Pharmacy technicians are vital to the pharmaceutical field, handling medication dispensing, offering crucial patient information, and managing pharmacy inventory. These healthcare professionals often act as intermediaries, linking patients with pharmacists and facilitating communication between pharmacists and other healthcare providers. Consequently, mastering medical terminology is a critical component of pharmacy technician training. Let’s begin to explore the role of medical terminology further:
Understanding the Basics of Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is, in many ways, its own language. Consisting of the scientific terms that medical professionals use regularly, medical terminology plays a vital role in both the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Medical terminology is the lexicon that healthcare professionals use to identify anatomical features, describe disease symptoms and presentation, and label the necessary medical interventions.
Definition and Importance in Pharmacy Technician Training
Defined as the language of healthcare, medical terminology plays a vital role in pharmacy technician training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy technicians are often responsible for collecting patient information, measuring medication, labeling prescriptions, and answering patient questions, which requires them to be familiar with common phrases used in medical terminology.
How Medical Terminology Interacts With Patient Care
One of the primary reasons healthcare professionals use medical terminology is that it provides a precise and efficient way to convey accurate information to patients. Pharmacy technicians have a patient-facing role, requiring them to be able to translate medical terminology into terms that most people understand. A strong grasp of medical terminology is crucial for pharmacy technicians. By building this foundation during their training, technicians can offer patients more dependable information and personalized care.
Essential Medical Terms Every Pharmacy Technician Should Know
Mastering medical terminology for pharmacy technician roles is critical for safe and effective patient care. The medical terminology that pharmacy technicians use regularly, however, will vary significantly from that of physicians in specialized healthcare settings.
There are more than 100 basic medical terminology words and phrases that all healthcare professionals should know, including pharmacy technicians. These abbreviations, technical words, and slang terminology all play an essential role in daily life in healthcare settings.
In addition, pharmacy technicians should become familiar with the following medical terminology:
Common Drug Names and Their Uses
As part of a pharmacy technician diploma or training program, pharmacy technicians should study the most common drug names and their uses for human patients. Pharmacy technicians need to be familiar not only with the brand name labels for prescription medications, but also with the generic names.
Pharmacy technicians should also be familiar with the industry-specific shorthand used-on prescription medical labels. For example, pharmacists commonly use abbreviations to provide instructions on how often a patient should take their medication or at what time of day they should take it.
Vital Signs and What They Indicate
Vital signs are measurements used to evaluate and assess the body’s functioning. The four main vital signs include body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. Pharmacy technicians should be familiar with the medical terminology used for vital signs, as this helps them understand provider notes and counsel patients who are taking certain medications, even though technicians do not typically measure or monitor those signs themselves.
The Role of Anatomy in Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is widely used to identify anatomical features. While pharmacy technicians are not typically responsible for evaluating patients or providing physicians with assistance, they still need to be familiar with medical terms related to human anatomy. Pharmacy technicians will often handle medications prescribed for specific purposes, requiring them to be familiar with the language used by healthcare providers across all specialty areas.
Key Anatomical Terms Related to Medication Administration
Pharmacy technicians often need to be familiar with the medical terms used to describe medication administration. The route of administration refers to the method by which the medication is intended to be administered to the individual.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, some key administration terms include:
- Buccal — Medication administration through the mouth, toward the cheek.
- Cutaneous — Medication administration to the skin.
- Nasal — Medication administration through the nasal cavity.
- Oral — Medication administration through the mouth.
- Sublingual — Medication administration beneath the tongue.
Understanding Body Systems and Their Functions
Pharmacy technicians should also have a solid understanding of human anatomy, which requires them to be familiar with the medical terminology used to describe the main body systems and their functions. The body systems include:
- Circulatory system
- Lymphatic system
- Immune system
- Reproductive system
- Respiratory system
- Endocrine system
- Urinary system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Nervous system
- Integumentary system
- Gastrointestinal system
Given that all body systems work together to maintain human health, it’s imperative for pharmacy technicians to understand how to refer to and discuss each system. The medication that they measure, disperse, and discuss with patients will have an impact on particular body systems, which is why they must have this background in anatomy and medical terminology.
Pharmacology and Its Terminology
Across the healthcare profession, healthcare providers need to study the medical terminology widely used in their specialty area. For pharmacy technicians, that means studying pharmacology and its terminology. Pharmacology is an advanced area of study that focuses primarily on how drugs — including both prescription and non‑prescription agents — interact with the human body. Many medical terms are used in the study of pharmacology, requiring aspiring pharmacy technicians to spend a significant amount of time becoming familiar and comfortable with these terms.
Understanding Dosages, Prescriptions, and Labels
Pharmacy technicians often work to measure, dispense, and label prescription medications for pharmacists, requiring them to be familiar with both the dosages and the prescriptions themselves. They will use pharmacological terminology to label medications and provide patients with the necessary information, including the amount of medicine to take, when to take it, and what side effects they can expect.
Categories of Drugs and Their Terminological Differences
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorizes medications into key categories, and pharmacy technicians must be familiar with these categories, as well as their corresponding terminological differences.
Some of the drug categories include:
- Analgesics: Medications that alleviate pain.
- Antimicrobials (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals): Drugs used to treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
- Anti-inflammatories: Drugs that reduce inflammation in the body.
- Diuretics: Medications designed to increase urine output.
- Laxatives: Drugs that facilitate or increase bowel movements.
- Sedatives: Used to promote relaxation or improve sleep.
Communicating With Healthcare Professionals
In many ways, pharmacy technicians serve as a bridge between the healthcare industry and the pharmaceutical industry. They actively work to communicate with healthcare professionals to ensure that patients’ questions and concerns are addressed and that patients receive the correct medication. This requires pharmacy technicians to not only have a working understanding of the most common medical terms and phrases, but also have the healthcare communication skills necessary for clear, concise, and collaborative conversations.
Terminology Used in Pharmacies vs. Hospitals
In a hospital, doctors and nurses may rely more heavily on medical terminology used to describe symptoms and medical conditions. In pharmacies, on the other hand, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians may use medical terms that refer to the type of drug, route of administration, and potential side effects. However, both healthcare providers and pharmaceutical professionals need to be comfortable using both types of medical terminology to provide patients with the comprehensive, personalized care they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Case Studies: Effective Communication Through Proper Terminology
The use of proper medical terminology in the pharmaceutical industry can improve communication, build patient trust, and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can become effective communicators by:
- Developing a strong foundation in medical terminology.
- Providing patients with a safe and comfortable consultation environment.
- Recognizing factors that may affect a patient’s experience with a particular medication.
- Respect the patient’s beliefs and experiences at all times.
- Translating medical terminology when necessary to improve patient understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the most challenging part of learning medical terminology?
The vast majority of medical terms are rooted in the Greek and Latin languages, which can make pronunciation and memorization challenging for those enrolled in pharmacy technician training programs. However, as students progress in their pharmacy technician medical terminology courses, they will quickly become familiar with the origins of most medical terminology phrases, making it easier for them to master the language of healthcare over time.
How does understanding medical terminology improve pharmacy practice?
An advanced understanding of medical terminology enables pharmacy technicians to effectively integrate into pharmaceutical environments and deliver the best possible service to patients. When pharmacy technicians use medical terminology in their daily tasks, it creates opportunities for enhanced collaboration with pharmacists and stronger partnerships with healthcare providers, ultimately leading to improved patient care.
Can lack of knowledge in medical terminology lead to errors in pharmacy work?
Yes, pharmacy technicians who do not have a strong foundation in medical terminology are more likely to make mistakes in their pharmacy work. This can compromise the integrity of the pharmacy itself while also increasing the risk of adverse outcomes for patients who frequent the pharmacy.
Become Proficient in Medical Terminology for Pharmacy Technicians at Florida Technical College
Pharmacy technicians are healthcare professionals who play a pivotal role in ensuring that patients receive the necessary medication and information. The Pharmacy Technician Diploma program at Florida Technical College offers a comprehensive curriculum, enabling students to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue entry-level positions as a pharmacy technician. Our curriculum ensures you gain a solid foundation in medical terminology for pharmacy technician roles, preparing you for real-world challenges.
Request more information about our Pharmacy Technician Diploma program today.
This article presents a general overview of the pharmacy technician field, including job opportunities within that field; it does not describe the educational objectives or expected employment outcomes of a particular Florida Technical College program. Florida Technical College does not guarantee that students will obtain employment or any particular job. Some positions may require licensure or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular career you desire.
Sources
https://ftccollege.edu/program/diploma/pharmacy-technician/
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/basic-medical-terminology-list
https://www.aapc.com/resources/medical-terminology
https://www.verywellhealth.com/understanding-prescription-abbreviations-189318
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10881-vital-signs
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/data-standards-manual-monographs/route-administration
https://www.verywellhealth.com/organ-system-1298691
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/investigational-new-drug-ind-application/general-drug-categories
