Program Duration
6 Months – 1 YearIncludes Classroom Instruction, Laboratory Practice, and Clinical/Externship Training
Program Description
The Pharmacy Technician Trade Program prepares students to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications, managing pharmacy operations, maintaining patient records, and providing customer service in retail, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings. Students gain both technical knowledge and practical skills required for entry-level employment.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Understand pharmacy laws, ethics, and regulations.
- Interpret prescriptions accurately.
- Prepare and dispense medications safely.
- Calculate medication dosages correctly.
- Maintain pharmacy inventory and records.
- Use pharmacy software and technology systems.
- Apply infection control and safety procedures.
- Demonstrate professionalism and customer service skills.
- Assist pharmacists in retail and hospital environments.
- Prepare for national or state pharmacy technician certification exams.
Admission Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Minimum age requirement (as required by local regulations)
- Basic English and Mathematics skills
- Valid identification documents
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
Topics
- History of Pharmacy
- Roles of Pharmacy Technicians
- Types of Pharmacies
- Healthcare System Overview
- Professional Ethics
- Practical Activities
- Pharmacy workplace orientation
- Professional communication exercises
Module 2: Medical Terminology
Topics
- Medical abbreviations
- Pharmaceutical terminology
- Human body systems
- Common diseases and treatments
- Practical Activities
- Terminology quizzes
- Prescription interpretation practice
Module 3: Pharmacology Fundamentals
Topics
- Drug classifications
- Drug forms and routes of administration
- Drug actions and interactions
- Side effects and adverse reactions
- Practical Activities
- Medication identification
- Drug label interpretation
Module 4: Pharmacy Calculations
Topics
- Basic arithmetic review
- Fractions, decimals, percentages
- Dosage calculations
- Measurement conversions
- IV flow rate calculations
- Practical Activities
- Dosage problem solving
- Prescription calculations
- Example dosage formula
Module 5: Prescription Processing
Topics
- Reading prescriptions
- Prescription abbreviations
- Data entry procedures
- Insurance billing basics
- Medication labeling
- Practical Activities
- Prescription filling simulations
- Computerized pharmacy software training
Module 6: Community Pharmacy Operations
Topics
- Retail pharmacy workflow
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- OTC medications
- Point-of-sale systems
- Practical Activities
- Customer interaction role-play
- Stock organization exercises
Module 7: Hospital Pharmacy Practice
Topics
- Hospital pharmacy systems
- Unit-dose dispensing
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Medication carts
- IV preparation basics
- Practical Activities
- Sterile preparation demonstrations
- Hospital medication distribution simulations
Module 8: Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
Topics
- Compounding techniques
- Aseptic procedures
- USP standards
- Equipment handling
- Hazardous drug safety
- Practical Activities
- Cream and ointment preparation
- Sterile compounding lab work
Module 9: Pharmacy Law and Ethics
Topics
- Pharmacy regulations
- Controlled substances
- Patient confidentiality
- HIPAA principles
- Ethical decision-making
- Practical Activities
- Case study discussions
- Legal documentation exercises
Module 10: Infection Control and Safety
Topics
- Workplace safety
- Infection prevention
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Hazard communication
- Emergency procedures
Practical Activities
- Hand hygiene demonstrations
- PPE usage training
Module 11: Computer Applications in Pharmacy
Topics
- Pharmacy management systems
- Electronic health records
- Inventory software
- Insurance claim processing
Practical Activities
- Pharmacy software simulations
- Electronic prescription processing
Module 12: Communication and Employability Skills
Topics
- Professional communication
- Resume writing
- Interview preparation
- Workplace ethics
- Team collaboration
Practical Activities
- Mock interviews
- Professional presentation exercises
- Clinical Externship / Internship
Duration
120–240 Hours
Training Areas
- Retail Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Community Health Pharmacy
- Externship Activities
- Prescription processing
- Medication preparation
- Inventory control
- Customer service assistance
- Pharmacy documentation
Assessment Methods
- Written Examinations
- Practical Demonstrations
- Lab Assessments
- Assignments and Quizzes
- Clinical Performance Evaluation
- Final Comprehensive Examination
- Required Tools and Equipment
- Prescription balance
- Counting trays and spatulas
- Mortar and pestle
- Compounding equipment
- PPE supplies
- Pharmacy software systems
- Medication reference books
- Certification Opportunities
- Students may prepare for:
- National Pharmacy Technician Certification
- State Registration/Licensure Requirements
- CPR/First Aid Certification
Career Opportunities
Graduates may work as:
- Pharmacy Technician
- Hospital Pharmacy Assistant
- Retail Pharmacy Assistant
- Compounding Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmaceutical Customer Service Representative
- Inventory Pharmacy Clerk
Recommended Instructional Methods
- Classroom Lectures
- Laboratory Demonstrations
- Simulation-Based Training
- Clinical Experience
- Group Discussions
- E-learning Modules
Program Outcome
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Trade Program will possess the technical, practical, and professional skills needed to support pharmacists effectively and provide safe pharmaceutical services in healthcare environments.
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