Pharmacy Technician Fundamentals Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization provides a comprehensive introduction to the role of a pharmacy technician, designed for beginners with no prior healthcare experience. The course spans approximately 40 weeks of flexible learning, combining foundational knowledge with hands-on practice in medication management, pharmaceutical calculations, and patient safety. Learners will progress through five core modules covering pharmacy operations, drug knowledge, dosage calculations, regulatory standards, and real-world application, culminating in a capstone project that simulates a professional pharmacy environment. With lifetime access and a certificate upon completion, this program prepares students for entry-level roles in pharmacies and healthcare settings.

Module 1: Pharmacy Technician Essentials

Estimated time: 60 hours

• Introduction to the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician
• Overview of pharmacy settings and healthcare systems
• Key tasks: drug preparation and medication dispensing
• Legal and ethical guidelines in pharmacy practice

Module 2: Medication Knowledge & Drug Formulation

Estimated time: 80 hours

• Understanding common drug classes and therapeutic uses
• Medication identification, handling, and preparation
• Drug formulations and routes of administration
• Proper storage and stability of medications

Module 3: Pharmaceutical Calculations

Estimated time: 120 hours

• Basics of dosage calculations and unit conversions
• Calculating medication quantities for prescriptions
• Concentration, dilution, and compounding calculations
• Ensuring accuracy and precision in dispensing

Module 4: Patient Safety & Healthcare Regulations

Estimated time: 140 hours

• Identifying and preventing medication errors
• Managing adverse drug reactions and contraindications
• Understanding drug interactions and allergy considerations
• Regulatory compliance and maintaining patient records

Module 5: Pharmacy Regulations

Estimated time: 100 hours

• Navigating federal and state pharmacy laws
• Ethical standards in medication handling and patient privacy
• Controlled substances and prescription regulations

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 150 hours

• Simulated pharmacy scenario: processing medication orders
• Handling patient interactions and safety protocols
• Final report on resolving pharmacy-related challenges

Prerequisites

• No prior pharmacy experience required
• Basic math skills for pharmaceutical calculations
• Proficiency in English reading and comprehension

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations for medication dispensing
• Identify common drug classes and their therapeutic uses
• Apply patient safety practices to prevent medication errors
• Navigate legal and ethical standards in pharmacy settings
• Function effectively in a simulated pharmacy environment