A pharmacy technician vocational trade school program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training, equipping aspiring pharmacy technicians with the skills and expertise needed to work in various pharmacy settings. Here are some subjects that a typical program will likely include.
Pharmacology Fundamentals
A solid understanding of pharmacology is crucial for pharmacy technicians, as it forms the basis of their work.
This course will cover various aspects of pharmacology, such as drug classifications, actions, and interactions. Students will learn about common medications used to treat various medical conditions and gain a thorough understanding of dosage forms, routes of administration, and side effects.
The foundational knowledge will enable pharmacy technicians to provide accurate information to patients and healthcare professionals and ensure the safe dispensing of medications.
Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Pharmacy technicians must adhere to federal and state regulations governing the practice of pharmacy. A course in pharmacy law and ethics will introduce students to the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the profession, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, drug scheduling, and prescription requirements.
Additionally, students will learn about patient confidentiality and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which are crucial for safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations.
Pharmacy Calculations
Pharmacy calculations are a vital aspect of a pharmacy technician's daily responsibilities. The coursework covers mathematical concepts and techniques required to accurately calculate medication dosages, convert units of measurement, and determine medication quantities.
Mastery of pharmacy calculations is essential for preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety.
Pharmacy Operations and Procedures
Pharmacy technicians play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. A course on operations and procedures will familiarize students with various aspects of pharmacy operations, such as inventory management, medication storage, prescription processing, and drug utilization review.
Students also learn about pharmacy workflow and the roles of different pharmacy personnel, enabling them to work efficiently and effectively in a pharmacy setting.
Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
Some pharmacy technicians may be required to prepare compounded medications for patients with unique needs. A course in sterile and non-sterile compounding teaches the principles and techniques involved in preparing customized medications.
Pharmacy Technician Internship
To provide students with real-world experience, many pharmacy technician vocational trade school programs include an internship component. A hands-on training experience allows students to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program in a supervised pharmacy setting. Internships may be for credit, but they aren't always.
Share18 April 2023
These days, it is harder to find a job doing what you have gone to college for. I went to school for graphic design and thought that I would easily be able to find a job doing what I went to school for. Unfortunately, the field is flooded with graphic design artists, which makes it very hard to get a job. I have since completed a course at a local trade school that has opened up many doors for my career. Find out what a trade school can teach you to build on a previous degree that you have worked so hard to complete.
