CLUSTER
Health Science Education
CONCENTRATION
Therapeutic Services
WEVIS CODE
HE 0770 Pharmacy Technician
National Consortium for Health Science Education
Health Care Standards http://www.healthscienceconsortium.org/docs/therapeutic_svcs_pathway.pdf
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board http://www.ptcb.org.
http://www.passassured.com
Sample of reported job titles upon completion of Pharmacy Technician program: Pharmacy Technician
Sample of reported job titles upon completion of additional education: IV Certified Pharmacy Technician,
Pharmaceutical Care Associate, Pharmacist
INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS
Pharmacy Technician, CPR/AED Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Bloodborne
Pathogens Training: Preventing Disease Transmission
RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITES
0621 Introduction to Health Care
0721 Medical Terminology
0716 Body Structure and Function
REQUIRED COURSES (Required Sequence)
Note: A minimum course completion score of 80% is required to progress to next course.
WVEIS Code
Course
HE 0636
HE 0637
HE0638
HE0639
Core Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
Orientation to Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician
Professional Skill and Pharmacy Operations for the
Technician
* Note students entering the Pharmacy Technician programs should have a current CPR/AED for Health
Care Provider or Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification.
SKILL SETS
Career Preparation Skills
Safety Practices
Leadership Development
Patient/Client Customer Service
Academic Foundation
Communications
Legal Responsibilities
Ethics
Teamwork
Technical Skills
Information Technology Applications
1
Skill sets for Career Preparation Skills, Safety, Leadership Development and Patient/Client Customer Service
should be integrated throughout the concentration as remaining skill sets are delivered.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Career Preparation Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
career paths.
goal development and achievement.
attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.
personal qualities and abilities needed to be effective with children.
communication in varied contexts.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
relate skills and abilities to possible career pathways.
explain methods of goal development.
discuss methods of time management and task coordination.
practice professionalism in punctuality, appropriate dress, task completion, etc.
investigate methods of supervision such as giving and receiving feedback and
instruction.
 develop and present a statement of their personal work ethic beliefs.
 prepare an application, cover letter, resume and thank you letter.
 create a personal portfolio for use when applying for employment.
 practice simulated job interviews.
Safety Practices
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
infection control.
controlling the growth and spread of microorganisms.
explain principles of infection control.
perform hand washing according to Centers for Disease Control regulations.
don and remove non-sterile gloves.
Leadership Development
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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public speaking.
parliamentary law.
leadership concepts.
characteristics of effective teams and organizations.
2
Performance Objectives
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
develop and deliver speeches.
participate in meetings using parliamentary procedure.
attend leadership conferences and training (local, state and/or national).
volunteer in community service opportunities.
participate in career development events.
Patient/Client Customer Service
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 customer service.
 patient/client satisfaction.
 patient/client needs assessment.
 quality for services.
Students will
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demonstrate respectful and empathetic treatment of all patients/clients.
hear and work to resolve complaints from patients/clients or the public.
check completed work for spelling, punctuation and format.
greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the
appropriate persons according to their needs.
answer inquiries pertaining to patient/client care policies and services and
work to resolve patient/client complaints.
measure and assess patient/client and employee satisfaction.
confer with patients/clients by telephone or in person to provide information
about health care or services, take orders from superiors, obtain details of
complaints and forward to instructor/supervisor.
keep records of patient/client interactions, recording details of inquiries,
complaints or comments, as well as actions taken per health care institution
guidelines.
check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to work toward resolving
patient/client problems.
describe points of patient/client safety and respond to questions.
investigate and work to resolve complaints regarding food quality, service or
patient/client care within your scope of practice.
identify the characteristics of each health care industry’s target market.
3
Core Requirements for Pharmacy Technician
0636
* Core requirements for Pharmacy Technician (0636) is a prerequisite for Orientation to Pharmacy Technician
(0637) and requires a minimum course completion score of 80%.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Academic Foundation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
medical terminology.
anatomy and physiology.
pharmacology calculations.
Students will
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identify the role of the three types of word parts used in forming medical
terms.
analyze unfamiliar medical terms using knowledge of word parts.
describe the steps in locating a term in a medical dictionary.
define commonly used prefixes, word roots (combining forms) and suffixes.
pronounce medical terms correctly using the "sounds like" system.
recognize the importance of always spelling medical terms correctly.
state why caution is important when using abbreviations.
recognize, define and pronounce medical terms.
discuss the chemical basis for life.
identify the roles of cells, tissues, organs and systems in terms of organization
in the human body.
identify the structure and function of the human body systems in health and
common diseases associated with each system.
o skeletal system.
o muscular system.
o cardiovascular system.
o lymphatic and immune systems.
o respiratory system.
o digestive system.
o urinary system.
o nervous system.
o special senses: the eyes and ears.
o integumentary system.
o endocrine system.
o male and female reproductive system.
identify diagnostic procedures and pharmacology commonly associated with
each body system.
express Arabic numbers as Roman numerals.
express Roman numerals as Arabic numbers.
identify the numerator and denominator in a fraction.
add and subtract fractions.
multiply and divide fractions.
4
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add and subtract decimals.
multiply and divide decimals.
convert fractions to decimals.
convert decimals to fractions.
define percent.
convert percentages to fractions.
convert percentages to decimals.
convert fractions to percentages.
convert decimals to percentages.
define ratio.
convert ratios to fractions.
convert ratios to decimals.
convert ratios to percentages.
convert fractions to ratios.
convert decimals to ratios.
convert percentages to ratios.
explain the apothecary system.
explain the avoirdupois (household) measurement system.
explain the metric system.
convert between the household and metric systems.
use ratio and proportion in computations.
perform pharmaceutical calculations.
calculate doses for oral and liquid medications using ratio and proportion
methods.
 calculate quantities to be administered when medication is ordered in
fractional doses.
 calculate safe dosages for infants and children.
 calculate dosages for individual patients given the patient's weight and/or
height and the recommended dosage.
 perform calculations necessary for the infusion of IV medications.
 calculate dosages of parenteral medications already in solution.
 calculate dosages from reconstituted medications.
 determine the appropriate concentration strength for medications ordered when
there are several directions for mixing.
 determine amount of insulin to be administered based upon labels.
 calculate dilutions and concentrations for solutions.
5
Orientation to Pharmacy Technician
WVEIS 0637
* Core Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (0636) is a prerequisite for Orientation to Pharmacy Technician
(0637) and requires a minimum course completion score of 80%.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Academic Foundation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
major categories of the classification of drugs.
drug actions in the human body.
theory and principle aspects of a pharmacy sterile program.
Students will
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identify drug categories.
recall classifications of drugs.
recognize actions of drugs in the human body.
recognize trade and generic names of drugs.
understand terminology, techniques, quality control and quality assurance
related to a pharmacy sterile program.
 perform all pharmaceutical calculations for compounding sterile products.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Communications
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
report subjective and objective information.
use roots, prefixes and suffixes to communicate information.
use medical abbreviations to communicate information.
Legal Responsibilities
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
concepts of effective communication.
medical terminology.
legal implications.
legal practices.
Students will
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analyze legal responsibilities.
apply procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping.
analyze and apply requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA).
describe Advanced Directives.
summarize the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
discuss informed consent.
explain laws governing harassment, labor and Scope of Practice.
6
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Performance Objectives
Ethics
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 major Pharmacy Laws and their impact of the practice of pharmacy.
 cultural, social and ethnic diversity.
 state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to Controlled Substances.
 dispensing and reordering Controlled Dangerous Substances.
 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. (HIPAA)
 differences between pharmacist and pharmacy technician job duties.
 insurance fraud.
Students will
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identify each of the following:
o Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.
o Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938.
o Duham-Humphrey Amendment to 1962.
o Kefaufver-Harris Amendment of 1962.
o Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.
o Poison Prevention Act of 1970.
o Drug Listing Act of 1972.
o Orphan Drug Act of 1983.
o Drug Price Competition And Patent-Term Restoration Act of 1984.
o Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987.
o Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA-90).
o FDA Modernization Act.
o Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994.
describe the classifications of Controlled Dangerous Substances (CDS) and
identify each of the following in terms of classification.
o Schedule I (C-I).
o Schedule II (C-II).
o Schedule III (C-III).
o Schedule IV (C-IV).
o Schedule V (C-V).
explain partial filling and refilling regulations for different schedules of
Controlled Dangerous Substances.
list procedures for storing the different schedules of Controlled Dangerous
Substances.
list procedures for ordering the different schedules of Controlled Dangerous
Substances.
list procedures for maintaining inventory of the different schedules of
Controlled Dangerous Substances.
list the FDA requirements for "stock bottle" labels of Controlled Dangerous
Substances.
list the different filing schemes for hard copy prescriptions.
apply rules relating to HIPAA.
describe legal and ethical consequences of performing duties only allowed by
pharmacists.
explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated
with collection of specific patient information can be delegated by the
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pharmacist to technicians.
explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated
with receiving and screening prescription/medication orders for completeness
and authenticity can be delegated by the pharmacist to technicians.
explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated
with preparing medications for distribution can be delegated by the pharmacist
to technicians.
explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated
with verifying the measurements, preparation and/or packaging of medications
reproduced by other technicians can be delegated by the pharmacist to
technicians.
explain how state laws and regulations determine what activities associated
with patient counseling to optimize the use of medication, equipment and
devices can be delegated by pharmacists to technicians.
discuss prevention of insurance fraud.
discuss legal and ethical consequences of insurance fraud.
explain the role of Boards of Pharmacy.
recognize and understand the functions of the agencies that regulate and effect
pharmacy practice.
demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy law.
understand legal responsibilities and limitations in the field of pharmacy.
analyze implications of actions.
implement problem solving techniques when confronted with legal issues.
explain practices that could result in malpractice, liability and/or negligence.
apply procedures for accurate documentation and record keeping.
implement established procedures based on risk management criteria.
complete an incident report.
summarize non-discriminatory laws.
interpret healthcare facility policies and procedures.
implement mandated standards for Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA).
recognize common threats to confidentiality.
summarize clients' rights according to the Patients' Bill of Rights.
discuss informed consent.
compare licensure, certification, registration and legislated Scope of Practice of
a healthcare professional.
explain mandated standards for harassment, labor and employment laws.
differentiate between morality and ethics.
differentiate between ethical and legal issues impacting healthcare including
confidentiality.
compare personal, professional and organizational ethics.
recognize ethical issues and their implications related to healthcare.
apply ethical behaviors including honesty and integrity in a healthcare setting.
apply procedures for reporting activities and behaviors that affect the health,
safety and welfare of others.
describe religious and cultural values as they impact healthcare services.
demonstrate respect for individual diversity.
8
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Safety Practices
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
Performance Objectives
 infection control.
 personal safety and healthy work habits.
 environmental safety.
 common safety hazards.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Performance Objectives
list personal safety rules.
discuss accident prevention.
discuss types and location of fire extinguishers.
demonstrate office safety.
discuss the importance of ergonomics in the work place.
apply infection control procedures including Standard Precautions
compare the different methods of controlling the growth of microorganisms.
apply personal safety procedures based on Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations.
 apply proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
 apply principles of body mechanics and ergonomics.
 evaluate the environment to demonstrate ability to recognize safe and unsafe
working conditions.
 demonstrate methods of fire prevention in the healthcare setting.
 understand proper safety techniques to prevent accidents and to maintain a safe
work environment.
 recognize Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
 comply with safety signs, symbols and labels.
 understand implications of hazardous materials.
 apply safety principles within a given environments.
 explain an evacuation plan for a healthcare setting.
 execute an emergency plan in response to a natural disaster or other
emergency.
Teamwork
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 health care teams.
 team member participation.
Students will
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understand roles and responsibilities of team members.
apply effective techniques for managing team conflict.
demonstrate the ability to work in teams.
9
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Performance Objectives
Technical Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 duties of a pharmacy technician.
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Performance Objectives
describe the functions that a technician may perform.
describe the functions that a technician may not perform.
discuss confidentiality in the practice of pharmacy.
diagram the general layout of a pharmacy department.
summarize the federal and state agencies and regulations affecting pharmacies.
describe the role of the state Board of Pharmacy.
demonstrate basic computer skills necessary for a pharmacy technician.
Information Technology Applications
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
 information technology.
Students will
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utilize current computer hardware and software.
identify records, files and technology applications common to healthcare.
enter data into computer files using reference tools to ensure accuracy.
maintain security and confidentiality of electronic patient/client information
adhering to workplace policies.
10
Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician
WVEIS 0638
* Core Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (0636) and Orientation to Pharmacy Technician (0637) are
prerequisites for Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician (0638) and require a minimum course completion
score of 80%.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Academic Foundation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
evolution of medicinal drugs.
goal of drug therapy.
drug classifications.
use and function of antibiotics.
use and function of antivirals, antiretrovirals and antifungals.
use and function of antihistamines, decongestants, antitussive and
expectorants.
 use and function of anesthetics, analgesics and narcotics.
 use and function of antidepressants, antipsychotics and antianxiety agents.
 use and function of anticonvulsants and drugs used to treat other central
nervous system disorders.
 use and function of respiratory drugs.
 use and function of gastrointestinal drugs.
 use and function of urinary system drugs.
 use and function of cardiovascular drugs.
 use and function of muscle relaxants, nonnarcotic analgesics and drugs for
arthritis.
 use and function of hormones.
 use and function of topical ophthalmics and otics.
 use and function of recombinant drugs and chemotherapy.
 use and function of vitamins, nutritional supplements, natural supplements and
antidotes.
Students will
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recognize the important figures, events and resources in the development of
pharmacology through the ages.
describe what is meant by pharmacology.
define drugs, identify their sources and explain how they work.
be familiar with the federal laws that regulate drugs and the agencies that
administer them.
be familiar with the procedure for getting a new drug to market.
understand receptors and their function in the mechanisms of drug actions.
be aware of the pharmacokinetics involved in developing and testing drugs.
discuss why some drug effects are beneficial and others can be harmful.
describe the common terms used to describe drug interactions.
list the major classes of drugs.
describe the important actions and/or therapeutic uses for the major classes of
drugs.
describe the most common or most serious adverse effects for the major
11
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classes of drugs.
describe special dispensing precautions for the major classes of drugs.
identify the major types of antibiotics by drug class.
identify indications for the major antibiotics.
define therapeutic effects, side effects and administration routes of major
antibiotics.
use antibiotic and general drug terminology correctly in written and oral
communications.
introduce the student to antivirals, antiretrovirals and antifungals.
differentiate antivirals, antiretrovirals and antifungals by their indications,
therapeutic effects, side effects, dosages and routes of administration.
use antiviral, antiretroviral, and antifungal terminology correctly in written and
oral communications.
define the difference in mechanisms of action of antibiotics, antivirals,
antiretrovirals and antifungals.
understand the differences in antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives and
expectorants.
identify how and when each drug class should be used.
recognize and understand the side effects that may occur with each group.
discuss why some drugs are prescribed for their side effects.
understand the central and peripheral nervous systems, their functions and their
relationship to drugs.
identify the role of neurotransmitters.
identify how drugs affect body systems and where they work in the body.
differentiate general and local anesthesia and identify the functions of these
agents.
define the action of neuromuscular blocking agents in reducing muscle
activity.
distinguish between narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesia.
identify the various types of agents used to treat migraine headaches.
differentiate antidepressants, antipsychotics and antianxiety agents.
discuss the antidepressant classes, their uses and side effects.
identify why and how lithium and other drugs are used in treating bipolar
disorders.
identify antipsychotics and the drugs that prevent their side effects.
define anxiety and its symptoms, and identify the drugs used in its treatment.
recognize the course and treatment of panic disorders, insomnia and
alcoholism.
develop an understanding of the physiologic processes that occur in epilepsy.
classify seizures and the goals of related therapy.
identify specific drugs used in different classes of seizures.
define Parkinson's disease and the drugs used in its treatment.
list the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, attention-deficit disorders, ALS, MS
and Alzheimer's disease and their treatments.
differentiate common pulmonary diseases.
describe the pathophysiology and treatment of asthma.
define the goals of asthma treatment.
discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of emphysema and chronic
12
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bronchitis.
o identify how pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and respiratory distress
syndrome fit into this category of diseases.
describe the reemergence of tuberculosis and of treatment for this disease.
outline common smoking cessation plans and supportive therapy.
describe gastrointestinal physiology and how it impacts GI disease.
identify drug treatments for GI diseases.
identify the chemo-receptor trigger zone (CTZ) and its role in nausea.
o descibe which antiemetics act on the CTZ and their mechanisms of
action.
describe the role of fiber in the digestive process.
discuss gastroesophageal reflux disease and its ramifications.
describe how antidiarrheals work and the agents in this class of drugs.
define laxatives and explain their use and misuse.
describe the use of antiflatulents.
calculate ideal body weight and body mass index.
define obesity.
identify the parasites that invade the human body and treatment for the
diseases they cause.
differentiate the parts of the renal system.
diagram the renal system, describe its importance and how it works.
recognize renal failure and the agents to treat this progressive disease.
identify the causes and treatment of urinary tract infections.
identify the classes of diuretics and how they work.
diagram the cardiovascular system.
differentiate arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction,
angina and hypertension.
identify drugs and treatment for each separate aspect of heart disease.
recognize anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs and know their functions.
discuss stroke and the drugs used to treat it.
identify hyperlipidemia and its role in heart disease and stroke.
define muscle relaxants.
identify different muscle relaxants and their various mechanisms of action.
identify the nonnarcotic analgesics, describe their uses and mechanisms of
action.
define rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
identify agents used to treat arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout; their usage
and side effects.
explain the concept of hormones and how they regulate the body.
discuss thyroid replacement therapy.
discuss adrenal sex hormones and male dysfunction.
describe the concept of estrogen replacement therapy.
discuss the formulation of oral contraceptives.
describe the diseases of the male and female genital system and how to avoid
them.
discuss corticosteroids.
define diabetes and describe the proper treatment and care of patients with
both Type I and II.
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identify the applications for growth hormone.
recognize the skin as an organ.
identify the physiology of the skin.
recognize the classes of antiseptics and disinfectants.
identify the parasites that infest the skin.
identify topical drugs and the conditions they treat.
explain the action of the topical corticosteroids and their application.
recognize the ophthalmic and otic agents and their uses.
discuss recombinant DNA and the process for producing medications in this
manner.
identify colony-stimulating factors and their uses.
describe the immune system and how it works.
summarize the body's defenses.
identify neoplastic disease and the classifications of drugs used in its
treatment.
describe total parenteral nutrition, its purposes, ingredients, stability and
implications.
discuss and identify normal electrolyte levels.
recognize herbs, their values, uses and dangers.
list various types of emergencies and general guidelines for intervention.
identify the importance of the emergency crash cart, its supplies and its
maintenance.
14
Professional Skills and Pharmacy Operations for the Technician
WVEIS 0639
* Core Requirements for Pharmacy Technician (0636), Orientation to Pharmacy Technician (0637) and
Pharmacology for the Pharmacy Technician (0638) are prerequisites for Professional Skills and Pharmacy
Operations for the Technician (0639); all courses require a minimum completion score of 80% in order to
progress to the next course.
Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
Academic Foundation
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
Students will
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Skill Set
Knowledge Objectives
gather patient-specific information.
differentiate between the types of third party payment plans.
use drug information sources to answer questions about medications.
describe the functions of ambulatory care pharmacy practice.
demonstrate knowledge of overall pharmacy operations.
demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy inventory control.
demonstrate knowledge of medication errors.
describe the functions of institutional pharmacy practice.
describe the functions of home care and long-term care pharmacy practice.
demonstrate knowledge, methods and labeling of packaging.
demonstrate knowledge of pharmacy automation.
review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam.
Technical Skills
Students will demonstrate knowledge of
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Performance Objectives
functions of ambulatory care pharmacy practice.
institutional pharmacology.
retail pharmacology.
clinical practice under the supervision of a pharmacist and/or simulate the
clinical experience in a laboratory setting.
Students will
*The following tasks may be performed in clinical practice under the supervision of a
pharmacist or simulate the clinical experience in a laboratory setting:
 practice greeting customers.
 gather patient-specific information.
 retrieve prescriptions or files as necessary.
 perform clerical tasks such as data entry, typing labels and maintaining patient
profiles.
 perform secretarial tasks such as telephoning, filing and typing.
 perform accounting tasks such as record keeping, maintaining accounts
receivables, third party billing and posting
 perform inventory control tasks including monitoring, pricing, dating,
invoicing, stocking pharmacy and preparation of purchase orders.
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help maintain a clean and orderly pharmacy.
apply decision-making techniques.
apply problem-solving techniques.
*The following tasks may be performed under the supervision of a pharmacist in
a clinical training setting:
 count and/or pour medication.
 prepackage (e.g. unit dose) and properly label medications.
 affix the prescription label to the proper container.
 affix auxiliary labels to the container as directed by the pharmacist.
 reconstitute medications (i.e. liquid antibiotics)
 bulk compounding, including such items as non-sterile topical compounds,
sterile bulk solutions for small volume injectables, sterile irrigation solutions
and products prepared in relatively large volume for internal or external use.
 functions involving reconstitution of single dose units of parenteral products
that are to be administered to a given patient as a unit.
 functions involving the addition of one manufacturer's prepared unit (whole or
in part) to another manufacturer's prepared unit, if the unit is to be
administered as one dose to a patient.
 any duties auxiliary personnel are allowed to perform.
 assist the pharmacist in the annual CDS inventory.
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