TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review

PharmTechReview.com
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TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review is a high-impact podcast designed for pharmacy technicians preparing for the PTCB exam. Each episode provides concise, targeted reviews of essential exam topics, including drug classifications, pharmacy law, and dosage calculations. Perfect for studying on the go, this podcast helps listeners quickly and efficiently reinforce key concepts. Tune in weekly and visit PharmTechReview.com for free practice tests, flashcards, and more.

  1. 6d ago

    Basic Pharmacy Calculations

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review basic pharmacy calculations with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. This episode builds the mathematical foundation needed for pharmacy calculations, covering measurement systems, unit conversions, Roman numerals, fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions. Accurate calculations are essential for prescription processing, medication dosing, dispensing quantities, and pharmacy operations. You'll learn how to convert between common units of measurement, calculate medication quantities and days' supply, interpret military time, and solve temperature, body surface area, and business calculation problems. The episode also emphasizes dimensional analysis and writing out calculations to help reduce errors and prepare for more advanced pharmacy calculations. What You'll Learn Roman numeral rules and their application to handwritten prescriptions Common pharmacy measurement systems and conversions, including metric units, pounds to kilograms, tablespoons to milliliters, and drops to milliliters How to work with fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportions in pharmacy calculations How to calculate medication quantities, days' supply, temperature conversions, body surface area doses, and military time Basic business calculations, including invoice discounts, product markups, and selling prices Key Takeaways Understanding common conversion factors is essential for accurate medication calculations and prescription processing. Dimensional analysis helps organize calculations, cancel units, and verify that the answer matches the question. Always use a leading zero for decimal doses less than one to help prevent medication errors. Practicing foundational calculations prepares pharmacy technicians for more advanced calculations and supports accuracy in pharmacy practice. Want to master pharmacy calculations and prepare for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyCalculations #PharmacyTechnician #MedicationSafety #PharmacyMath #PTCBExam

  2. Oct 19

    Communication and Customer Service

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review communication and customer service with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. Learn how effective communication supports patient safety, prevents errors, and strengthens interactions with patients, prescribers, insurance representatives, and pharmacy coworkers. This episode covers verbal, nonverbal, visual, and written communication, along with active listening and strategies for overcoming communication barriers. You'll explore how to recognize potential signs of low health literacy, confirm patient understanding, maintain professional customer service, and respond to difficult interactions. The episode also reviews an eight-step approach to conflict resolution and explains when pharmacy technicians should refer questions or concerns to the pharmacist. What You'll Learn The different modes of communication and how tone, body language, and word choice affect understanding How to recognize potential signs of low health literacy and use plain language to support patient understanding Strategies for active listening, complete message documentation, and reducing communication barriers Customer service practices that support professionalism, patient privacy, and positive pharmacy experiences How to de-escalate conflicts and recognize situations that require pharmacist involvement Key Takeaways Communication is not complete until the receiver's understanding has been confirmed. Plain language, active listening, and teach-back techniques help reduce misunderstandings and support patient safety. Professionalism, empathy, and a calm approach can help prevent conflicts from escalating. Clinical questions, refusal-to-fill disputes, threats, suspected fraud, and issues beyond a technician's training should be escalated appropriately. Want to master high-yield pharmacy practice concepts for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #CommunicationSkills #CustomerService #PatientSafety #PharmacyPractice #PTCBExam

  3. Oct 12

    Utilization Management

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review utilization management with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. This episode explores how insurance plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) influence medication coverage, prescription claims, and access to treatment through formularies, prior authorizations, and other utilization management strategies. Pharmacy technicians frequently encounter utilization management at the pharmacy counter, from refill-too-soon rejections and step therapy requirements to quantity limits and formulary restrictions. This episode breaks down the differences between prospective, concurrent, and retrospective drug utilization review, examines how PBMs and formulary decisions affect prescription coverage, and explains when patients may need additional documentation or alternative billing options. You'll also review medication substitution protocols, Medicare Part D protected drug classes, and the distinction between cost-management strategies and edits designed to protect patient safety.   What You'll Learn The role of PBMs, formulary management, and rebates in prescription drug coverage Differences between open, tiered, and closed formularies, including Medicare Part D protected classes Common utilization edits, including prior authorizations, step therapy, refill-too-soon rejections, age restrictions, and quantity limits How medical and pharmacy benefits differ, along with common drug class exclusions Differences between generic substitution, therapeutic interchange, and IV-to-oral medication conversion   Key Takeaways Formulary management determines which medications are preferred or covered, while utilization management establishes the requirements for accessing them. Understanding claim rejection reasons helps pharmacy technicians identify appropriate next steps and communicate more effectively with patients. Some restrictions focus on cost and coverage, while others—such as morphine equivalent dose edits—are designed to address medication safety. Knowing which substitution protocols are permitted in outpatient versus institutional settings is essential for pharmacy practice.   Want to master high-yield pharmacy operations and medication coverage concepts for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #UtilizationManagement #PharmacyBenefits #PriorAuthorization #PharmacyPractice #PTCBExam

  4. Oct 5

    Pharmacy Insurance Basics

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review pharmacy insurance basics with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. This episode breaks down essential insurance terminology, insurance cards, pharmacy billing information, and the differences between common types of health insurance and pharmacy benefits. The episode covers the practical insurance concepts pharmacy technicians encounter at the counter, including premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximums, HMOs, PPOs, Workers' Compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA. You'll also learn how coordination of benefits works, how Medicare Parts A through D differ, and how foundations, manufacturer copay cards, and free drug programs can help patients manage medication costs. What You'll Learn Key insurance terminology, including premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums How to identify and use pharmacy insurance card information, including RxBIN, RxPCN, RxGRP, and cardholder IDs Differences between commercial insurance, HMOs, PPOs, Workers' Compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D and how coverage and billing differ between them Patient assistance options, including foundation support, manufacturer copay cards, and free drug programs Key Takeaways Understanding insurance terminology helps pharmacy technicians explain costs and troubleshoot common billing issues. Medicaid is the payer of last resort, while Medicare is billed first for patients who are dual eligible. Pharmacy technicians should understand the eligibility differences between foundations, manufacturer copay cards, and free drug programs when helping patients find medication-cost assistance. Recognizing insurance coverage rules and billing pathways is essential for accurate claim processing and effective patient support. Want to master pharmacy insurance and billing concepts for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com       #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #PharmacyInsurance #PharmacyBilling #PTCBExam #PharmacyPractice

  5. Sep 28

    Common Pharmacy Terminology

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review common pharmacy terminology with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. This fast-paced review serves as a quick reference for essential medical and pharmacy terms, including drug descriptors, medication safety concepts, drug classifications, insurance terminology, and pharmacy abbreviations. The episode covers key concepts pharmacy technicians need to recognize in everyday practice, including brand and generic names, package inserts, boxed warnings, medication guides, REMS programs, LASA medications, Tall Man lettering, drug identifiers, bioequivalence, NDC numbers, insurance and billing terminology, DAW codes, and common SIG codes. Learners will also review frequently used pharmacy abbreviations, dosage forms, routes of administration, and prescription directions through practical knowledge checks. What You’ll Learn Common drug descriptors, including brand and generic names, package inserts, medication guides, and pregnancy-related terminology Medication safety measures such as REMS, auxiliary labels, LASA medications, and Tall Man lettering Drug classifications, pharmacology terms, biologics and biosimilars, and medication identifiers such as NDCs and GPIs Insurance terminology, including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, formularies, prior authorization, and DAW codes Common pharmacy abbreviations, SIG codes, dosage forms, frequencies, and routes of administration Key Takeaways Understanding common pharmacy terminology helps technicians accurately interpret prescriptions, medication information, and insurance claims. Medication safety concepts such as boxed warnings, REMS, medication guides, and LASA precautions are important for preventing medication errors. NDCs, DAW codes, insurance terminology, and other identifiers are essential components of pharmacy workflow. Memorizing common SIG codes and abbreviations can make prescription interpretation faster and more accurate in practice. Want to master high-yield pharmacy terminology for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #PharmacyTerminology #PTCBExam #PharmacyAbbreviations #SIGCodes #PharmacyPractice

  6. Sep 21

    Other Systems: Integumentary Conditions

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review common otic conditions with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. The episode begins with ear anatomy and the physiology of hearing and balance before covering common conditions including cerumen impaction, otitis externa, and otitis media. The discussion connects ear anatomy and disease states to the medications and treatment approaches pharmacy technicians are likely to encounter. Learners will review cerumenolytics such as carbamide peroxide, treatments for bacterial and fungal otitis externa, and the antibiotic treatment ladder for otitis media, along with important distinctions between these conditions and key patient counseling considerations.   What You’ll Learn The anatomy of the external, middle, and inner ear and how hearing and balance work Common otic conditions, including cerumen impaction, otitis externa, and otitis media Key differences between swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections Common medications, therapeutic approaches, and treatment considerations for otic conditions High-yield counseling points and medication concepts relevant to the PTCB exam   Key Takeaways Understanding ear anatomy provides a foundation for recognizing common otic conditions and their treatments Carbamide peroxide is a commonly used OTC cerumenolytic for softening and loosening impacted earwax Pain when touching or pulling the outer ear is an important distinguishing feature of otitis externa Amoxicillin is a common first-line oral antibiotic for bacterial otitis media, with alternative therapies used when appropriate   Want to master high-yield disease states and pharmacology topics for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #OticConditions #EarHealth #Pharmacology #PharmacyTechnicianEducation #PTCBExam

  7. Sep 14

    Other Systems: Otic Conditions

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review common otic conditions with a focused, exam-relevant approach tailored to pharmacy technician practice and the PTCB exam. The episode begins with ear anatomy and the physiology of hearing and balance before covering common conditions including cerumen impaction, otitis externa, and otitis media. The discussion connects ear anatomy and disease states to the medications and treatment approaches pharmacy technicians are likely to encounter. Learners will review cerumenolytics such as carbamide peroxide, treatments for bacterial and fungal otitis externa, and the antibiotic treatment ladder for otitis media, along with important distinctions between these conditions and key patient counseling considerations. What You’ll Learn The anatomy of the external, middle, and inner ear and how hearing and balance work Common otic conditions, including cerumen impaction, otitis externa, and otitis media Key differences between swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections Common medications, therapeutic approaches, and treatment considerations for otic conditions High-yield counseling points and medication concepts relevant to the PTCB exam Key Takeaways Understanding ear anatomy provides a foundation for recognizing common otic conditions and their treatments Carbamide peroxide is a commonly used OTC cerumenolytic for softening and loosening impacted earwax Pain when touching or pulling the outer ear is an important distinguishing feature of otitis externa Amoxicillin is a common first-line oral antibiotic for bacterial otitis media, with alternative therapies used when appropriate   Want to master high-yield disease states and pharmacology topics for the PTCB exam? Thousands of pharmacy technician students trust TechPrep for clear explanations, exam-focused review, and real-world relevance. 👉 Start learning today at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnician #OticConditions #EarHealth #Pharmacology #PharmacyTechnicianEducation #PTCBExam

  8. Sep 7

    Other Systems: Ophthalmic Conditions

    In this episode of TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review, we review the ophthalmic system and common eye conditions that pharmacy technicians should know for the PTCB exam. Listeners will review basic eye anatomy and the process of vision, including the roles of the cornea, lens, retina, rods, cones, and optic nerve. The episode focuses on common ophthalmic conditions including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and dry eye disease, along with the medications commonly used to treat them. The discussion highlights therapeutic classes, mechanisms of action, dosing, side effects, and key brand and generic medications, helping pharmacy technicians build the medication recognition and disease-state knowledge needed for the PTCB exam. What You’ll Learn: The basic anatomy of the eye and how vision works The differences between common ophthalmic conditions, including glaucoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and dry eye disease The therapeutic classes and mechanisms of medications used to treat common eye conditions High-yield ophthalmic brand and generic medications, dosing, and side effects Key Takeaways: Understanding eye anatomy and function provides an important foundation for recognizing common ophthalmic conditions Glaucoma, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and dry eye disease have distinct symptoms and treatment approaches Recognizing ophthalmic medications by brand name, generic name, and therapeutic class is important for PTCB preparation Knowing key medication mechanisms, dosing, and adverse effects can help pharmacy technicians confidently apply ophthalmic pharmacology concepts on the exam   Want to strengthen your knowledge of high-yield pharmacy topics for the PTCB exam? TechPrep provides focused review of the medications, disease states, and pharmacy concepts you need to know to prepare with confidence. Explore more PTCB exam preparation at PharmTechReview.com     #TechPrep #PTCBReview #OphthalmicSystem #EyeHealth #PharmacyTechnician #PTCBPrep #PharmacyTechnicianEducation #Pharmacology #MedicationReview

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About

TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review is a high-impact podcast designed for pharmacy technicians preparing for the PTCB exam. Each episode provides concise, targeted reviews of essential exam topics, including drug classifications, pharmacy law, and dosage calculations. Perfect for studying on the go, this podcast helps listeners quickly and efficiently reinforce key concepts. Tune in weekly and visit PharmTechReview.com for free practice tests, flashcards, and more.

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  • Creator
    PharmTechReview.com
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    TechPrep: Rapid PTCB Review

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