Course Description

This course combines a two-day live workshop and process validations, along with pre-course reading, and significant online/distance learning (DIL) coursework, followed by three, proctored, written examinations, to train pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in sterile compounding and aseptic technique (SCAT). All course activities are designed to be completed within a two-month time-frame; however, motivated students may be able to move through the online coursework and written testing more quickly. The two-day, hands-on workshop is held in our state-of-the-art training facility in Austin, Texas. All other coursework is completed online using our Blackboard Learning Management System. This course requires significant preparatory work to be ready for the rigorous live workshop. The live workshop will be comprised of a brief review of USP<797>; standards and basic aseptic technique principles, followed by a series of process validation procedures which include: aseptic garbing and hand washing, hood cleaning, large and small volume parenteral preparation, ampule preparation, etc. The total estimated time required to complete this course is 40 hours (live workshop combined with home-study); may be spread out over a period of from 2-weeks up to one- semester, depending on course section. This course is designed to train pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in basic sterile compounding and aseptic technique principles based on current USP<797> standards. CPE activity completers will receive a frame-able certificate of completion and upload of ACPE credit of 4.0 CEUs (40 hours) into CPE monitor. This is a Practice-Based activity. NOTE: this course meets the requirements for accredited training defined by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy in TAC 291.133. Prerequisites: Certified (PTCB) pharmacy technician and/or registered pharmacy technician; or registered pharmacist or pharmacy intern; or be enrolled in or have completed an ASHP/ACPE-Accredited Pharmacy Technician Program or ACPE Accredited College of Pharmacy, or have a minimum of six months of pharmacy experience. Preferred: ≥ two years of pharmacy experience and ≥ 6 months of direct sterile compounding experience. Note: Departmental approval is required via completion of the online petition. PHRA 1091 is a hybrid course with a laboratory (face-to-face) and an online (DIL) component. MANDATORY Online orientation and coursework will be found in Blackboard at acconline.austincc.edu. There will be two MANDATORY Labs at EVC Room Number 9213 from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., only on the noted dates for each section below. For questions, contact the instructor listed. There is significant preparatory coursework that must be completed prior to the live meeting date. This course is restricted to qualified CE students that are petitioned into the class.