Pharmacy Technician

PTEC 101 Introduction to the Pharmacy Technician Program and Online Learning for Success. This course introduces students to the Pharmacy Technician Program structure and how to navigate the online learning management system (Moodle). An overview of the curriculum, teaching learning approaches and strategies for success are discussed. Students are introduced to the steps required to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician in Canada.

PTEC 102 Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology is an introduction to medical language, and the anatomy and physiology of the human body using a body system approach. Students will learn to describe normal functioning of body systems and begin to explore the pathophysiology of common diseases and medical conditions that will be covered in Pharmacology I and Pharmacology II.

PTEC 103 Introduction to Professional Practice introduces students to the professional practice and scope of practice requirements for pharmacy technicians.  Foundations for federal and provincial laws, regulations and standards that govern pharmacy practice in the Canadian health care system are examined. Foundations for ethical, professional practice are introduced and leveled in subsequent courses.

PTEC 111 Interpersonal Communications in Pharmacy focuses on self-awareness and effective interpersonal communication skills required of professionals working on the health care team and as an online learner. Students learn how to actively listen and respond, account for differences that may influence understanding and engagement in conversation, and use communication strategies to support personal wellness and professional boundaries.

PTEC 117 Fundamentals of Product Distribution provides an introduction to pharmacy language, drug dosage forms, routes of administration, and techniques and procedures required to implement safe and efficient drug distribution. Students explore drug distribution systems and the path of a prescription / drug order for release of product. Students access resources to support evidence-informed decision-making. Factors that contribute to errors in product distribution are examined and actions to prevent occurrence are discussed.

PTEC 122 Pharmacy Calculations covers the mathematical skills required in the practice of pharmacy. Students examine measurement systems, decimals, fractions, and ratio and proportion concepts. The metric system, in keeping with health care standards in Canada, is a main focus of the course. The interpretation of numerals, symbols and Latin abbreviations used in the pharmacy is a focus within all course assignments and exams. Exploration of dilution and concentration, percentage strength, and compounding calculations prepare students for hands on lab classes in dispensing, compounding and sterile product preparation. Emphasis is placed on completing all calculations with 100% accuracy in preparation for application and testing in the lab classes and practicum.

PTEC 123 Professional Practice II is designed to expand the student's understanding of and appreciation for the expectations of professional practice. Building on concepts introduced in PTEC 103, students discuss ethical and legal principles that guide professional practice and how to respond when unethical, illegal or unprofessional actions are observed. The student will examine federal and provincial legislation details that guide pharmacy operations and drug distribution. Basic principles will be applied to support optimal patient care and health promotion.

PTEC 126 Pharmacology I is part one of a two-part course that covers the study of drugs and their properties, effects, and therapeutic value in the major drug categories. Upon completion, students will be able to place common drugs into correct therapeutic categories and identify indications, side effects, trade and generic names, major drug interactions and storage considerations. Students will learn the essentials of pharmacology and how it relates to dispensing and patient safety. Students will explore and practice assessing when a patient should be referred to a pharmacist, identify drug related problems and discuss appropriate monitoring parameters. Knowledge gained in this course will support the pharmacy technician within their scope of practice in a collaborative interprofessional health care team.

PTEC 127 Community Practice Theory examines the role of the pharmacy technician in prescription processing, documentation and product distribution in community pharmacies. Students examine all technical aspects of receiving, verifying, and processing prescriptions to ensure accuracy, safety and compliance with legislation, regulatory requirements and best practices. The principles and processes of record keeping, inventory management, adjudication and billing are studied. Students are introduced to the principles of non-sterile compounding and examine the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, natural health products and complementary treatments. The pharmacy technician's collaborative role in health promotion and information sharing activities with patients is examined.

PTEC 128 Interpersonal Communications in Pharmacy II explores more advanced communication skills required for obtaining comprehensive personal health information, conducting medication histories, and engaging in health teaching. The pharmacy technician's role in health promotion activities and public health initiatives are examined. Students discuss the competencies of intra and inter-professional collaborative practice in greater detail.

PTEC 216 Pharmacology II is part two of a two-part course that covers the study of drugs and their properties, effects, and therapeutic value in the major drug categories. Upon completion, students will be able to place common drugs into correct therapeutic categories and identify indications, side effects, trade and generic names, major drug interactions and storage considerations. Students will learn the essentials of pharmacology and how it relates to dispensing and patient safety. Students will explore and practice assessing when a patient should be referred to a pharmacist, identify drug related problems and discuss appropriate monitoring parameters. Knowledge gained in this course will support the pharmacy technician within their scope of practice in a collaborative interprofessional health care team.

PTEC 217 Institutional Pharmacy Practice builds on the fundamentals of product distribution previously learned and examines the role of Pharmacy Technicians employed in institutional settings. Students examine hospital drug distribution systems and processes, medication safety, principles of infection control and sterile product preparation, and quality assurance / risk management practices.

PTEC 220 Technology for Product Distribution introduces students to the management of database information and technology used in the pharmacy to dispense medications. Students apply concepts learned in previous theory courses to pharmacy case study scenarios using pharmacy dispensing software. Accuracy and completeness of database information and appropriate use of technology systems to support safe product distribution are emphasized. Concepts explored in this course provide a foundation for subsequent lab courses in the program.

PTEC 221 Prescription Dispensing is a hybrid experiential lab course in which students apply the knowledge and skills acquired from previous theory courses to process and dispense prescriptions safely, efficiently and effectively in community practice settings. Students practice the technical aspects of processing prescriptions including interpreting prescriptions, performing calculations, documentation, and verification. Principles of inventory management and best practices in pharmacy record keeping are integrated into the learning activities. Students apply and demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and health teaching skills associated with the dispensing process.

PTEC 223: Institutional Dispensing and Sterile Product Preparation is a hybrid experiential lab course in which students learn the aseptic skills required to prepare a variety of parenteral products. Students apply the knowledge and skills acquired from previous theory courses to process and dispense prescriptions safely, efficiently and effectively in hospital practice settings. Students practice the technical aspects of processing prescriptions including interpreting prescriptions, performing calculations, documentation, and verification. Principles of inventory management and best practices in pharmacy record keeping are integrated into the learning activities. Safety, dosage calculations, incompatibilities, sterile procedure, and quality assurance controls are emphasized.

PTEC 224 Non-Sterile Compounding is a hybrid experiential lab course in which students learn the skills and best practices for compounding non-sterile products including ingredient calculations, measurements, and preparation techniques for creams, ointments, solutions, and suspensions. Students use compounding formulas and drug stability and drug compatibility reference materials in the preparation of products with an emphasis on accuracy and safety. Maintenance of compounding equipment and workspace utilization are integrated into the learning activities.

PTEC 230 Community Practicum provides students with the opportunity to consolidate and apply the knowledge, skills and values attained from theory and lab courses. Students gain experience in all aspects of the pharmacy technician role in the community setting and are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry to practice.

PTEC 231 Institutional Practicum provides students with the opportunity to consolidate and apply the knowledge, skills and values attained from theory and lab courses. Students gain experience in all aspects of the pharmacy technician role in the institutional practice and are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate professional competencies required for entry to practice.