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Pharmacy Technician Essentials

Dr. Sherrie B. Moore

The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Through several lessons, students learn the ins and outs of a pharmacy setting and the meaning of the terminology used daily within a pharmacy environment. This course also provides a deep dive into the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. Students will be able to demonstrate correct processing of medication orders, preparation, storage, and distribution of medications, by the end of the course. On top of knowing the medications being prescribed, students must also learn how to use pharmacy equipment, including management software and reading of prescriptions. At the completion of this course, students should have a solid understanding of what their day-to-day tasks will be within a pharmacy environment and how to use the necessary tools to excel in their new career.

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The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Through several lessons, students learn the ins and outs of a pharmacy setting and the meaning of the terminology used daily within a pharmacy environment. This course also provides a deep dive into the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. Students will be able to demonstrate correct processing of medication orders, preparation, storage, and distribution of medications, by the end of the course. On top of knowing the medications being prescribed, students must also learn how to use pharmacy equipment, including management software and reading of prescriptions. At the completion of this course, students should have a solid understanding of what their day-to-day tasks will be within a pharmacy environment and how to use the necessary tools to excel in their new career.

Course objectives include:

- Identify the primary functions of different pharmacy organizations

- Discuss the different roles of the pharmacy technician

- Describe the common drugs and their uses, drug routes and formulations, and factor affecting drug activity

- Understand pharmacy management software, as well as reading and interpreting prescriptions

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1
Become acquainted with various pharmacy settings from the hospital to the community retail pharmacy to mail order drug distribution and the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of these settings.
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Module 2
Gain an understanding of the basic aptitudes and personal attributes that are needed for a successful Pharmacy Technician; the daily job duties and responsibilities, as well as training, competency testing and performance measures. Additionally, review common medical terminology, drug classifications and abbreviations used in the pharmacy, and the body systems and their common disorders that are treated with medication.
Module 3
Learn about how drugs are developed, patented and named, understand drug classes, drug reference books, and common medications and their uses. Additionally, gain an understanding of the different forms that drugs are dispensed in (tablet, powder, solutions, syrups, etc.) and the various routes of administration (oral, dermal, parenteral, etc.).
Module 4
Become acquainted with the various tools and equipment used in a pharmacy setting to weigh, mix, count, and dispense medication. Additionally, gain an awareness of working with computers and software programs within the pharmacy setting and the different fields utilized to fill a prescription and run basic reports. The goal is not to master any specific software but to understand overall functionality.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores a wide range of pharmacy settings and their functions
Outlines the daily tasks and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians
Examines the top 200 commonly prescribed medications, their uses, and administration methods
Teaches how to use various tools and equipment commonly found in a pharmacy setting
Provides an overview of pharmacy management software and prescription interpretation
Requires very little background knowledge to get started

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pharmacy Technician Essentials with these activities:
Pharmacy Industry Overview
Get a comprehensive overview of the pharmacy industry and its various sectors to enhance your understanding of the course.
Show steps
  • Explore the World Health Organization (WHO) website to learn about global pharmacy trends and regulations.
  • Visit the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) website to gather insights into the U.S. pharmacy landscape.
Organize and review course materials
Organize and review course materials to improve understanding and retention of the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Organization
Show steps
  • Gather and organize all course materials, including notes, assignments, and quizzes.
  • Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
  • Identify areas where you need additional clarification or support.
Calculate a patient's body mass index (BMI)
BMI calculations are commonly used when evaluating which medication treatments are appropriate.
Show steps
  • Look up the patient's height and weight.
  • Plug the height and weight into the BMI equation: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m2)
  • Calculate the BMI using a calculator or online tool.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Practice converting between metric and imperial units
Many medications are dosed in metric units but may require conversion to imperial units for administration.
Show steps
  • Create a conversion table for common metric and imperial units.
  • Practice converting between units using the conversion table.
  • Complete practice problems involving unit conversions.
Review of medical terminology
Review common medical terminology used in pharmacy to improve understanding of course materials.
Browse courses on Medical Terminology
Show steps
  • Use a textbook or online resources to review the basics of medical terminology.
  • Practice reading and understanding medical terms in context.
Follow tutorials on pharmacy management software
Explore tutorials on different pharmacy management software to gain proficiency in using these tools for efficient medication management.
Browse courses on Workflow Optimization
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or training materials on pharmacy management software.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice using the software.
  • Familiarize yourself with the key features and functions of the software.
Participate in online discussion forums
Join online discussion forums to engage with classmates and discuss course topics, ask questions, and share insights.
Show steps
  • Find and join relevant online discussion forums related to pharmacy.
  • Actively participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and respond to others.
  • Take notes and summarize key points from the discussions.
Drug Name and Dosage Calculation Practice
Strengthen your foundation in accurately identifying drug names and calculating dosages to ensure patient safety.
Browse courses on Dosage Calculations
Show steps
  • Utilize online resources such as DrugBank or DailyMed to practice identifying generic and brand drug names.
  • Solve dosage calculation problems using reputable sources like Lexi-Comp or Medscape.
Practice calculating drug dosages
Practice calculating drug dosages using various methods to improve accuracy and confidence in medication preparation.
Browse courses on Dosage Calculations
Show steps
  • Find practice problems or online quizzes on drug dosage calculations.
  • Attempt to solve the problems and check your answers.
  • Review the correct answers and learn from any mistakes.
Create a drug reference guide
Create a comprehensive reference guide of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications to enhance your understanding of drug characteristics and applications.
Browse courses on Pharmacology
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on the top 200 prescribed medications.
  • Organize the information into a structured and easy-to-navigate format.
  • Include key details such as drug name, dosage, indications, contraindications, and side effects.
  • Review and refine the guide to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Create a medication safety plan
Develop a comprehensive medication safety plan to enhance your understanding of safe medication practices and minimize potential risks.
Browse courses on Medication Safety
Show steps
  • Identify potential medication safety hazards and risks.
  • Propose strategies and interventions to mitigate these risks.
  • Create a written plan that outlines the safety measures and protocols.
  • Review and refine the plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Pharmacy Technician Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pharmacy Technician
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course can help you launch a new career in Pharmacy Technician. It may also help you advance in your pharmacy career and learn new job duties and responsibilities. The course provides a deep dive into the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may be vital to your success as a Pharmacy Technician. In addition to learning about the medications used within this field, you will also learn how to process medication orders, prepare, store, and distribute medications. You will also learn how to read and interpret prescriptions.
Pharmacy Assistant
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmacy Assistant. While the title of Pharmacy Assistant and Pharmacy Technician often overlap, a Pharmacy Assistant typically has less responsibility than a Pharmacy Technician. However, a Pharmacy Assistant would likely also benefit from an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like and the meaning of the terminology used daily within a pharmacy environment. Additionally, you will learn about the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations, which could be helpful in your daily work. Finally, you will learn how to process medication orders, prepare, store, and distribute medications.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. Even though the duties of a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative do not directly relate to those of a Pharmacy Technician, the course does provide an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, you will learn about the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the products that you sell.
Medication Aide
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Medication Aide. A Medication Aide typically works under the supervision of a nurse or pharmacist in a hospital or long-term care facility. They would be responsible for helping patients with their medications. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, you will learn about the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the medications that you assist with.
Pharmacy Manager
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmacy Manager. While a Pharmacy Manager has greater responsibilities than a Pharmacy Technician, the Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers pharmacy management software, including reading and interpreting prescriptions. This knowledge may help in advancing your career to a Pharmacy Manager.
Clinical Research Coordinator
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Clinical Research Coordinators work with doctors and researchers to conduct clinical trials. They are responsible for ensuring that the trials are run safely and efficiently. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the medications used in clinical trials.
Pharmaceutical Buyer
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Buyer. Pharmaceutical Buyers purchase medications and supplies for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the medications that you purchase.
Health Information Technician
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Health Information Technician. Health Information Technicians manage and maintain patient's medical records. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the medications that are listed in patient records.
Medical Claims Examiner
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Medical Claims Examiner. A Medical Claims Examiner reviews and processes health insurance claims. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in understanding the medications used by patients making claims.
Pharmacy Tech Supervisor
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmacy Tech Supervisor. A Pharmacy Tech Supervisor supervises the work of Pharmacy Technicians. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers pharmacy management software, including reading and interpreting prescriptions. This knowledge may help in understanding the work of Pharmacy Technicians that you supervise.
Pharmacy Technician Educator
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmacy Technician Educator. A Pharmacy Technician Educator teaches students about the pharmacy field. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. This knowledge may help in teaching students about pharmacy.
Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Specialist
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Specialist, but is not recommended as a first choice. A Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Specialist ensures that pharmaceutical products are safe and effective. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. However, your knowledge of pharmacy will mostly be gained through on-the-job experience and not taught in this course.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Scientist
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Scientist, but is not recommended as a first choice. A Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Scientist develops and manufactures pharmaceutical products. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. However, your knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing will mostly be gained through on-the-job experience and not taught in this course.
Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst, but is not recommended as a first choice. A Pharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst ensures that pharmaceutical products meet quality standards. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. However, your knowledge of quality control will mostly be gained through on-the-job experience and not taught in this course.
Pharmaceutical Sales Executive
The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course may be useful for a career as a Pharmaceutical Sales Executive, but is not recommended as a first choice. A Pharmaceutical Sales Executive sells pharmaceutical products to doctors and other healthcare professionals. The Pharmacy Technician Essentials course provides an in-depth look at what a career in a pharmacy will look like. Additionally, the course covers the purpose of the top 200 most commonly prescribed medications and drug routes and formulations. However, this course does not provide the sales and business development knowledge necessary to excel in this career.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pharmacy Technician Essentials.
Provides a comprehensive review of the material that is covered on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
Provides a simplified overview of pharmacology, making it an excellent resource for students who are new to the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacology for pharmacy technicians. It covers the basics of drug action, drug interactions, and drug therapy. This book valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the medications they are dispensing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of medication administration for pharmacy technicians. It covers the different routes of administration, the different types of medications, and the different patient populations. This book valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about medication administration.
Comprehensive medical reference book. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of anatomy and physiology to the latest advances in medical treatment. This book valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the human body and the diseases that affect it.
The PDR comprehensive drug reference book. It includes information on over 4,000 drugs, including their uses, dosages, and side effects. valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the medications they are dispensing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacy practice. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of pharmacy law to the latest advances in pharmacy technology. This book valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the profession.
This journal provides timely information on the latest developments in pharmacy practice. It valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the profession.
This journal provides in-depth coverage of current pharmacy practice topics. It valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the latest research and developments in the profession.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacy management. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of pharmacy law to the latest advances in pharmacy technology. valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about the business of pharmacy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of patient safety and quality in pharmacy practice. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of patient safety to the latest advances in quality improvement. This book valuable resource for pharmacy technicians who want to learn more about how to improve the safety and quality of patient care.
Comprehensive review guide for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. It covers all of the topics that are tested on the exam, and it includes practice questions and answers. This book great way to prepare for the exam and to ensure that you are ready to succeed.

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