This course will cover the history of pharmacy, pharmacy organizations, and the healthcare system. The issues of ethics and professionalism will be presented and discussed. Students will be introduced to the basic skills required of a pharmacy technician, including medical terminology, prescription interpretation, basic calculations, and compounding. Students will learn the brand/generic names of the Top 200 drugs and will explore Over-the-Counter medications and supplements. Students will explore both the traditional and non-traditional roles pharmacy technicians can play in various practice settings.
Course Prerequisites
Pharmacy Technician students only
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Act ethically in all job related activities
Describe how to present a professional image in appearance (including dress and hygiene) and behavior
Apply effective verbal and written communication skills
Describe how different healthcare occupations interact in the health care delivery system
Describe a commitment to excellence in the pharmacy profession and to continuing education and training
Define medical terms commonly used in the range of patient care settings
Explain the use and side effects of prescription and non- prescription medications, and alternative therapies (e.g., herbal products, dietary supplements, homeopathy, and life style modification) used to treat common disease states, including those that affect the following body systems: Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, nervous, endocrine, reproductive, immune, skeletal, eyes, ears, nose and throat, dermatologic, hematologic, and muscular
Explain the role of the FDA in regulating herbal products and dietary supplements
Perform mathematical calculations frequently needed in pharmacy technicians' work
Explain the pharmacy technician's role in the medication-use process
Describe major trends, issues, goals, and initiatives taking place in the pharmacy profession
Explain non-traditional roles of pharmacy technicians
Describe the preparation and process for sterile and non-sterile compounding
Assess prescription/medication orders for completeness and authenticity when receiving orders via paper or electronic systems
Follow policies and procedures for infection control (e.g., protective clothing, hand-washing)
Describe common factors of an effective pharmacy department approach to preventing medication errors
Explain the programs currently in place for reporting medication errors on a global and institutional level
Explain the technician's role in preventing and detecting medication errors
Demonstrate proficiency with word processing, spread sheets, and databases
Demonstrate skill in using the internet, e-mail, and electronic medication information databases
Assessment of Outcomes
Specified on the course schedule/outline
Grading System
Letter Grade
Range
Definition
A
90-100
Excellent
B
80-89
Above Average
C
70-79
Average
D
N/A
N/A
F
0-69
Failing
W
—
Withdrawal during weeks 1 - 7
WF
—
Withdrawal failing after week 7
NF
—
Failing – Not actively engaged
For more details about the Grading System, please see the current catalog.
Active Participation
Students must be actively engaged in the course. For a definition of active engagement, please see the current catalog.
Academic Integrity
Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses against the University's academic integrity and are consequently strictly prohibited. All students must familiarize themselves with the University policy on Academic Integrity.
Penalties for cheating and plagiarism are described in the University policy on Academic Integrity in the catalog. They include failure of the assignment, failure for the course, or dismissal from the University. For the complete Cheating/Plagiarism policy, please see the current catalog.
Students with Disabilities
Students who have disabilities that may impact their performance in this course should follow the process described under the heading Accommodations for the Disabled in the current catalog.