Download ii. accreditation and certification

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Curriculum Guide for
Pharmacy Technician Programs
This guide briefly describes the typical
requirements for a Pharmacy Technician
educational program in the United States.
However, requirements can vary greatly state
by state. You should supplement the
information found in this guide by researching
your state's individual requirements.
Information to help you is included within.
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
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Table of Contents
I. OVERVIEW
Information on exactly what the position of Pharmacy Technician entails, the environments
(workplace settings) they work in, their role in the field of health care, and their relationship to
patients. Includes the latest information from the US Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor
Statistics on Pharmacy Technician job statistics nationwide, trends, specialization
opportunities, and salary ranges across the country. Organizations that support, monitor,
govern, or otherwise relate to the Pharmacy Technician field are also mentioned.
Career Description, Roles, and Responsibilities
Career Employment Outlook
Relevant Associations
II. ACCREDITATION AND CERTIFICATION
For the School: Contact information for nationally recognized governing bodies in the
Pharmacy Technician field. Requirements often vary by state, and where applicable,
information is supplied on how to contact state/local agencies.
For the Student: Contact information for nationally recognized certifying agencies,
requirements and exceptions for licensure, details on levels and degrees of licensure.
Program Accrediting Bodies and Accreditation Requirements
Licensing and Certification Requirements
III. PROGRAM PROFILE
A comprensive introduction to the overall goals of the program, standards of practice, staffing
requirements, physical requirements, student populations, and legal issues.
Length
Setting
Instructor Profile
IV. CURRICULUM
Curriculum models, standard and optional course requirements, addressing compentencies,
sample curricula, and course schedules by hours or semesters
Basic Curriculum: Courses/Subject Areas
Sample Schedule of Courses
V. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE/SERVICES
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VI. APPENDICES
Supplemental information specifically relevant to Pharmacy Technician education and
practice
Appendix A: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Titles for Pharmacy Technician
Curricula
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms
Appendix C: Pharmacy Technician Technical Knowledge Statements for Three
Functional Areas of Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination
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I. OVERVIEW
Pharmacy Technician is one of the fastest growing health care careers today, due to the
shortage of pharmacists, the increased pharmaceutical needs of a larger and older population,
and the increased use of medication. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, Pharmacy Technicians, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos252.htm [visited September 2004].
Career Description, Roles, and Responsibilities
Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed pharmacists in providing medication and other health
care products to patients. Pharmacy Technicians perform more complex duties than a
Pharmacy Aide, who performs mainly clerical or cashier duties in a pharmacy. Pharmacy
Technicians work in retail stores, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, the military,
and correctional facilities. Pharmacy Technician duties and responsibilities may vary from
state to state and workplace to workplace. New roles and responsibilities for the Pharmacy
Technician continue to emerge as a result of practice innovation and new technologies.
Depending on the setting—community or hospital—the duties of the Pharmacy Technician
vary greatly. Below are typical duties and responsibilities for Pharmacy Technicians in both
retail and hospital settings (source: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
[www.ptcb.org]):
Community Pharmacy Technician
(Retail: drug stores, grocery or department stores)
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Help patients who are dropping off or picking up prescription orders
Enter prescription orders into the computer
Create or update the profile of the patient’s health and insurance information in the
computer
Assist the pharmacist, under direct supervision, in the practice of pharmacy, in
accordance with local, state, federal, and company regulations


Communicate with insurance carriers to obtain payment for prescription claims
At point of sale, verify that customer receives correct prescription(s)

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Complete weekly distribution center medication orders, place orders on shelves, and
verify all associated paperwork
Assist the pharmacist with filling and labeling prescriptions
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Prepare the pharmacy inventory
Screen telephone calls for the pharmacist
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Communicate with prescribers and their agents to obtain refill authorization

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Compound oral solutions, ointments, and creams
Prepackage bulk medications
Maintain an awareness of developments in the community and pharmaceutical fields
that relate to job responsibilities and integrate them into own practices
Assist in training new employees
Assist other Pharmacy Technicians


Assist pharmacist in scheduling and maintaining workflow
Maintain knowledge of loss-prevention techniques
Hospital Pharmacy Technician

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Rotate through all work areas of the pharmacy
Transport medications, drug-delivery devices, and other pharmacy equipment from
the pharmacy to nursing units and clinics
Pick up copies of physician orders, automated medication administration records, and
unused medications from the nursing units and return them to the pharmacy
Fill patient medication cassettes
Prepare medications and supplies for dispensing, including:
o prepackaging bulk medications
o compounding ointments, creams, oral solutions, and other medications
o preparing chemotherapeutic agents
o compounding total parenteral nutrition solutions
o compounding large-volume intravenous mixtures
o packaging and preparing drugs being used in clinical investigations
o preparing prescriptions for outpatients
o checking continuous unit dose medications
Control and audit narcotics/stock substance
Assist pharmacists in entering medication orders into the computer system
Prepare inventories, order drugs and supplies from the storeroom, receive drugs, and
stock shelves in various pharmacy locations
Screen telephone calls

Perform monthly nursing unit inspections, maintain workload records, and collect
quality-assurance data
Assist in training new employees
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Assist other Pharmacy Technicians
Coordinate insurance billing, including third-party prescriptions
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Unit dose delivery to automated dispensing technology
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Triage telephone/window inquiries
Career Employment Opportunities
According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pharmacy Technicians held about 200,000
jobs in 2002. About two-thirds of all jobs were in retail pharmacies, grocery stores,
department stores, etc. About 22% of jobs were in hospitals.
The average salary for a Pharmacy Technician is $10.50 per hour; Certified Pharmacy
Technicians are usually paid more. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of
Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition.)
Relevant Associations
Several national and local organizations support Pharmacy Technicians. Two of the largest
are the National Pharmacy Technician Association and the American Association of
Pharmacy Technicians, both of which are discussed in detail below.
National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPRA)
P.O. Box 683148
Houston, TX 77268
Phone: 888-247-8700
Website: http://www.pharmacytechnician.org
The National Pharmacy Technician Association is the world’s largest organization solely
dedicated to the Pharmacy Technician and has approximately 20,000 members worldwide.
NPTA advocates mandatory certification and offers continuing education for its members.
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT)
P.O. Box 1447
Greensboro, NC 27402
Phone: 877-368-4771
Website: http://www.pharmacytechnician.com
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The American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT) was instrumental in
development of the Model Curriculum for Pharmacy Technicians. AAPT also provides
continuing education for Pharmacy Technicians.
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II. ACCREDITATION AND
CERTIFICATION
Program Accrediting Body(ies) and Accreditation
Requirements
Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy (CCP)/American Society of
Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
7272 Wisconsin Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-657-3000 – Ext. 1251
Website: http://www.ashp.org
ASHP is a national professional association with 200,000-members representing pharmacy
staff who practice in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, long-term care facilities,
home care, and other components of health care systems.
ASHP accredits over 90 Pharmacy Technician training programs mainly at vocational,
technical, or community colleges. (Source: ASHP)
Currently, over 240 vocational/technical/career schools and community colleges offer
Pharmacy Technician training programs across the United States. Many of these schools are
accredited by ASHP and/or by institutional accrediting bodies such as the:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
(CAAHEP)
Address: 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, Il 60601
Phone: 312/553-9355
Website: http://www.caahep.org
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
(170 Medical Assistant programs are accredited by ABHES)
Address: 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314 N.
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone: 703/917-9503
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Website: http://www.abhes.org
Council on Occupational Education (COE) (www.council.org)
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
(www.acics.org)
Licensing and Certification Requirements
Although nationally formal training is not required to become a Pharmacy Technician, the
trend is growing toward formal training and requiring certification for employment as a
Pharmacy Technician. Some states require registration of Pharmacy Technicians. In most
states, Pharmacy Technicians are regulated by state pharmacy boards. Ohio is the only state
that does not regulate Pharmacy Technicians.
Twenty-one states now require a Pharmacy Technician to be certified to practice as a
Pharmacy Technician. The number of states requiring certification is growing rapidly.
Currently, Arkansas, Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee,
Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming require certification. Since
1999, over 185,000 Pharmacy Technicians have received national certification from the
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers the National Pharmacy
Technician Certification exam. To be eligible for the test, a candidate must have a high
school diploma (or GED) and no felony convictions. The title of Certified Pharmacy
Technician (CPhT) is given to those passing the exam.
The exam is given nationwide three times a year. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice
questions on knowledge and skills for activities performed by Pharmacy Technicians.
Content covers three Pharmacy Technician function areas:
1. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients – 64% of the exam
2. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems – 25% of the exam
3. Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice – 11% of the
exam
(See Appendix B for detailed knowledge statements of each function area.)
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Renewal of Pharmacy Technician certification is required every two years. Twenty-four
contract hours of pharmacy-related topics (One contract hours must be pharmacy law) is
required to be eligible for recertification.
For more information, contact:
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PCTB)
2215 Constitution Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-429-7576
Website: http://www.ptcb.org
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III. PROGRAM PROFILE
Length
Formal programs vary in length from 15 weeks to one year, resulting in a certificate or
diploma, or two years, resulting in an Associate Degree. A minimum of 600 hours of training
is required for formal programs accredited by the Association of Heath-Systems Pharmacists
(AHSP).
Setting
Pharmacy Technician programs are offered in vocational/technical postsecondary schools,
career schools/colleges, and community colleges with a Pharmacy Technician externship
(practical experience) in a health care setting. Instruction consists of a combination of
classroom and laboratory experience.
Instructor Profile
There are no specific national qualifications for an instructor of a Pharmacy Technician
program. Check with individual states for specific state qualifications.
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IV. CURRICULUM
Basic Curriculum: Courses/Subject Areas
MODEL CURRICULUM FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
TRAINING
(Source: http://www.ashp.org/technician)
Modules:
1. Orientation to Pharmacy Practice
2. Therapeutic Agents for the Nervous System
3. Therapeutic Agents for the Skeletal System
4. Therapeutic Agents for the Muscular System
5. Therapeutic Agents for the Cardiovascular System
6. Therapeutic Agents for the Respiratory System
7. Therapeutic Agents for the Gastrointestinal System
8. Therapeutic Agents for the Renal System
9. Therapeutic Agents for the Reproductive Systems
10. Therapeutic Agents for the Immune System
11. Therapeutic Agents for Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat
12. Therapeutic Agents for the Dermatologic System
13. Therapeutic Agents for the Hematologic System
14. Collecting, Organizing, and Evaluating Information
15. Purchase of Pharmaceuticals, Devices, and Supplies
16. Control of Inventory
17. Assessment of Medication Orders/Prescriptions
18. Preparation of Noncompounded Products
19. Preparation of Nonsterile Compounded Products
20. Preparation of Sterile Compounded Products
21. Preparation of Cytotoxic and Hazardous Medication Products
22. Medication Distribution
23. Identification of Patients for Counseling
24. Medication Safety
25. Collection of Payment (Billing)
26. Monitoring Medication Therapy
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27. Maintenance of Equipment and Facilities
28. Investigational Medication Products
29. Personal Qualities of Technicians
30. Certification
31. Pharmacy Organizations
32. Management of Change
33. Acute Care Practice (Option Long-Term Care) Experience
34. Home Care Practice Experience
35. Ambulatory Clinic with Infusion Services Practice Experience
36. Community or Outpatient Pharmacy Practice Experience
Prerequisite Courses
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High school graduate (or possess GED) with no criminal record and individual formal
program requirements
Core Courses
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Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology
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Pharmacy Law and Ethics
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Pharmaceutical Mathematics and Calculations
Drug Classifications
Aseptic Techniques
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Pharmacy recordkeeping
Externship
Other Courses/Electives
(To be determined)
Sample Schedule of Courses
(Source: Silicon Valley College/US Education Corp)
51 Weeks, 1140 Clock Hours, Program 52 Semester Credit Hours
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Introduction to Health Care (8 Credits)
This introductory course into health care occupations is designed to prepare students for a
broad spectrum of training in several allied health care occupations. Subjects covered include
medical terminology, abbreviations, basic anatomy and physiology, and introduction to
health care occupations.
Pharmacology/Pharmacy Law (6 Credits)
This course provides an introduction to the concept of pharmacology uses and effects of
drugs, its standard classification, and dosages. Students will learn abbreviations for terms
associated with uses of drug therapy for common diseases; includes federal and state laws
governing the practice of pharmacy and all activities related to the delivery of pharmacy.
Ambulatory Pharmacy (6 Credits)
This course provides the basic theories, principles, and hands-on skills necessary to function
effectively as technicians in an ambulatory pharmacy. It includes concepts of drug and SIG
mnemonics in the following: generating prescription labels and purchasing drugs, warning
labels, interpretation of written prescription, transcribing prescriptions into patient profiles,
pulling, filling, and pricing prescriptions and OTC drugs as well as filling, storing, and
inventorying controlled substances; ordering and returning to stock, billing, and commercial
pricing of drugs.
Pharmacology and Data Entry (6 Credits)
In this course, students learn the use and effects of drugs commonly used to treat diseases
affecting the different systems of the body. To achieve this, students must first master and
understand the basic anatomy and physiology of the body system. For each drug, the student
will learn the nomenclature, standard pronunciation, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, dosage
forms and routes of administration. Use of a standard computer database system is employed
in a variety of pharmacy practice environments to accurately and effectively enter and
retrieve data.
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Intravenous Admixture (6 Credits)
This course is the study of compounding sterile products according to set standards utilizing
aseptic techniques, interpretation of IV orders, drug and solution incompatibilities and
includes the quality assurance of finished solutions, dosage calculations, labeling IV
admixtures, and flow rate calculations as well as the preparation of compounded sterile
products including TPN, chemotherapy, and pre-filled syringes.
Pharmaceutical Compounding (6 Credits)
The application of quality assurance procedures to compounded non-sterile pharmaceutical
products is the focus of this course, and it includes calculating appropriate amounts of each
ingredient and correct pharmaceutical techniques in compounding according to the laws and
standards that govern the preparation of non-sterile products.
Hospital In-Patient Pharmacy (6 Credits)
Students learn the system of drug distribution in a hospital in-patient setting. The course
includes the concepts and procedures of: automated medication-dispensing systems such as
the Pyxis machine; the use of cassettes and cassette exchanges; interpretation and
transcription of medication orders into patient drug profiles; labeling intravenous admixtures;
and preparing emergency kits and carts. Students also learn awareness of the most common
medication errors, home health care practice, and pharmacy computers.
Externship (6 Weeks) (5 Credits)
This course provides the student with an opportunity to put into practice all theory and
clinical and/or administrative laboratory hands-on applications learned in the classroom/lab
portion of training, working as member of a health care or business team in the community.
Subjects covered may include all clinical and/or administrative applications learned in the
classroom and laboratory during school training. This externship experience typically runs 40
hours a week. Students on externship shall not receive monetary compensation for this
training. Externships are conducted between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday only.
Job Search Techniques and Clinical Competencies (3 Weeks) (3
Credits)
This course assists the medical student to find and hold a job. Students attend basic job
preparation workshops and are assisted on a one-on-one basis with resumes, cover letters,
thank you letters, developing basic interviewing techniques, learning job negotiating skills
and mock interviews. Students prepare for externship by reviewing clinical and/or
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administrative competencies according to program skills inventories to assure appropriate
performance on the externship job site. Career management pointers and CPR certification
are included in this module.
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V. JOB PLACEMENT
ASSISTANCE/SERVICES
Most, if not all, education programs provide job placement assistance to graduating students.
It is strongly recommended, as job placement is a measure of the program’s success,
attractiveness to potential students, and is often part of the accreditation criteria.
A placement service may be designed solely for the Pharmacy Technician program or may be
part of the parent institution placement services. Services often include direct placement, job
leads, job boards, job fairs, employment agencies, referrals, preparatory instruction (resumes,
interviewing, letters of recommendation, application assistance, etc.), search assistance,
internships, association memberships, and agency contacts.
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VI. APPENDICES
Appendix A: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Titles for
Pharmacy Technician Curricula1
Orientation to Pharmacy Practice and Health Care Delivery
Systems
Mohr: Lab Experiences for the Pharmacy Technician
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-5665-5)
An ideal laboratory manual for students, this new text covers the valuable skills a pharmacy
technician needs to assist the pharmacist in dispensing retail prescriptions, preparing patient
medication orders and extemporaneous compounds, and performing I.V. admixtures using
proper aseptic techniques.
University of Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP): Remington: Science and
Practice of Pharmacy – 21st Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4673-1)
A definitive reference for over 100 years on all aspects of the science and practice of
pharmacy. The text covers the history of pharmacy, ethics and pharmacy education and
practice.
Thompson: A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice – 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4177-4)
A source of basic information on standards of practice. Includes a CD-ROM with interactive
self-assessment questions and demonstrations of compounding procedures.
1
Titles current as of June 2005. Please contact your LWW sales representative for updates or revisions.
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Finkel: Patient Care Management Lab: A Workbook for Prescription Practice –
2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-6569-5)
Focuses on reading, filling, and evaluating prescriptions in relation to patient profiles.
Includes numerous patient profiles and actual prescriptions.
Communication (Oral & Written -Customer Relations)
Beardsley/ Tindall/Kimberlin: Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice - 5th
Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-6598-5)
Presents communication concepts, theories and skills with case studies and sample dialogues.
Includes information on how to work with language barriers, persons with disabilities, and
cross-cultural issues.
Medical Terminology
Stedman's Medical Dictionary for Health Professions and Nursing Illustrated,
5th Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4426-3)
Core vocabulary resource for students, featuring over 51,000 entries and over 900
illustrations and images, most in four color. Bonus CD packaged with the dictionary,
contains all the content of the dictionary including audio pronunciation for nearly all 51,000
terms.
Cohen: Medical Terminology – An Illustrated Guide, 5th Edition
(TEXT ISBN: 978-0-7817-7667-7)
(TEXT & ONLINE COURSE WEBCT, BLACKBOARD AND THEPOINT ISBN: 978-0-7817-6579-4)
(TEXT & 4TH EDITION BLACKBOARD ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-8625-6)
Now in its Fifth Edition, this richly illustrated guide is a comprehensive introduction to
medical terminology. It provides extensive coverage of terms related to structure and
function, disorders, diagnosis and treatments. It features a user-friendly layout, basic
approach to the subject, and numerous learning exercises. This edition includes updated
terminology and drug information, an introduction to medical dictionaries, and an appendix
on how to use Stedman's Medical Dictionary.
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A free bound-in CD-ROM contains Stedman's audio pronunciations and exercises for
students. LiveAdvise: Medical Terminology—an online student tutoring and faculty support
service—is free with the book. A fully customizable online course created specifically for
this text is available as an additional purchase.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Instructor’s Resource Manual/Test Generator CD Package; online image
bank. Visit: http://thepoint.lww.com/ cohen5e
Collins: A Short Course in Medical Terminology, Revised Reprint
(TEXT ISBN: 978-0-7817-8698-0)
(TEXT & ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-9044-4)
(ONLINE COURSE ACCESS CODE ONLY ISBN: 978-0-7817-9502-9)
This 'quick and easy' medical terminology textbook is appropriate for 1 or 2 credit courses or
self-study. It presents students with an efficient and effective way to study. While brief in
approach, it is sufficiently comprehensive to give users a sound understanding of
terminology upon completion. Information is presented in clear study tables, with exercises
and pre-quiz checklists to ensure students understand the material before moving onto the
next topic.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Instructor's Resource CD-ROM (978-0-7817-8851-9)
Nath: Using Medical Terminology – A Practical Approach
(TEXT ISBN: 978-0-7817-4868-1)
(TEXT & WEBCT ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-5973-1)
(TEXT & WEBCT HOSTED ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-6317-2)
(TEXT & BLACKBOARD ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-5972-4)
The most comprehensive medical terminology option in LWW's product line, this text
includes detailed coverage of anatomy and physiology. Students are encouraged to use full
medical terms in context from the beginning of each chapter, and gain a greater
understanding by seeing, saying, writing and using the language. Designed to engage all
learners (auditory, visual and kinesthetic).
ALSO AVAILABLE: Instructor's Resource CD-ROM (978-0-7817-5971-7)
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Willis: Medical Terminology: The Language of Health Care, 2nd Edition
(TEXT ISBN: 978-0-7817-4510-9)
(TEXT & WEBCT HOSTED ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 0-7817-6255-8)
(TEXT & BLACKBOARD ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-5986-1)
A medical terminology text that teaches applied terminology, showing exactly how medical
terms are used in clinical settings. Covers basic communication between health care
professions and how to read physician’s orders and prescriptions.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Instructor’s Resource CD-ROM (978-0-7817-6213-7)
Willis: Medical Terminology: A Programmed Learning Approach to the
Language of Health Care 2nd Edition
(TEXT ISBN: 978-0-7817-9283-7)
(TEXT & ONLINE COURSE ISBN: 978-0-7817-7109-2)
This medical terminology text uses a Programmed Learning approach that is ideal for
classroom use, self-paced study, or distance learning. It is broken down into concise selfinstruction frames followed by review frames for immediate feedback and reinforcement.
Actual medical records and medical record analysis activities are used extensively
throughout the book. Highlights of this edition include a more engaging design, additional
illustrations, more detailed coverage of term components, chapter objectives checklists, and
acronyms and abbreviations charts.
A free bound-in CD-ROM contains Stedman's audio pronunciations and interactive exercises.
LiveAdvise: Medical Terminology—an online student tutoring and faculty support
service—is free with the book. A fully customizable online course created specifically for
this text is available as an additional purchase.
Visit: http://thepoint.lww.com/willisprogrammed2e for more information about the book and
Instructor Ancillaries.
Medical Terminology Made Incredibly Easy! 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-1-58255-300-9)
Covers key concepts of medical terminology, including common prefixes, suffixes, and root
words used in medical terms. Terms are divided by body system, and a handy miniguide
identifies important anatomic terms in detailed, full-color illustrations. Contains awardwinning features such as abundant illustrations and charts, memory joggers, eye-catching
icons, and crossword puzzles and word scrambles to test comprehension.
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Anatomy &Physiology and Pharmacokinetics
Cohen: Memmler’s The Human Body in Health and Disease, 10th Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4232-0 [SOFTCOVER]; 978-0-7817-5171-1 [HARDCOVER])
This widely read classic is an excellent primer on normal anatomy and physiology, as well as
an introduction to the human disease process. The well-organized text is presented in a
manner that is easily digested and retained. Information covers normal and abnormal
anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, basic microbiology, and chemistry. Book includes
bonus CD for students featuring an Interactive Human Anatomy Atlas and an audio
pronunciation glossary.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Student Study Guide, Instructor’s Manual, Instructor’s Resource CD, test
generator, transparencies; Smarthinking TM online tutoring and course assistance free to every
student and instructor. Visit: http://connection.lww.com/memmler for more information.
Cohen & Taylor: Memmler’s Structure and Function of the Human Body, 8th
Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4233-7 [SOFTCOVER]; 978-0-7817-5184-1 [HARDCOVER])
Based on Memmler’s The Human Body in Health and Disease, this text focuses on anatomy
and physiology without the content on disease. It is an excellent primer on normal anatomy
and physiology, basic microbiology, and chemistry. Book includes bonus CD for students
featuring an Interactive Human Anatomy Atlas and an audio pronunciation glossary.
ALSO AVAILABLE: Student Study Guide, Instructor’s Manual, Instructor’s Resource CD, test
generator, transparencies; Smarthinking TM online tutoring and course assistance free to every
student and instructor. Visit: http://connection.lww.com/memmler for more information.
Anatomy and Physiology Made Incredibly Easy!— 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-1-58255-301-6)
Delivers the latest information on anatomy and physiology in an easy-to-understand,
enjoyable style. Provides memory joggers and quick quizzes that aid recall and help gauge
progress.
Clinical Pharmacology Made Incredibly Easy!—2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-1-58255-293-4)
Content covers the fundamentals of clinical pharmacology; autonomic nervous system drugs;
cardiovascular drugs; respiratory, gastrointestinal and anti-infective diseases, etc. Includes
coverage of key drug therapy controversies.
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Pharmaceutical Mathematics/Calculations
Ansel & Price: Pharmaceutical Calculations: The Pharmacist’s Handbook
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-3922-1)
Concise reference and resource of the fundamental principles and basic techniques of
pharmaceutical calculations. Covers community, hospital and industrial settings.
Lacher: Pharmaceutical Calculations for the Pharmacy Technician
(ISBN:978-0-7817-6310-3)
Intended for use in an introductory pharmacy technician calculations course, this unique
book addresses not only calculations that technicians will encounter in retail, but also those
necessary for compounding, IV, industry and areas where a pharmacy technician might be
called upon more frequently because of the shortage of pharmacy professionals. This text
utilizes a casual, reader-friendly writing style and an easy-to-understand ratio-proportion
method of problem solving. The latest addition to the new LWW Pharmacy Technician
Education Series, this comprehensive text allows student to quickly master calculations form
the most basic to the most complex.
Roach: Pharmacology for Health Professionals
(ISBN:978-0-7817-6633-3)
This brand new resource is perfect for introductory pharmacology courses. The full-color text
provides the basic principles of pharmacology, and the actions, indications, contradictions
and adverse effects of drug classes.
Pharmacology I, II, III
Howland/Mycek/Harvey/Champe: Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews:
Pharmacology- 3rd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4118-7)
Clarifies essential need to know information on Pharmacology. Includes a comprehensive
inset on new drug information.
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
P age 2 4 o f 3 3
Drug Facts and Comparisons 2007, 61th Edition
(ISBN: 978-1-57439-256-2)
Contains up-to-date, comprehensive information on over 22,000 drugs and 6,000 OTC items
grouped by therapeutic category.
Medical Pocket Reference: Drugs
(ISBN: 978-1-58255-714-4)
Features about 500 of the most commonly prescribed generic drugs in alphabetical order.
Includes appendices of dangerous drug interactions and dialyzable drugs.
Johannsen & Sabtine: Pharmcards Review Cards for Medical Students – 3rd
Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-6608-1)
Cards are organized by mechanism, and feature a template format that conveys information
needed for learning and retaining pharmacology concepts.
Pharmaceutical Law/Ethics
Thompson: A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice – 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4177-4)
A source of basic information on standards of practice. Includes a CD-ROM with interactive
self-assessment questions and demonstrations of compounding procedures.
The University of Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP): Remington: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy – 21st Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4673-1)
A definitive reference for over 100 years on all aspects of the science and practice of
pharmacy. The text covers the history of pharmacy, ethics and pharmacy education and
practice.)
Computers Automation and Technology
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
P age 2 5 o f 3 3
Thompson: A Practical Guide to Contemporary Pharmacy Practice – 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4177-4)
A source of basic information on standards of practice. Includes a CD-ROM with interactive
self-assessment questions and demonstrations of compounding procedures.
The University of Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP): Remington: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy – 21st Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4673-1)
A definitive reference for over 100 years on all aspects of the science and practice of
pharmacy. The text covers the history of pharmacy, ethics and pharmacy education and
practice.)
Externship/Practical Experience (Acute Care, Home Care.
Ambulatory and Community)
Mohr: Lab Experiences for the Pharmacy Technician
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-5665-5)
An ideal laboratory manual for students, this new text covers the valuable skills a pharmacy
technician needs to assist the pharmacist in dispensing retail prescriptions, preparing patient
medication orders and extemporaneous compounds, and performing I.V. admixtures using
proper aseptic techniques.
Boh/Young: Pharmacy Practice Manual: A Guide to the Clinical Experience 2nd Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-2541-5)
Quick reference for clinical work. Includes two appendices for medical abbreviations/terms
and information on dugs and equipment.
The University of Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP): Remington: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy – 21st Edition
(ISBN: 978-0-7817-4673-1)
A definitive reference for over 100 years on all aspects of the science and practice of
pharmacy. The text covers the history of pharmacy, ethics and pharmacy education and
practice.)
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
P age 2 6 o f 3 3
Appendix B: Glossary of Terms
AAPT
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians
ABHES
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACIC
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
ASHP
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
CCP
Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy
COE
Council on Occupational Education
CAAHEP
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
CPhT
Certified Pharmacy Technician
NPTA
National Pharmacy Technician Association
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PTCB
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Certification
A process of verifying a person as having been tested and met certain requirements
Pharmacy Aide
Assists the Pharmacy Technician in the Pharmacy - mainly responsible for clerical and
cashier duties.
Institutional Accreditation
Recognition of an institution (as a whole rather than individual programs) that has gone
through a process of evaluation and met certain criteria established by a private organization,
association or government agency.
Programmatic (Specialized) Accreditation
Recognition of individual programs that have gone through a process of evaluation and met
certain established criteria by a private association, organization or government agency.
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
P age 2 8 o f 3 3
Appendix C: Pharmacy Technician Technical Knowledge
Statements for Three Functional Areas of Pharmacy
Technician Certification Examination2
The knowledge base required to perform activities associated with each function of the
pharmacy technician are:
I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients
1. Knowledge of federal, state, and/or practice site regulations, codes of ethics, and
standards pertaining to the practice of pharmacy
2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical, medical, and legal developments which impact on the
practice of pharmacy
3. Knowledge of state-specific prescription transfer regulations
4. Knowledge of pharmaceutical and medical abbreviations and terminology
5. Knowledge of generic and brand names of pharmaceuticals
6. Knowledge of therapeutic equivalence
7. Knowledge of epidemiology
8. Knowledge of risk factors for disease
9. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
10. Knowledge of signs and symptoms of disease states
11. Knowledge of standard and abnormal laboratory values
12. Knowledge of drug interactions (such as drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, drugnutrient)
13. Knowledge of strengths/dose, dosage forms, physical appearance, routes of
administration, and duration of drug therapy
14. Knowledge of effects of patient’s age (for example, neonates, geriatrics) on drug and nondrug therapy
15. Knowledge of drug information sources including printed and electronic reference
materials
16. Knowledge of pharmacology (for example, mechanism of action)
17. Knowledge of common and severe side or adverse effects, allergies, and therapeutic
contraindications associated with medications
18. Knowledge of drug indications
19. Knowledge of relative role of drug and non-drug therapy (for example, herbal remedies,
lifestyle modification, smoking cessation)
2
Source: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam content.
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
P age 2 9 o f 3 3
20. Knowledge of practice site policies and procedures regarding prescriptions or medication
orders
21. Knowledge of information to be obtained from patient/patient’s representative (for
example, demographic information, allergy, third-party information)
22. Knowledge of required prescription order refill information
23. Knowledge of formula to verify the validity of a prescriber’s DEA number
24. Knowledge of techniques for detecting forged or altered prescriptions
25. Knowledge of techniques for detecting prescription errors (for example, abnormal doses,
early refill, incorrect quantity, incorrect patient ID #, incorrect drug)
26. Knowledge of effects of patient’s disabilities (for example, visual, physical) on drug and
non-drug therapy
27. Knowledge of techniques, equipment, and supplies for drug administration (for example,
insulin syringes and IV tubing)
28. Knowledge of non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) formulations
29. Knowledge of monitoring and screening equipment (for example, blood pressure cuffs,
glucose monitors)
30. Knowledge of medical and surgical appliances and devices (for example, ostomies,
orthopedic devices, pumps)
31. Knowledge of proper storage conditions
32. Knowledge of automated dispensing technology
33. Knowledge of packaging requirements
34. Knowledge of NDC number components
35. Knowledge of purpose for lot numbers and expiration dates
36. Knowledge of information for prescription or medication order label(s)
37. Knowledge of requirements regarding auxiliary labels
38. Knowledge of requirements regarding patient package inserts
39. Knowledge of special directions and precautions for patient/patient’s representative
regarding preparation and use of medications
40. Knowledge of techniques for assessing patient’s compliance with prescription or
medication order
41. Knowledge of action to be taken in the event of a missed dose
42. Knowledge of requirements for mailing medications
43. Knowledge of delivery systems for distributing medications (for example, pneumatic
tube, robotics)
44. Knowledge of requirements for dispensing controlled substances
45. Knowledge of requirements for dispensing investigational drugs
46. Knowledge of record-keeping requirements for medication dispensing
47. Knowledge of automatic stop orders
48. Knowledge of restricted medication orders
49. Knowledge of quality improvement methods (for example, matching NDC number,
double-counting narcotics)
50. Knowledge of pharmacy calculations (for example, algebra, ratio and proportions, metric
conversions, IV drip rates, IV admixture calculations)
51. Knowledge of measurement systems (for example, metric and avoirdupois)
52. Knowledge of drug stability
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53. Knowledge of physical and chemical incompatibilities
54. Knowledge of equipment calibration techniques
55. Knowledge of procedures to prepare IV admixtures
56. Knowledge of procedures to prepare chemotherapy
57. Knowledge of procedures to prepare total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions
58. Knowledge of procedures to prepare reconstituted injectable and non-injectable
medications
59. Knowledge of specialized procedures to prepare injectable medications (for example,
epidurals and patient controlled analgesic [PCA] cassettes)
60. Knowledge of procedures to prepare radiopharmaceuticals
61. Knowledge of procedures to prepare oral dosage forms (for example, tablets, capsules,
liquids) in unit-dose or non–unit-dose packaging
62. Knowledge of procedures to compound sterile non-injectable products (for example,
eyedrops)
63. Knowledge of procedures to compound non-sterile products (for example, ointments,
mixtures, liquids, emulsions)
64. Knowledge of procedures to prepare ready-to-dispense multidose packages (for example,
ophthalmics, otics, inhalers, topicals, transdermals)
65. Knowledge of aseptic techniques (for example, laminar flow hood, filters)
66. Knowledge of infection control procedures
67. Knowledge of requirements for handling hazardous products and disposing of hazardous
waste
68. Knowledge of documentation requirements for controlled substances, investigational
drugs, and hazardous wastes
69. Knowledge of pharmacy-related computer software for documenting the dispensing of
prescriptions or medication orders
70. Knowledge of manual systems for documenting the dispensing of prescriptions or
medication orders
71. Knowledge of customer service principles
72. Knowledge of communication techniques
73. Knowledge of confidentiality requirements
74. Knowledge of cash handling procedures
75. Knowledge of reimbursement policies and plans
76. Knowledge of legal requirements for pharmacist counseling of patient/patient’s
representative
II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems
1. Knowledge of drug product laws and regulations and professional standards related to
obtaining medication supplies, durable medical equipment, and products (for example,
Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; Controlled Substances Act; Prescription Drug Marketing
Act; USP-NF; NRC standards)
2. Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry procedures for obtaining pharmaceuticals
3. Knowledge of purchasing policies, procedures, and practices
4. Knowledge of dosage forms
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P age 3 1 o f 3 3
5. Knowledge of formulary or approved stock list
6. Knowledge of par and reorder levels and drug usage
7. Knowledge of inventory receiving process
8. Knowledge of bioavailability standards (for example, generic substitutes)
9. Knowledge of the use of DEA controlled substance ordering forms
10. Knowledge of regulatory requirements regarding record-keeping for repackaged
products, recalled products, and refunded products
11. Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices for inventory systems
12. Knowledge of products used in packaging and repackaging (for example, child-resistant
caps and light-protective unit-dose packaging)
13. Knowledge of risk management opportunities (for example, dress code, personal
protective equipment [PPE], needle recapping)
14. Knowledge of the FDA’s classifications of recalls
15. Knowledge of systems to identify and return expired and unsalable products
16. Knowledge of rules and regulations for the removal and disposal of products
17. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and professional standards governing
operations of pharmacies (for example, prepackaging, difference between compounding
and manufacturing)
18. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements and professional standards (for example,
FDA, DEA, state board of pharmacy, JCAHO) for preparing, labeling, dispensing,
distributing, and administering medications
19. Knowledge of medication distribution and control systems requirements for the use of
medications in various practice settings (for example, automated dispensing systems, bar
coding, nursing stations, crash carts)
20. Knowledge of preparation, storage requirements, and documentation for medications
compounded in anticipation of prescriptions or medication orders
21. Knowledge of repackaging, storage requirements, and documentation for finished dosage
forms prepared in anticipation of prescriptions or medication orders
22. Knowledge of policies, procedures, and practices regarding storage and handling of
hazardous materials and wastes (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS])
23. Knowledge of medication distribution and control systems requirements for controlled
substances, investigational drugs, and hazardous materials and wastes
24. Knowledge of the written, oral, and electronic communication channels necessary to
ensure appropriate follow-up and problem resolution (for example, product recalls,
supplier shorts)
25. Knowledge of quality assurance policies, procedures, and practices for medication and
inventory control systems
III. Participating in the Administration and Management of
Pharmacy Practice
1. Knowledge of the practice setting’s mission, goals and objectives, organizational
structure, and policies and procedures
2. Knowledge of lines of communication throughout the organization
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P age 3 2 o f 3 3
3. Knowledge of principles of resource allocation (for example, scheduling, cross training,
work flow)
4. Knowledge of productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction measures
5. Knowledge of written, oral, and electronic communication systems
6. Knowledge of required operational licenses and certificates
7. Knowledge of roles and responsibilities of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other
pharmacy employees
8. Knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements for personnel, facilities, equipment, and
supplies (for example, space requirements, prescription file storage, cleanliness, reference
materials, storage of radiopharmaceuticals)
9. Knowledge of professional standards (for example, JCAHO) for personnel, facilities,
equipment, and supplies
10. Knowledge of quality improvement standards and guidelines
11. Knowledge of state board of pharmacy regulations
12. Knowledge of storage requirements and expiration dates for equipment and supplies (for
example, first-aid items, fire extinguishers)
13. Knowledge of storage and handling requirements for hazardous substances (for example,
chemotherapeutics, radiopharmaceuticals)
14. Knowledge of hazardous waste disposal requirements
15. Knowledge of procedures for the treatment of exposure to hazardous substances (for
example, eyewash)
16. Knowledge of security systems for the protection of employees, customers, and property
17. Knowledge of laminar flow hood maintenance requirements
18. Knowledge of infection control policies and procedures
19. Knowledge of sanitation requirements (for example, handwashing, cleaning counting
trays, countertop, and equipment)
20. Knowledge of equipment calibration and maintenance procedures
21. Knowledge of supply procurement procedures
22. Knowledge of technology used in the preparation, delivery, and administration of
medications (for example, robotics, Baker cells, automated TPN equipment, Pyxis,
infusion pumps)
23. Knowledge of purpose and function of pharmacy equipment
24. Knowledge of documentation requirements for routine sanitation, maintenance, and
equipment calibration
25. Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements (for example, physical
accessibility)
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P age 3 3 o f 3 3
26. Knowledge of manual and computer-based systems for storing, retrieving, and using
pharmacy-related pharmacy information (for example, drug interactions, patient profiles,
generating labels)
27. Knowledge of security procedures related to data integrity, security, and confidentiality
28. Knowledge of downtime emergency policies and procedures
29. Knowledge of backup and archiving procedures for stored data and documentation
30. Knowledge of legal requirements regarding archiving
31. Knowledge of third-party reimbursement systems
32. Knowledge of healthcare reimbursement systems (for example, home health, respiratory
medications, eligibility and reimbursement)
33. Knowledge of billing and accounting policies and procedures
34. Knowledge of information sources used to obtain data in a quality improvement system
(for example, the patient’s chart, patient profile, computerized information systems,
medication administration record)
35. Knowledge of procedures to document occurrences such as medication errors, adverse
effects, and product integrity (for example, FDA Med Watch Program)
36. Knowledge of staff training techniques
37. Knowledge of employee performance evaluation techniques
38. Knowledge of employee performance feedback techniques
Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins