5 Credits
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of administrative medical assisting including professional telephone techniques, patient appointment scheduling, written communication, electronic applications and quality customer service. Students will explore an overview of medical law and ethics of the health care profession. Prerequisite: None
Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: BIO 126
The Body as a Whole
3.0 Credits
Coordination and regulation of the body systems are discussed in this course. Students learn how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together to control the functions of the body. Cellular reproduction, body systems and directional terms are addressed. Prerequisite: None
Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: BIO 127
The Body’s Circulation & Defense
3.0 Credits
In this course, students will examine the structure, function and conduction of the heart and the pathway of circulation. Students will also explore the physiology of respiration, which includes the structures and disorders of the respiratory system and treatment options. Included in the course are blood composition, typing and disorders. The course also examines the lymphatic system to include the organs and their functions and discusses immunity. Prerequisite: None
Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: MTP 118
Medical Terminology
3.0 Credits
This course focuses on construction, pronunciation and application of medical words including prefixes, suffixes and word roots. A basic level of organization within the human body is presented. An overview of the major body systems is provided and terms related to the systems are learned. Abbreviations and pharmacology concepts and introductory legalities related to documentation in the health care industry are included. Prerequisite: None
Externship: EXT 160
Externship
5.0 Credits
A 160-hour, full-time externship in an approved facility under the supervision of a pharmacist or other qualified pharmacy professional. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all classroom courses in the program.