What to Expect in Online Pharmacy Tech Classes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 6%, which translates to 49,000 job openings each year from 2024 to 2032. 

Therefore, it is the ideal time to switch to allied healthcare and train for this role. However, a lot of students (especially if they are coming from a non-technical background) tend to become overwhelmed or nervous even during the lectures. Also, it doesn’t help the fact that in online sessions, the teacher cannot see your 

nervousness and calm you down. 

But not to worry, here’s everything you need to know before attending your first online lecture of the pharmacy tech program.

1. Everyone is There To Learn

You should understand that everyone in the class is trying to learn, much like yourself. Therefore, there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed. Not to mention that there’s a very high chance that a majority of students are coming from a non-healthcare background. 

So, no reason to feel overwhelmed. 

2. Understanding Interactions

Instructors in these pharmacy tech classes understand well that new students feel overwhelmed and try to ease them into the classes by interacting with them. So, if the teacher is cracking some jokes, just know these are to lighten the mood and not to distract you from the topic. 

While we’re on the topic of interactions, feel free to interact with the instructor as well as your peers to become comfortable with the class. 

NOTE: If you are shy, you can keep your webcam off. 

3. Student Support

If you don’t have any experience of online classes, then chances are you might be confused as to where to seek support or, at the very least, get your concerns addressed. 

It is understandable; however, pharmacy tech programs that are accredited by ACCET offer 24/7 student support. In this, you can reach out to your instructor or one of the representatives to ask a question or raise a concern, and they’ll help you ASAP. 

4. Understanding the Curriculum 

One of the factors or causes of concern for students is that they are unfamiliar with the program and what they’ll learn. 

NOTE: While each provider may tailor their curriculum, you can expect the following structure or approach:

Pharmacology and Drug Classification

This goes without saying, but understanding different types of drugs and how they are classified is one of the most crucial aspects of any pharmacy technician program. You can expect to spend anywhere from a couple of days to a week (in class hours) just learning about these. Pharmacology and drug classification usually cover:

Top 200 drugs in the US market, including their generic and brand names, primary uses, and major side effects.

An overview of the major human body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, etc.) and how different drug classes interact with them.

Understanding various dosage forms (tablets, capsules, suspensions) and administration routes (oral, topical, intravenous).

Pharmaceutical Math and Calculations

Followed by drug classification, online pharmacy tech classes will also dedicate a substantial amount of time to mastering the mathematical skills necessary for preparing medications safely. These lessons often involve interactive simulations and exercises:

Dosage Calculations

Compounding Math

IV Flow Rates

Pharmacy Law, Ethics, and Operations

Much like any other healthcare role, understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession is non-negotiable. Depending on your training provider, it can be either a single class or a series of ongoing lectures. In this, you will learn about the regulatory landscape that governs pharmacy practice, which includes:

Federal and State Laws: Comprehensive review of legislation like the Controlled Substances Act and HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy.

Workflow and Inventory: Learning the procedures for processing prescription orders, managing inventory, ordering supplies, and handling controlled substances securely.

Billing and Reimbursement: Gaining proficiency in the complex world of insurance claims, third-party payers, and Medicare/Medicaid billing processes.