PTEC 223 Institutional Dispensing and Sterile Product Preparation

School of Health and Human Services

PTEC 223 Institutional Dispensing and Sterile Product Preparation is a experiential lab course in which students learn the aseptic skills required to prepare a variety of parenteral products. Students apply the knowledge and skills acquired from previous theory courses to process and dispense prescriptions safely, efficiently and effectively in hospital practice settings. Students practice the technical aspects of processing prescriptions including interpreting prescriptions, performing calculations, documentation, and verification. Principles of inventory management and best practices in pharmacy record keeping are integrated into the learning activities. Safety, dosage calculations, incompatibilities, sterile procedure, and quality assurance controls are emphasized.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Semester 3 in the PTEC Program

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.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks2.4
Total Credits
Total Hours90
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lab (lab, field, computer)37.5

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the principles of infection control and aseptic technique during sterile product preparation
  2. Distinguish working areas and associated equipment used for institutional and sterile product preparation
  3. Prepare a variety of sterile parenteral preparations according to applicable compounding standards
  4. Process and prepare medication orders and verify the technical aspects of the prescription to ensure accuracy in accordance with policies and regulations
  5. Adhere to quality assurance and risk management policies when dispensing medications and compounding sterile products
  6. Apply ethical principles and demonstrate professional behaviour in the lab setting

Teaching and Learning Approach

This course is delivered in a face-to-face, in-class laboratory format and builds on students’ foundational knowledge of hospital pharmacy practice. The lab uses an experiential, learner-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on skill development, application of knowledge, and real-world institutional pharmacy practice. Learning occurs through a combination of live demonstrations, guided practice, simulation activities, and collaborative problem-solving. Students will engage in authentic lab-based tasks such as sterile compounding, medication reconciliation, and technical verification, mirroring current hospital pharmacy workflows and standards (e.g., NAPRA Model Standards). Instruction is scaffolded using a demonstration → practice → feedback → reflection model. The instructor models procedures (e.g., aseptic technique, garbing, sterile manipulation), followed by structured student practice with real-time coaching and feedback. Opportunities for repetition and skill refinement are embedded to support competence, confidence, and accuracy in technical tasks. The course is guided by trauma-informed and inclusive teaching practices, fostering a psychologically safe and supportive lab environment. Clear expectations, step-by-step guidance, and supportive feedback are provided to reduce anxiety and support skill acquisition. Learners are encouraged to ask questions, learn from errors, and build confidence through practice. Emphasis is placed on medication safety, accuracy, and accountability, recognizing the critical role of pharmacy technicians in patient care. Professional behaviours, communication, and teamwork are reinforced throughout all lab activities.

Learning Resources

Students will use the following resources to complete learning activities and assessments: NAPRA Principles of Professionalism NAPRA Culture of Professionalism NAPRA Entry-to-Practice Competencies CPBC Framework of Professionalism USP Packaging Practice USP <1178> Good Repackaging Practices NAPRA Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Hazardous Sterile Preparations NAPRA Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-hazardous Sterile Preparations

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Days 1 to 3: Professionalism & Sterile Compounding 2. Day 3 to 5: Sterile Product Preparation 3. Day 6 to 8 4. Day 8 to 10: Sterile Compounding & Institutional Drug Distribution 5. Day 11 & 12: Best Possible Medication History, Hazardous Drug Dispensing, and Final Verification of Medications

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Assignments:LO 1 - 530%
AssessmentsLO 1 - 530%
100% Accuracy Final Verification AssessmentLO 410%
Professionalism Practical Competency Evaluation: Glove fingertipLO 65%
sampling and media fill testLO 1, 2, 3, & 525%
Total100%

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.