Course Descriptions
PHARM 300
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course introduces the concepts of direct pharmaceutical patient care and the technician's role in its delivery. Current direct patient care delivery system and medication distribution systems are emphasized. Topics include dosage calculations, the influence that medication laws, standards and regulations have on practice, and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical setting.
PHARM 310
Therapeutic Agents I
4 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 and PHARM 300 with grades of "C" or better
Advisory: LIBR 318
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course studies the anatomy and physiology of the various human body systems. Students will learn the use and side effects of prescription medications, nonprescription medications, and alternative therapies commonly used to treat diseases affecting the nervous, skeletal, muscular, immune, dermatological, and hematologic system. This course covers brand and generic names of the therapeutic agents studied, standard pronunciation, dosage forms, routes of administration, medical abbreviation and the role of the Food and Drug Administration in herbal and dietary supplements. The laboratory activities are designed to provide hands-on experiences in pharmacy calculation and compounding medications related to the various body systems.
PHARM 320
Therapeutic Agents II
4 Units
Prerequisite: BIOL 100 and PHARM 300 with grades of "C" or better
Advisory: LIBR 318
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course studies the anatomy and physiology of the various human body systems. Students will learn the use and side effects of prescription medications, nonprescription medications, and alternative therapies commonly used to treat diseases affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, gastrointestinal, renal system as well as the eye, ear, nose and throat. This course covers brand and generic names of the therapuetic agents studied, standard pronunciation, dosage forms, routes of administration, medical abbreviation and the role of the Food and Drug Administration in herbal and dietary supplements. The laboratory activities are designed to provide hands-on experiences in pharmacy calculation and compounding medications related to the various body systems.
PHARM 350
Pharmaceutical Information Management
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHARM 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Advisory: LIBR 318
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 45 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
This course reviews how state laws and regulations determine the activities associated with the collection of patient-specific information by the pharmacy technician. Students learn to secure information from the medical chart, record, patient profile, patient, caregiver, database and health care professional. Technologies used for storing, accessing and recording pharmacy data and proper methods for receiving and authenticating prescription orders are emphasized. Students will also learn safety in medication use and monitoring program of medication therapy and the pharmacy technician's role in the prevention and reporting of medication misadventures. The lab provides hands-on experience with pharmacy distribution software, technology, and prescription processing.
PHARM 360
Retail Operation of Pharmaceutical Practice
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHARM 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 45 hours LEC; 27 hours LAB
This course reviews the process of pharmaceutical purchasing and acquisitions in the retail settings and in emergency situations. Students will learn inventory control including handling of receipts, storage, removal, and documentation. Other topics include: methods of distribution with emphasis on computer database maintenance and the state laws that govern these activities, billing, collection of payment, third-party payment, and the technician's role in the assisting the PharmD in immunization administration. The lab will provide hands-on experience in a simulated retail environment.
PHARM 380
Preparation of Pharmaceutical Products
3 Units
Prerequisite: PHARM 300 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 27 hours LEC; 81 hours LAB
This course presents the methods of preparing non-compounded, compounded, non-sterile, and sterile products for distribution. Students will learn the state laws and regulations that determine the role of a pharmacy technician in measuring, preparing, packaging, and storing of medications. Medication preparation, profiling, calculation, measuring, safety, labeling and quality assurance procedures will be emphasized.
PHARM 400
Pharmacy Technician Profession
1 Unit
Prerequisite: PHARM 310 and 320 with grades of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 18 hours LEC
This course prepares the student for employment as a pharmacy technician. Students learn the scope of practice of a pharmacy technician. Students will also learn professional ethics, attitudes, values, and beliefs of successful pharmacy technicians. Emphasis is placed on projecting an image appropriate to the profession and effective interpersonal relationships with other health care professionals and the appreciation for certification and active involvement in local, state, and national technician organizations.
PHARM 410
Acute Care Practicum
4 Units
Prerequisite: PHARM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 216 hours LAB
This course develops practical skills in the didactic and practicum phases of pharmacy technician training in the acute and home care environment. Acute care includes hospital and/or long-term care facilities. Home care includes exposure to infusion therapy. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision. A preceptor (PharmD or Certified Pharmacy Technician) evaluates the student's performance at the site. Students will directly interact with clients and other health care professionals. Students must have a TB clearance and any other immunization required by the clinical facility. Students must have an established Agency Agreement on file with the faculty with a sponsoring site prior to the beginning of the first day of class. Contact the Careers and Technology Main Office for information about the Agency Agreement.
PHARM 420
Retail Practicum
4 Units
Prerequisite: PHARM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 216 hours LAB
This course develops the practical skills for pharmacy technicians in a community/retail environment. The clinical experience is performed under professional supervision. A preceptor (PharmD or Certified Pharm Tech) evaluates the student's performance at the site. Students will directly interact with clients and other health care professionals. Students must have a TB clearance and any other immunization required by the clinical facility. Students must have an established Agency Agreement with a sponsoring site prior on file with the faculty to the beginning of the first day of class. Contact the Careers and Technology Main Office for information about the Agency Agreement.