Medical terminology is a foundational course that prepares students for upper level courses. Students in the course learn to recognize and understand the medications and illness involved in medicine. These are words that those in the medical community, including pharmacy technicians, can expect to use on a regular basis.
Students in a pharmacology course learn about the properties of drugs and their interactions with the human body. The course covers topics in hormones, cardiovascular agents, nutritional products and respiratory drugs. Opportunities are available for students to learn about the side effects of drugs and generic names.
A pharmacy calculations course teaches students to operate a pharmacy dispensing system. Focus is placed on prescription processing through the use of a computer. Students also learn how to properly understand and complete dosage forms and recognize the similarities and differences between capsules, syrups, tablets, topical ointment, solutions and aerosols.
An issues in pharmacy technology course teaches students about the ethics involved in the field and the consequences of forging prescriptions and adjusting medications. Students learn about the role that pharmacy technicians play in the pharmaceutical industry and their relationship with patients. Topics also include behavior, professional judgment and discriminatory practices.
Students taking a clinical practicum course are required to work in a pharmacy setting and learn under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and pharmacy technician. This is an opportunity for students to develop communication skills, understand pharmacy operations, use pharmaceutical computer programs, prepare medications and operate computers.