PTCB- Pharmacy Technician Certification Board

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTEC) Prep course

Chapter 1: Medication Fundamentals

Drug Names and Classifications

• Understanding generic vs. brand names
• Categories of drugs based on mechanism of action
• Over-the-counter vs. prescription status

Understanding Therapeutic Equivalence

• Definition of bioequivalence
• Implications of therapeutic equivalence on pharmacy practice

Managing Drug Interactions and Contraindications

• Identifying potential drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-disease interactions
• Strategies to manage and prevent harmful interactions

Drug Forms, Strengths, and Administration Techniques

• Overview of various drug formulations: tablets, capsules, injections, etc.
• Appropriate techniques for medication administration per route

Identifying Side Effects, Adverse Reactions, and Allergies

• Common side effects associated with major drug classes
• Recognizing signs of severe allergic reactions and steps to take

Clinical Uses of Medications and Dietary Supplements

• Indications for common medications and supplements
• Rational drug use and patient counseling tips

Stability and Storage of Pharmaceutical Products

• Proper storage conditions for stability
• Handling and disposal of expired or damaged pharmaceuticals

Handling Narrow Therapeutic Index Medications

• Special considerations in dispensing and monitoring
• Importance of adherence to prescribed therapeutic ranges

Compounding Basics and Techniques

• Basic compounding procedures for various formulations
• Legal and safety considerations in compounding

Chapter 2: Federal Pharmacy Law

Safe Handling and Disposal of Pharmaceuticals

• Protocols for handling hazardous materials
• FDA guidelines for disposal of unused medications

Controlled Substances Regulations

• Overview of DEA schedules and implications for pharmacy practice
• Documentation and security requirements for controlled substances

Compliance with Restricted Drug Programs

• Navigating REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies) and their impact on pharmacy operations

FDA Recall Procedures and Compliance

• How to handle drug recalls
• Communication strategies with patients during recalls

Chapter 3: Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Managing High-alert Medications and Look-Alike Sound-Alike (LASA) Issues

• Strategies to differentiate and safely handle LASA medications
• Best practices for labeling and storage to minimize errors

Error Prevention Strategies in Pharmacy Practice

• Techniques for reducing dispensing errors
• Importance of double-checking and peer reviews

Importance of Pharmacist Interventions

• Role of the pharmacist in medication therapy management (MTM)
• Case studies illustrating successful pharmacist interventions

Adverse Event Reporting Protocols

• How to report adverse events to regulatory bodies
• Understanding the role of pharmacists in pharmacovigilance

Prescription Verification and Hygiene Standards

• Steps for verifying prescriptions accurately
• Hygiene and infection control practices in pharmacy settings

Chapter 4: Pharmacy Operations and Medication Management

Compounding Techniques for Non-sterile Formulations

• Detailed procedures for compounding creams, ointments, and suspensions
• Safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination

Essential Pharmaceutical Calculations

• Dosage calculations, conversions between measurement systems
• Calculating renal dosing and pediatric doses

Equipment and Tools in Medication Administration

• Use and maintenance of dispensing equipment
• Technological tools that enhance accuracy in dispensing

Effective Inventory Management Practices

• Techniques for managing stock levels efficiently
• Strategies to minimize wastage and manage pharmacy inventory costs

 

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