Start your journey to PTCB exam success today with our self-paced course, designed to get you fully prepared at your own speed. Our course is built around industry-trusted teaching methods, carefully crafted to ensure you understand key concepts and excel on your exam. With the backing of our professional expertise, you'll gain access to a wealth of resources, including interactive lessons, practice exams, and expert tips to help you master every topic. Whether you have a tight schedule or prefer to study at your own pace, our flexible course structure allows you to tailor your learning experience to fit your needs. Benefit from our proven strategies and dedicated support to boost your confidence and readiness for the PTCB exam, ensuring you walk in fully prepared and ready to succeed!
Course Content
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