TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review

In this episode, we continue our focused review of high-frequency prescription medications every pharmacy technician must recognize for the PTCB exam. This installment builds on prior episodes by reinforcing drug name familiarity, therapeutic classifications, and brand-to-generic connections commonly tested on the exam. The goal is to sharpen recall, improve accuracy under exam conditions, and str...

In this episode, we continue our high-yield review of the most commonly prescribed medications that pharmacy technicians are expected to recognize on the PTCB exam. You’ll strengthen your understanding of drug names, therapeutic classes, and brand-to-generic relationships, with an emphasis on medications frequently encountered in retail and clinical pharmacy settings. This episode is designed to i...

In this episode, we continue our review of the most commonly prescribed medications tested on the PTCB exam. You’ll reinforce knowledge of drug names, therapeutic classes, and brand-to-generic equivalents, with a focus on medications pharmacy technicians see every day. This episode is designed to improve recall speed, reduce test-day confusion, and strengthen your overall pharmacology foundation....

In this episode, we begin our breakdown of the top prescribed medications that pharmacy technicians must know for the PTCB exam. You’ll review common drug names, classifications, and brand-to-generic conversions, along with tips to help memorize mechanisms of action and therapeutic uses. This focused session helps reinforce pharmacology knowledge essential for exam success and daily pharmacy pract...

In this episode, we cover the core principles of pharmacy compliance, an essential topic for every technician preparing for the PTCB exam. You’ll learn how federal and state laws regulate pharmacy operations, including topics like controlled substance management, recordkeeping, and HIPAA privacy standards. The episode also reviews the roles of regulatory agencies such as the DEA, FDA, and State Bo...

In this episode, we explore the major drug classifications that every pharmacy technician must know for the PTCB exam and daily practice. Learn the difference between legend drugs, over-the-counter medications, controlled substances, and behind-the-counter products. We’ll also discuss drug schedules, their levels of control under the DEA, and how to identify common examples from each category to b...

In this episode, we explore the key principles of inventory control in pharmacy operations, an important concept for both the PTCB exam and real-world practice. You’ll learn how pharmacies manage ordering, receiving, storing, and tracking medications to ensure availability while minimizing waste and loss. The episode also covers controlled substance monitoring, recall procedures, and the role of p...

In this episode, we review the essential tools and equipment used in non-sterile and sterile compounding, a key area of the PTCB exam and pharmacy practice. You’ll learn the purpose and proper handling of items such as mortar and pestles, balances, graduated cylinders, and spatulas, along with how to ensure precision and cleanliness in the compounding process. We also discuss USP standards, calibr...

In this episode, we take a closer look at non-sterile compounding, a key concept on the PTCB exam and an essential skill for pharmacy technicians. You’ll learn about the types of non-sterile compounds, including ointments, creams, capsules, and suspensions, as well as the USP <795> standards that guide their preparation. We’ll also cover safety protocols, labeling requirements, and best prac...

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of patient counseling, a critical component of pharmacy practice that every technician should understand. Learn when and how counseling is required, what information must be communicated to patients, and how technicians can support pharmacists in promoting safe medication use. We also review common barriers to effective communication and strategies for...

In this episode, we focus on one of the most critical areas of pharmacy practice and the PTCB exam: medication errors and patient safety. You’ll learn about the different types of medication errors, their common causes, and the strategies used in pharmacies to prevent them. We also discuss key safety systems such as bar-code verification, tall man lettering, and look-alike/sound-alike precautions....

In this episode, we break down the proper procedures for drug disposal, a key area of both pharmacy practice and the PTCB exam. Learn the correct steps for handling expired, unused, or hazardous medications, including DEA guidelines for controlled substances and the environmental considerations of pharmaceutical waste. This rapid review makes it easy to understand what to do, what not to do, and h...

In this episode, we highlight special considerations in pharmacy practice that every technician must understand for both the PTCB exam and daily workflow. From handling hazardous medications to addressing pediatric and geriatric dosing needs, we cover the unique guidelines that ensure patient safety and compliance with federal standards. This focused session reinforces often-overlooked details tha...

In this episode, we review the essential principles of medication storage and stability, a topic frequently tested on the PTCB exam and critical for safe pharmacy practice. Learn how temperature, light, humidity, and handling impact drug stability, and get a clear understanding of USP guidelines for proper storage. We also cover common storage requirements for refrigerated, frozen, and room-temper...

In this episode, we review the most common dosage forms and routes of medication administration featured on the PTCB exam. From oral tablets and capsules to transdermal patches, inhalers, injections, and topical creams, we explain how each form works and why it matters. You’ll also learn how to quickly identify the correct route of administration based on the medication form, boosting both your ex...

Course Overview: In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we take a focused look at Pharmacy Regulations, one of the most heavily tested sections on the PTCB exam. You'll learn about key federal agencies like the FDA, DEA, and OSHA, along with essential laws including the Controlled Substances Act, HIPAA, and the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act. We simplify what you need to memorize, ex...