PTEC 117 Fundamentals of Product Distribution provides an introduction to pharmacy language, drug dosage forms, routes of administration, and techniques and procedures required to implement safe and efficient drug distribution. Students explore drug distribution systems and the path of a prescription / drug order for release of product. Students access resources to support evidence-informed decision-making. Factors that contribute to errors in product distribution are examined and actions to prevent occurrence are discussed.
Prerequisites: PTEC 102 with a minimum of 80%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 8 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 120 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 15 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Interpret medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols used in prescribing, dispensing, and managing pharmacy records
- Use appropriate resources to accurately identify generic and brand name medications and support evidence-informed decisions
- Describe the key characteristics of dosage forms, routes of administration, and drug delivery systems
- Explain the prescription order process, and the required steps in the pharmacy workflow before it is released to the patient
- Outline the collaborative roles and responsibilities of pharmacy team members in the workflow, ensuring patient safety
- Compare community and hospital drug distribution systems, ensuring patient safety components are addressed
- Recognize common medication incidents, their causes, and how to prevent them
- Identify pharmacy initiatives for climate sustainability and reduced environmental impact
Teaching and Learning Approach
Students build a foundational understanding of product distribution in pharmacy practice by utilizing course
resources and textbook material. Guided course discussions are designed to deepen knowledge of pharmacy
terminology, dosage forms, techniques, and procedures necessary for safe practice. Self-assessment is
integrated into discussions and assignments to promote personal growth and reflection. Quizzes are used as
formative assessments to gauge understanding and reinforce key concepts, while the midterm and final exam
evaluates students understanding of the course content.Learning Resources
Required:
7th
McKennon, S. A. and Anderson, R. J. (2020). Pharmacy Practice for Technicians. ( ed.). Minneapolis MN:
Paradigm Education Solutions.
McKennon, S., Alvarez, S. & Danielson, J. (2021). Pharmacology for technicians (7th ed.). Minneapolis, MN:
Paradigm Education Solutions.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Introduction to pharmacy and drug distribution History and function of pharmacy, role/scope of practice of technician/pharmacist in distribution Pharmacy references to support pharmacy structure – Health Canada, FDA, federal and provincial law resources
2. Drug basics Drug and supplement overview References to support drugs in the pharmacy Pharmacy language/products Abbreviations, SIG codes Dispensary definitions, Uses and forms of products, Routes of administration Pharmacy calculation terms
3. Midterm assessment activities Dispensing basics Documentation Patient records Parts of a prescription/med order/label Billing and 3rd party basics Safety Environmental impact
4. Distribution systems basics Institutional systems Community systems Inventory management Software and Technology Packaging and administration devices
5. Product preparation basics Sterile and non-sterile compounding Non-drug products Infection control Pharmacy equipment
6. Final examAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Quizzes | 1-7 | 20% |
| Group collaboration | 1-7 | 20% |
| Midterm assessment | 1-7 | 30% |
| Final assessment | 1-7 | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Nursing Unit Clerk, Medical Transcription, Editing and Documentation, and Pharmacy Technician Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 96 - 100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 92-95 |
A |
4.00 |
| 89-91 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 86-88 |
B |
3.00 |
| 83-85 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 80-82 |
C |
2.00 |
| 79 & lower |
F |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.