PHAR2070 Advanced Pharmacy Technology Practicum

Course Description

Continues the development of student knowledge and skills applicable to pharmacy technology practice. Topics include: dispensing responsibilities, physician orders, controlled substances, hyperalimentation, chemotherapy, patient profiles, pharmacy data systems, ophthalmic preparations, and hospital/retail/home health pharmacy techniques.

Credit Hours

Prerequisites

COMP 1000; PHAR 1030; PHAR 1050;

Terms Offered

Every Fall and Spring

Outcomes

Chemotherapy

Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of a chemotherapy log.

Demonstrate the appropriate use of a spill kit.

Demonstrate and demonstrate the various pieces of available protective equipment used for handling cytotoxic agents.

Demonstrate proper use of a vertical flow hood in chemotherapy product handling/preparation.

Demonstrate the preparation of not less than three cytotoxic drug products.

Demonstrate proper packaging for transport of cytotoxic drug products.

Demonstrate the proper storage for prepared and unprepared cytotoxic drug products.

Controlled Substances

Define controlled substance.

Differentiate between Federal and State definitions of controlled substances.

Differentiate between the controlled substance schedules.

Give examples of drugs that fall into each schedule.

Order controlled substances.

Describe the requirements any pharmacy must meet to order controlled substances.

Describe the procedure used to order a schedule II controlled substance and a schedule III-V controlled substance.

Describe the verification of a controlled substance shipment.

Discuss the added responsibility in receiving controlled substances.

Describe recordkeeping requirements.

State the length of time all ordering/ inventory controlled substance records must be kept.

Describe the difference between biennial inventory requirements for schedule II controlled substances and those for schedule III-V controlled substances.

Describe the advantages of perpetual inventory systems.

Describe the differences between storage requirements for schedule II controlled substances and those for schedule III-V controlled substances.

Describe the proper means of intrahospital controlled substance requisitions.

Give advantages and disadvantages of the single sheet/modified sheet system, the schedule sheet system, the special issue sheet system, and the Pyxis/Documed systems.

Describe the procedure for handling returned controlled substance doses.

Differentiate between the nursing/ pharmacy procedures involving the return of partial and unopened doses.

Describe the use of the controlled substance discrepancy form.

List the additional information required on a controlled substance prescription.

Describe the dispensing procedure, including recordkeeping for schedule II, schedule III-V, and exempt schedule V controlled substances.

Differentiate between small scale and large scale controlled substance destruction.

Describe the procedures and recordkeeping involved in destruction of large amounts of controlled substances.

Dispensing Responsibilities

Prepare inpatient nonparenteral medication order or prescription.

Prepare inpatient parenteral medication order or prescription.

Prepare outpatient or retail prescription.

Package and label all medications.

HospitalRetailHome Health Pharmacy Techniques

Illustrate and interpret the institution's organizational chart considering the responsibilities of the pharmacy director and the Pharmacy Department personnel.

Recite the general responsibilities and job status of personnel in other institutional departments with whom the technologist will have contact when carrying out assigned duties and activities.

Locate major hospital departments and service units.

Escort another person to any department or unit.

State at least three reasons for patient information confidentiality.

Report at least five reasons for initiation of a disciplinary action in the institution (e.g., absenteeism, tardiness, incompetency, dishonesty, etc.).

State institutional and departmental policies applicable to each of the pharmacy job responsibilities.

Describe the procedure for each pharmacy job responsibility.

Follow verbal face-to-face communication as well as correct telephone communication techniques to be used when receiving and initiating calls.

Prepare a written communication conveying a change in procedure.

Cite at least 10 examples of "a decision requiring a pharmacist's judgment."

State legal aspects of technologist functions, such as accountability, pharmacy regulations, and use and storage of controlled substances.

List transcription techniques, abbreviations, and symbols used to effect order transcription.

Use various weighing and measuring techniques.

List inventory control techniques.

Demonstrate techniques of audits/inspection.

List pricing techniques.

Demonstrate packaging techniques.

Demonstrate recordkeeping techniques for various medication types (e.g., controlled substances, investigational drugs).

Complete monetary transactions.

Communicate face-to-face with customers and exhibit good public relations.

Explain third party payment forms.

Complete third party payment forms.

Suggest over-the-counter products and supplies for minor injuries and ailments.

Select correct syringes, needles, and supplies for diabetics, etc.

Receive and initiate calls.

Transfer the correct prescription to the correct patient.

Measure ingredients using various measuring devices.

Describe durable medical equipment and the selection process for customers.

Explain inventory control/ordering techniques and the required recordkeeping.

Receive complete patient information by telephone for enrollment in home health program services.

Explain third party payment forms.

Complete third party payment forms.

Communicate with third party provider(s) in solving problems or assuring coverage of services.

Describe filing systems for patient information.

Discuss recordkeeping for any medication dispensed and product/device sold.

PriceFind medication dispensed and products/devices sold.

Promote legal requirements of technologists in relation to duties performed/responsibilities carried out.

Explain inventory control/ordering techniques and the required recordkeeping.

Hyperalimentation

Demonstrate understanding of various types of hyperalimentation (TPN) and conditions for use.

Demonstrate proper handling of products used in TPN preparation.

Demonstrate TPN preparation using both an automatic compounding device and syringe method.

Demonstrate appropriate use of bags, spikes, sets, and filters used in TPN preparation.

Demonstrate the appropriate "set up" of an automatic compounding/mixing device using associated supplies.

Demonstrate an aseptic change or add-on of supplies/products to an automatic compounder.

Demonstrate proper techniques in handling, labeling, and storing TPN products.

Demonstrate proper recordkeeping for TPN preparations.

Ophthalmic Preparations

Demonstrate the preparation of an ophthalmic preparation using sterile technique.

Demonstrate the proper preparation and filtration of an appropriate ophthalmic preparation used in surgical procedures (e.g., local injections, etc.).

Demonstrate proper area preparation, proper container(s)/ devices and sizes, and proper labeling and storage of sterile ophthalmic preparations.

Demonstrate the appropriate ingredients check prior to and after the preparation of an ophthalmic preparation.

Demonstrate the local administration of ophthalmic medications in various dosage forms (e.g., solutions, suspensions, and ointments).

Patient Profiles

Explain the information required in a patient profile.

Compare manipulations required in computerized and manual patient profiles.

Pharmacy Data Systems

Demonstrate the use of FAX machines to send and receive data.

Use a computer terminal and printer to record and retrieve pharmacy data.

Demonstrate at least six different uses of computer systems in modern pharmacy.

Demonstrate the use of protected access for security of computer maintained pharmacy records.

Build a computerized patient profile.

Demonstrate the disposition of computer maintained records within the laws of pharmacy.

Demonstrate computer use to check prices, order drug products, and locate usage/volume reports.

Demonstrate computer use to check and maintain inventory/reorder levels and to take actual physical inventory.

Demonstrate computer use to generate all elements of ambulatory patient prescriptions (e.g., storing information for refills, pricing, etc.).

Demonstrate computer use to prepare various types of labels (e.g., IV labels, prescription labels, extemporaneous preparation labels, etc.)

Demonstrate the ability to correctly maintain computer hardware, including cleaning, replacing ribbon/ ink, and replenishing paper/labels.

Physician Orders

Transcribe any number of medication orders or prescriptions accurately.

Translate any common Latin abbreviations used in a pharmacy to English equivalents.

Required Textbooks/Materials

No Textbooks Needed

Institutional Mission

Atlanta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides lifelong educational opportunities and experiences through academic and innovative career preparation, service learning, and multiple program delivery modalities that lead to technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees and make student development and success possible in a competitive global economy

Required Technology

Participation in online courses requires reliable technology that meets current Blackboard Ultra and Respondus LockDown Browser standards.

A desktop or laptop computer running a supported operating system is required: Windows 10 or 11, macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later, or Chrome OS. Tablets and smartphones may be used to check announcements or view content; however, these devices are not reliable for completing assignments, quizzes, or exams, and some tools may not function as expected. Chromebooks may allow basic access but do not support all features or proctored testing tools.

The latest version of Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Blackboard Ultra. Browsers should be kept up to date, with cookies and pop-ups enabled for full functionality.

A stable broadband internet connection (DSL or cable recommended) is required. A wired connection is strongly advised during tests or video conferencing sessions to prevent interruptions.

Recommended software includes Microsoft 365 (available to ATC students at no cost), Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing PDF files, and up-to-date audio and video drivers for multimedia use. Systems should maintain current antivirus protection and regular updates to ensure compatibility and security.

For best performance, browsers should be cleared of cached data regularly, and Blackboard’s Browser Checker (available on the Blackboard login page) should be used to verify system compatibility.

Blackboard

Once you have access to Blackboard you will be enrolled in the Student Learning Community Organization (SLC). The SLC offers Blackboard training and other valuable college resources.

Select this link to review the Bb Technical Support Guide

Attendance

The educational programs at Atlanta Technical College reflect those requirements and standards that are necessary for future successful employment in business and industry. Employers expect their employees to be present and to be on time for work each and every day. Likewise, Atlanta Technical College expects each student to be present and to be on time each and every day for all classes. Absences prevent students from receiving full course benefits, disrupt orderly course progress, and diminish the quality of group interaction in class. The college considers both tardiness and early departure from class as forms of absenteeism.

Instructors have both the right and the responsibility to develop reasonable attendance expectations appropriate to the type, level, delivery method, and frequency of class meetings for their courses; communicate the expectations to students clearly via their syllabi addenda; and apply the consequences of failing to meet the expectations fairly and consistently to all enrolled students.

Instructors are responsible for determining whether work missed may be made up, and any make-up work allowed is scheduled at the discretion of instructors. Procedures for make-up work are detailed in syllabi addenda.

Documented absences for military duty, observed religious holidays, judicial proceedings in response to a subpoena, summons for jury duty, or other court-ordered process which requires the attendance of the student at the judicial proceeding are excused. Students absent from class for any reason are still responsible for all work missed. Students should enroll only in those classes that they can reasonably expect to attend on a regular basis.

Students who stop attending classes without officially withdrawing from class risk earning a final grade of F. If a student does not officially withdraw the instructor may issue a final grade of F and the last date of attendance, which will be last day that the student attended class or participated in an academically related activity.

In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, students are expected to continue participating in learning activities via Blackboard, @student.atlantatech.edu email account, or other modality.

Failure to attend class the first week may result in students being turned in as no-shows. See No-Show Policy for further information.

Course Withdrawal

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

The sole responsibility to officially withdraw from any class(es) or the College lies with the student. The effective date of withdrawal is the date the student notifies the college of the withdrawal.
Students have the privilege of dropping a course during the first three instructional days of each semester, through their BANNERWEB account, without the drop becoming a part of your permanent academic record and without it affecting your financial aid.

Please remember, any amount charged against student financial aid (PELL/Scholarships...etc.) in the bookstore will be owed back to the College.

The following criteria has been established for students who elect to withdraw after the third day of classes:

Beginning the fourth day of the term and through 60% of the term, students can withdraw from classes via their BANNERWEB account. Students who elect to withdraw during this period will receive a grade of “W” on the official academic record and will not receive a refund of applicable tuition and fees.
After the “W” (or 60%) through the end of the term (last day of class), students can withdraw from classes via their BANNERWEB account. Students who elect to withdraw during this period will receive a grade of “F” on the official academic record and will not receive a refund of applicable tuition and fees.
Students are prohibited from withdrawing from any class(es) during final exam week.

Students who choose to not withdraw from classes will be classified as abandoning the course. Abandoning a course instead of following official withdrawal procedures may result in a failing grade assigned by the instructor and financial aid adjustments to the student’s account, if applicable.

HARDSHIP WITHDRAWAL

The intent of a “Hardship Withdrawal” is to remove the negative effect of absences that are beyond the control of the student - if those absences affected the student’s ability to withdraw by the deadline or occurred after the posted withdrawal deadline.
The hardship withdrawal submission period opens after the W (or 60%) posted date. A hardship withdrawal, if approved, is defined as a withdrawal after the 60% deadline. A student may petition for a hardship withdrawal by submitting the “Hardship Withdraw Request Form” from the Office of the Registrar. Hardship withdrawals MUST be requested no later than the end of the following semester for which the withdrawal is requested.
• (e.g.- to submit a request for a Spring Semester course, the Office of the Registrar must receive the request no later than the last day of the Summer Semester).
Examples of a reason to submit a hardship withdrawal includes, but is not limited to, hospitalization of the student, death in the immediate family, or military duty. A request must include verifying documentation of the extenuating circumstances.
If a hardship withdrawal is requested/granted, it will include all classes for the given term. Only one hardship withdrawal is allowed per student while enrolled at ATC. The final decision as decided by the Office of Academic & Student Affairs regarding the hardship withdrawal is final and not subject to appeal.

Grading Scale

Grades are issued at the end of each semester. A grade of "C" or better is required for most programs in all classes for graduation. However, there are some programs that may require a “B” or better; therefore, it is recommended that students consult with their specific program advisor.

Grades	Numerical Equivalent	Grade Points
A	90-100	4
B	80-89	3
C	70-79	2
D	60-69	1
F	0-59	0

Other grades allowed by Atlanta Technical College include:

EX	Exempted by Examination	Not Computed
W	Withdrew	Not Computed (Only Given Before 60% Deadline)
TR	Transfer Credit	Not Computed (Displayed as TRA, TRB, or TRC – See Below)
AU	Audited	Not Computed
S	Satisfactory	Not Computed
U	Unsatisfactory	Not Computed
I	Incomplete*	Not Computed

*Course Requirements for removal of an incomplete must be satisfactorily completed prior to the following semester’s mid-term date.

I Indicates that student has an "incomplete" but has satisfactorily completed a substantial portion of the course work. For NON-ACADEMIC reasons beyond their control, the student has not been able to complete some specific part or amount of the work required. An "I" must be satisfactorily changed to a letter grade by the midpoint of the next semester, or it will be changed to the grade of "F" by the Office of Enrollment Services. Students must get approval from the instructor prior to the end of the semester to be eligible for an "I" grade. No credit is given and no grade points are calculated.

IP Indicates that a course continues beyond the end of the semester. An “IP” must be satisfactorily changed to a letter grade by the midpoint of the next semester, or it will be changed to the grade of “F” by the Office of Enrollment Services. No Credit is given and no grade points are calculated.

W Students who withdraw before the 60% point of the semester receive a grade of “W” Withdrew. No credit is given and no grade points are calculated.

EXE Indicates that a student has exempted a course through examination or through the articulated Tech Prep programs. Credit is given but grade points are not calculated. Instructors must submit an Exemption Form to the Office of Enrollment Services to report an exemption.

EXP Indicates the student has been awarded transfer credit though essential learning/prior learning assessment

TR Indicates that a student has been awarded transfer credit from AP. CLEP or IB examinations.

TRA, TRB, TRC Indicates that a student has been awarded transfer credit from another institution. Credit is given but no grade points are calculated. If a student earns credit for a course taken at Atlanta Technical College for which transfer credit has been awarded, then the transfer credit will be deleted from the student's record.

TRM Indicates that a student has been awarded transfer credit from their military experience.

AC Indicates articulated credit earned by students as a part of formal articulation agreements.

AU Indicates an audited course. No grade is given, no credit hours are earned and grade points are not calculated. Auditing a course must be initiated during the registration process. Approval for an audit cannot be granted after participation in classroom instruction. Instructors must submit an Audit Form to the Office of Enrollment Services to report an audit. Audited classes are not eligible for financial aid.

Z indicates students whose academic performance was affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. A grade of Z is the functional equivalent of a grade of W; the course in which a student received a Z grade does factor into total credit hours attempted for financial aid calculations but does not affect overall GPA.

Student Handbook

All policies and procedures are listed in the Student Handbook, including procedures for filing a grievance. Select this link to review the Student Handbook .

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected at all times. Any student found to have engaged in academic misconduct such as cheating, plagiarism, or collusion is subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct detailed in the ATC Catalog and Student Handbook.

Essential Workplace Skills

A Workplace Essential Skills grade will be given each semester for specified courses. The Workplace Essential Skills grade will not affect the academic grade point average (GPA) of a student; that is, Workplace Essential Skills grades remain separate from academic grades. Workplace Essential Skills grades will be reported each semester.

The Workplace Essential Skills program is designed to evaluate and encourage good work habits that ensure job retention and career advancement.

Employability skills refer to the basic academic, interpersonal, reasoning, problem solving skills, and Workplace Essential Skills that, when transferred to the occupational settings, facilitate job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

The Essential Workplace Skills:

1. Leadership
2. Communication
3. Organization
4. Productivity
5. Teamwork
6. Professionalism
7. Resourcefulness

Students of core and program courses will receive a Workplace Essential Skills grade. Instructors will give Workplace Essential Skills assignments throughout the semester. Workplace Essential Skills grades are optional for developmental courses and for grades of W, WF, or WP. Workplace Essential Skills grades will not be used for grades of AC, AU, EX, I, IP, or TR.

Approved Workplace Essential Skills Grades

3 = Exceeds Expectations

2 = Meets Expectations

1 = Needs Improvement

0 = Unacceptable

Bookstore

Most books and supplies are available at the college bookstore. Books may be purchased there or rented at a reduced rate: Atlanta Tech Bookstore

Learning Resources

The student is expected and encouraged to use the school library which is located on the main campus in building G. The library has media equipment for faculty and staff use for instructional purposes. There are over 130 computers, a multimedia room equipped with audio and audiovisual resources, and printing, copying, faxing, and scanning services. Seating is available throughout the library along with study carrels, six study rooms for reserve, one conference room and a Digital Classroom used for class instruction. Atlanta Technical College's library operating hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Students may use the library located at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, or any other library within their access, to gather further information about the topic under discussion in class, or about any topic of interest to the student. If a particular resource cannot be obtained at the ATC Library, a student may use the Interlibrary Loan (ILL) service to locate the item(s). This service borrows books, articles and other resources from other libraries within the region. The ILL form may be accessed via the webpage under the Library’s home page. Students are also expected and encouraged to use available Internet resources, as well as relevant periodicals, books, and electronic resources. Most course textbooks may be checked out for a two-hour, in-house library use only.

Tutorial Support

Tutorial support is available by each instructor during designated office hours. Remediation/tutorial support may be teacher or student initiated depending on the student’s progress. Several programs of study offer services through peer counselors and mentors. Atlanta Technical College also offers math, English, reading, and study skills tutorials through the Academic Success Center. Located in room 2118, the Academic Success Center provides an open study area, face-to-face tutorial, Internet access, and various tutorial computer software. Students may also find out how to access our 24/7 online tutorial programs by visiting the Academic Success Center. The Academic Success Center’s operating hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid office is located in the Dennard Building, Room 125, and the phone number is 404.225.4716. Financial Aid information, resources, and specialists are located on our Atlanta Tech website: Financial Aid.

For information about tuition & fees, refunds and payment plans visit The Office of Student Accounts.

Non-Discrimination Policy

As set forth in its student catalog, Atlanta Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law). For further information regarding these laws (Title VI and IX) contact the College's Title IX, Section 504 Coordinator in the Student Support Services office in the Academic Building, Suite C1109.

For more information about Title VI and Title IX, contact the College’s Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator in the Student Support Services Office, Academic Building, Suite C1109.

American with Disabilities Act

Atlanta Technical College strives to provide equal access to education for all students. Students with a documented disability are eligible to receive reasonable academic adjustments and auxiliary aids in the classroom and/or for testing at Atlanta Technical College once the appropriate documentation of the disability has been submitted to the Director of Student Services.

To request reasonable accommodations upon enrollment (Section 504/ADA), please contact the Resource Accommodation Specialist located in the Student Support Services office at Atlanta Technical College, Academic and Student Affairs Division, Academic Building, Suite C1109.

Special Populations

Special Populations services are available to meet the needs of qualifying students. Services include but are not limited to workshops and training on educational, employability, and life skills; institutional and community resources and referrals; and resource fairs. Special populations include:

Single Parents - Individual with custody of a minor child or children.
Single Pregnant Women.
Displaced Homemakers - Adults who have been dependent on the income of a family member and no longer supported by that income, have been performing unpaid labor in the home and as a result have diminished marketable skills, and have difficulty securing employment.
Economically Disadvantaged - Any student who is a Pell Grant recipient, or is receiving federal assistance such as Food Stamps and/or Medicaid.
Individuals with other barriers to educational achievement, including individuals with limited English proficiency.

Please complete the Special Populations form State Enrollment System Information Form if you would like more information on the types of services available and if you qualify.

The Atlanta Technical College Resource Accommodation Specialist is located in the Student Support Services office in the Academic and Student Affairs Division, Academic Building, Suite C1109.

Warranty

Curriculum standards have been developed with direct involvement of business and industry. These standards serve as the industry-validated specifications for each occupational program. The TCSG guarantee to every one of our students is this: If one of our graduates educated under a standard program or his/her employer finds that the graduate is deficient in one or more competencies as defined in the standards, the technical college will retrain the employee at no instructional cost to the employee or the employer. This guarantee is in effect for a period of two years after graduation.

Accreditation

Atlanta Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Atlanta Technical College may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Atlanta Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Continuation of Instruction Plan

All classes at Atlanta Technical College use the Blackboard Learning Management System which allows for the continuation of classes even if the school is closed due to inclement weather or any other reason. In the event of school closure, continue to work on your class through Blackboard and be sure to check your Blackboard course and student email for class information from your instructor.