Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program - Course Calendar Descriptions
Management of Drug Distribution Systems (39 hours)
This course will examine various drug distribution systems in pharmacy practice, and prepare learners to effectively manage operations in different practice settings to ensure safe and effective drug supply and distribution. Learners will explore distributive functions in institutional settings, as well as common drug plans and their formularies, adjudication challenges, inventory management elements and common business practices. Accurate product release within the parameters of the pharmacy technician role receives special emphasis.
Note: There will be a structured practical evaluation (SPE) following this course (and managed by OCP) to verify the learners ability to consistently perform accurate product release in the workplace (independent double check).
Pharmacology (33 hours)
This course provides a practical, applied approach to pharmacology. Through a variety of learning tools such as assignments, quizzes, case studies and group work, the student will enhance his/her ability to practice competently and contribute to a safe patient care setting. Participants will gain basic knowledge related to the pharmacological uses of drugs within a variety of commonly encountered medical conditions.
Product Preparation (33 hours)
This course addresses the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for safe and accurate preparation of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceutical products. For non-sterile preparation, students will focus on compounding practices for various internal and external preparations and specialty dosage forms, equipment and tools, professional guidelines, standards and legislation, pharmaceutical calculations, and documentation requirements. For sterile product preparation, areas of emphasis include infection control, aseptic technique, parenteral dosage forms, accurate calculations, appropriate use of equipment, and quality control. Best practices associated with the preparation of TPN and antineoplastics are also covered.
Professional Practice (45 hours)
Students will be prepared for entry to practice in five main areas of focus: legal requirements, scope of practice, ethical principles, professionalism and communication skills. Through a variety of learning tools such as interactive case studies, assignments, quizzes and group work, the student will enhance his/her ability to practice competently within the professional practice framework.
