Pharmacy Technician (PHT)

This course will introduce students to the practice of pharmacy, state pharmacy technician licensure requirements and program expectations. Students will explore advancing and emerging opportunities for technicians now and in the future. Students will learn to perform pharmaceutical calculations used in pharmacy practice, dosage calculations, special medical and business math calculations. Students will practice apothecary, household and metric unit conversions commonly used in pharmacy.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

In this course, students will learn how to list and explain the drug brand and/or generic names, major drug classifications, route of administration, standard dosage schedules, indications, basic side effects, and their adverse effects. Students will receive an overview of pharmaceutical dosage forms, terminology, abbreviations, and symbols. Interpretation of prescriptions will be practiced.

Lecture Hours: 50.0

Transfer: Not transferable

Students will review the history of pharmacy. Students will be able to explain the roles, duties, responsibilities, and differences of a pharmacy team. State and Federal laws governing pharmacy practice and regulations will be covered. Students will be introduced to industry practices used to identify and avoid medication errors.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

This course will focus on the fundamentals in aseptic technique, parenteral admixture procedures, and I.V. preparation. Dosage calculations are integrated in the applications of this course.

Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

Students will focus on appropriately following extemporaneous compounding orders and packaging procedures. Students will be able to identify the most common equipment, tools and supplies used in non-sterile compounding. Dosage calculations are integrated in the applications of this course.

Lab Hours: 50.0

Transfer: Not transferable

Students will focus on medications' brand/generic name, dosage forms, drug classes, routes of administration, standard dosage schedules, indications, basic side effects and adverse effects. This includes an overview of the anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments of the central nervous system, urinary, gastrointestinal, and integumentary systems. Also, common dietary supplements and over the counter (OTC) products available.

Lecture Hours: 50.0

Transfer: Not transferable

Students will be introduced to the duties of inventory control in a pharmacy practice and explore legal parameters of dispensing medications.

Lecture Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

In this course, students will focus on pharmacy computer applications which specialize in processing prescriptions, drug information retrieval, legal documentation, patient profiles and related topics. Interpretations of doctor's orders along with the prescription filling process, refilling, and labeling procedures will be practiced. Computerized pharmacy systems will be demonstrated.

Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 54.0

Transfer: Not transferable

In this course, students will gain an understanding of workflow through "Mock Pharmacy" practice and develop personal qualities such as professionalism, integrity and organization. Students will practice problem solving and communication skills that ensure positive interactions. Other aspects of professionalism include appropriate behavior in the workplace and sensitivity to diverse patient populations.

Lecture Hours: 50.0

Transfer: Not transferable

This course is designed to allow students hands-on experience in a pharmacy setting. This course meets the California Board of Pharmacy 120-hour externship requirement and the American Society of Health-system Pharmacists (ASHP) 130-hour externship hour requirement. Once completed, students are eligible to apply for license registration with the California State Board of Pharmacy.

Lecture Hours: 9.0

Transfer: Not transferable

In this course, students will build and strengthen their knowledge of pharmacy concepts essential to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Lecture Hours: 50.0

Transfer: Not transferable