The Pharmacy Technician program is a comprehensive training course designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical field. The program provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to work effectively under the supervision of licensed pharmacists in a variety of healthcare settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.

The curriculum covers key areas such as pharmacology, pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, medication preparation and dispensing, inventory management, and customer service skills. Emphasis is placed on developing accuracy, attention to detail, and strong communication skills, all of which are essential in the pharmacy environment.

The program prepares students for national certification exams such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), enhancing employability upon completion.

The program length is 900 hours, which could be completed in 7 to 8 months.

Introduction to Pharmacy Practice

Introduction to Pharmacy Practice

Course categoryPharmacy Technician - Houston

This course introduces students to the structure and operation of pharmacy practice across a variety of healthcare settings, including community, hospital, mail-order, and long-term care environments. Students examine the historical development of the pharmacy profession and its current regulatory framework, exploring the roles of governing agencies such as the FDA, DEA, and Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP). Topics include technician duties, chain-of-command responsibilities, prescription and medication order workflows, and the role of automation in pharmacy operations. Students will also explore key concepts such as formulary systems, drug utilization reviews (DURs), and pharmacy billing procedures. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, communication with the healthcare team, and ethical conduct. The course introduces patient confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, medication storage and security, and outlines the training and certification pathway for pharmacy technicians. By the end of the course, students will understand foundational pharmacy operations and prepare for more specialized topics in pharmacology, calculations, and compounding.

Teacher: Pramila Adhikari, Audrey Keller

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