---
title: Pharmacy Technician Program Course Descriptions
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# Pharmacy Technician Program Course Descriptions

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# Pharmacy Technician Course Descriptions

Classes begin July 6th

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[Pharm Tech program](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/pharmacy-technician/)

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[Become a Pharm Tech](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/pharmacy-technician/how-to-become-a-pharmacy-technician/)

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[Certified Pharm Tech](https://arizonacollege.edu/healthcare-careers/pharmacy-technician/becoming-a-certified-pharmacy-technician/)

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## Pharmacy Technician Program – Schedule Of Courses

A Pharmacy Technician works under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The
duties and responsibilities of technicians are consistent with their training
and experience. Pharmacy Technicians, as part of a team, fill requisitions for
drugs after review of the physician’s order using unit-dose or appropriate
packaging. They are involved in reviewing orders for drug allergies, dosing,
interactions and incompatibilities.

## Pharmacology Course Descriptions

The objective of the Arizona College’s Pharmacy Technician program is to provide
a sound educational environment for instruction and training to equip its
graduates for entry-level positions in pharmacy-related services. Approximately
half of the program consists of lecture/demonstration and half hands-on
laboratory procedures.

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 111

Pharmacology: Cardiovascular & Renal
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course begins with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the heart,
circulatory system and renal system. Students then study diseases and disorders
that affect each system and the drug classes that treat them. Students become
familiar with indications for use, most common side effects, dosage forms and
brand and generic names for commonly prescribed medications. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 114

Pharmacology: Nervous, Ear & Eye
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course presents an overview of how the brain and nervous systems function.
Students learn medications used to treat disorders such as depression,
psychoses, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and other diseases that
affect the nervous system. Medications that affect the sympathetic and
parasympathetic systems are reviewed. While learning drug classifications,
students learn indications for use, dosage forms, side effects and brand and
generic names of commonly prescribed medications. The course also gives an
overview of the eye and ear, including disorders and treatments. Prerequisite:
None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 117

Health & Wellness with Blister Packaging
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course explores the increasing popularity of over-the-counter medications
and supplements. Students become familiar with indications for use, dosage
recommendations, side effects, warnings and precautions of some of the most
popular herbals and supplements. Vitamins and common active ingredients in
over-the-counter products are taught, along with their indications for use.
Prerequisites: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 121

Sterile Preparations: IV Basics
1.5 Credits

### Learn More

This course covers techniques and procedures used to prepare sterile IV
products. Students perform hands-on practice and become familiar with equipment
used in preparation. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 122

Sterile Preparations: TPN & Chemotherapy
_1.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course begins with an overview of IV techniques followed by specialized
techniques used to prepare Total Parenteral Nutrition bags (TPN’s) and
chemotherapy IV’s, focusing on TPN’s. Calculations involved in determining
amounts of medications to be added and preparation and labeling of such are
taught. The second half of the course is devoted to proper techniques for
handling and preparing chemotherapy medications. Students utilize hands-on
practice. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 123

Sterile Preparations: Special Therapies
1.5 Credits

### Learn More

This course covers basic IV techniques, including preparation of syringes,
irrigation solutions and ophthalmic solutions. Students utilize hands-on
practice. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 130

Pharmacy Law & Ethics
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course covers federal and state laws governing the practice of pharmacy. It
covers ethical issues in the health care field and their relationship to
pharmacy. Students will review real case studies and be drawn into ethical
issues which will enhance critical thinking and broaden their perspectives. Key
topics include workplace safety, ethics, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS),
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Hazardous Drug
List, United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and other key topics recommended by PTCB
and ASHP. Prerequisites: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 133

Pharmacy Calculations
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course teaches students calculations required of Pharmacy Technicians. The
course begins with a review of basic math. Students learn specific calculations
used in various pharmacy areas. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 142

Data Entry Systems & Third-Party Billing
_1.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course will explain the role of pharmacy management software in the daily
administration of pharmacy services, specifically in retail and hospital
settings. Students will learn how to interpret orders for accurate prescription
entry into the software, how to manage electronic databases, maintain inventory
electronically and generate accurate medication administration records for
long-term care patients. This course will also cover third party billing.
Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 151

Retail Pharmacy Systems
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course examines day-to-day duties performed in a retail pharmacy. Students
learn to read prescriptions and to fill, package and label medications. Basic
duties such as greeting clients, assisting customers with over-the-counter
medications, handling refill requests and working the “out” window are
discussed. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 152

Inventory Systems & Non-Sterile Compounding
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course teaches ordering, receiving, stocking and rotation of pharmaceutical
supplies and medications. Also covered are pricing, discounts, mark-ups and sale
prices. The next portion of the course explores insurance, third-party payers
and universal claim forms. Students will also gain an understanding of
extemporaneous compounding. Prerequisite: None

### Pharmacology Courses: PHM 154

Technology & Special Topics
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course will cover topics such as drug distribution systems, medication
administration records and unit dose packaging and how each topic influences the
administration of pharmacy services in a hospital setting. The interpretation of
physician orders, dosage calculations and the use of automation in the hospital
pharmacy setting will also be covered. Other special topics such as errors,
safety, special dosing circumstances, reference sources, addiction, CPR and
First Aid will also be discussed. Prerequisite: None

## Computer, Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies, and Externship Course Descriptions

A Pharmacy Technician prepares parenteral medications and properly labels all
dispensable and secondary products. Technicians participate in drug utilization,
evaluation and quality assurance programs and consistently review a pharmacy’s
inventory of drugs expired, withdrawn, recalled, inadequately labeled or other
non-usable drugs. These examples of duties are not all encompassing or
restrictive and are expected to vary with changing needs and priorities.

### Computer Courses: COM 108

Microcomputer Concepts & Keyboarding
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course provides a microcomputer orientation with an overview of computer
information systems. It introduces computer hardware, software and information
systems. Students will learn Windows as well as Microsoft Office, Word and
Excel. Finally, this course also helps students build basic typing skills as
well as develop speed and accuracy while typing. Prerequisite: None

### Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: ADM 101

Career Development
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course guides students through the employment process by learning to
complete applications, prepare cover letters and write effective resumes and
follow-up letters. Other topics include interview skills, networking, continuing
education, resigning a position, career advancement and a general orientation to
the ever-changing dynamics of the health care delivery system. Prerequisite:
None

### Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: ADM 107

Medical Administrative Practices
_2.5 Credits_

### Learn More

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of administrative
medical assisting including professional telephone techniques, patient
appointment scheduling, written communication, electronic applications and
quality customer service. Students will explore an overview of medical law and
ethics of the health care profession. Prerequisite: None

### Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: BIO 126

The Body as a Whole
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

Coordination and regulation of the body systems are discussed in this course.
Students learn how the nervous system and the endocrine system work together to
control the functions of the body. Cellular reproduction, body systems and
directional terms are addressed. Prerequisite: None

### Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: BIO 127

The Body’s Circulation & Defense
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

In this course, students will examine the structure, function and conduction of
the heart and the pathway of circulation. Students will also explore the
physiology of respiration, which includes the structures and disorders of the
respiratory system and treatment options. Included in the course are blood
composition, typing and disorders. The course also examines the lymphatic system
to include the organs and their functions and discusses immunity. Prerequisite:
None

### Health Care Fundamentals & Professional Studies: MTP 118

Medical Terminology
_3.0 Credits_

### Learn More

This course focuses on construction, pronunciation and application of medical
words including prefixes, suffixes and word roots. A basic level of organization
within the human body is presented. An overview of the major body systems is
provided and terms related to the systems are learned. Abbreviations and
pharmacology concepts and introductory legalities related to documentation in
the health care industry are included. Prerequisite: None

### Externship: EXT 160

Externship
_5.0 Credits_

### Learn More

A 160-hour, full-time externship in an approved facility under the supervision
of a pharmacist or other qualified pharmacy professional. Prerequisite:
Successful completion of all classroom courses in the program.

## Request Information To Speak With An Advisor Today

## Guide to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Explore the path to becoming a
pharmacy technician today.

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