• Medical Training Institute of New York
pharmacist smiling

Pharmacy Sterile Compounding

Course Overview

MTINY STERILE COMPOUNDING TRAINING

MTINY Sterile Compounding Provide students with a complete introduction to institutional pharmacy practice and practicing Pharmacy Technicians II with preparation for the new sterile compounding certification exam. Comprehensively covering sterile products, aseptic technique, and the workings of the sterile compounding facility, MTINY Sterile Compounding focuses on safe and effective practice. Our Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician program has expanded and updated coverage to address preparation, processing, medications, technique, and documentation, with review, analysis, applications, waste management, workflow, safety and compliance, billing and reimbursement, and emergency management.

Pharmacy technicians prepare medications safely and responsibly to their patients every day. They have to be mindful of upholding clinical standards when preparing, transporting and distributing medication to reduce the risk of a patient becoming harmed from contaminated medication. If you want to protect your patients by learning better ways to maintain their medication, you might get a sterile compounding certification. In this article, we talk about what sterile compounding certification is, why it's important and how to earn it.

Program Summary

MTINY Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding

The Pharmacy Technician program at MTINY provides students with the technical and practical training necessary to work as a certified sterile compounding technician assistant to a licensed pharmacist.

Students will study pharmacy computing, medication preparation, inventory and billing, quarterly customer service care. The program seeks to prepare students to work under a licensed pharmacist’s supervision in the preparation and dispensing of medications, maintaining patient records, setting up, packaging, and labeling routine orders from stock supplies, and mixing drugs with parenteral fluids.

The core curriculum is structured to include a lecture component, a laboratory component, and an Internship component. The final externship portion of the curriculum consists of supervised experiences in a clinical environment, which requires competencies, logs, and evaluations completed by the student.

At the conclusion of the program, graduates who have diligently attended class and their externship and studied and practiced their Sterile Compounding skills should have the skills to seek employment as Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

What is sterile compounding certification?

ASterile compounding certification is a certification that demonstrates that a pharmacy technician has the knowledge and training to prepare sterile products in a clean environment to avoid contamination. It lets employers, other industry professionals and even patients know that you have completed the necessary coursework to further your knowledge and skills. Sterile compounding helps to reduce the damaging effects of irresponsible medication preparation. Students who enroll in this course get hands-on training and experience from other professionals on how to protect their practice and keep patients safe.

Why is sterile compounding certification important?

Many pharmacy technicians complete sterile compounding certification courses because of the many benefits that it provides them and their patients. Here are some reasons sterile compounding certification is important:

It reduces your patients' risk of harm

Students who become certified in sterile compounding gain an understanding of how to maintain patient medication in a way that meets all clinical and legal standards. Applying this knowledge helps reduce the risk of your patients becoming seriously ill from improper medication administering practices. As a pharmacy technician, many patients trust in your medical knowledge and training to help treat their ailment. Earning this certification may ensure that your patients receive medication that will help them.

It helps to protect your practice

While it's no guarantee that you won't make mistakes occasionally, the chances of medical malpractice decrease for professionals who take the extra steps to become certified in sterile compounding. A patient who becomes ill because of irresponsible handling of medication can have damaging effects on a pharmacy's operations. Depending on the severity of the case, some clinics can receive a fine, technicians can lose their jobs, and, in some circumstances, a facility may close. You can feel safer knowing that you are taking extra precautions to keep your patients safe and protect the integrity of your pharmacy.

It may lead to job opportunities

A lot of employers look favorably on pharmacy technicians who have their sterile compounding certification because it demonstrates their commitment to their job. Pharmacy technicians must meet strict clinical standards and requirements so employers may feel more secure in hiring someone who lessens their risk for medical malpractice. The certification illustrates that certificate holders may take their role seriously and will learn to better themselves and add value to potential employers.

It can help boost your salary

Those who complete their certification coursework may earn more than their counterparts who don't. Certification can add important skills to your resume that are valued highly by employers. Plenty of employers will pay more to certified professionals because it can add to the quality of their practice and lower the risk of negligence. Many certificate holders have a better chance of earning a bonus or promotion for completing the necessary coursework.

It may earn you recognition and appreciation

Earning sterile compounding certification can be challenging, so individuals who complete the program often find recognition and appreciation for their hard work. By having the certification, your colleagues might perceive you to be dedicated to upholding clinical standards. A career in the medical industry can hold a lot of responsibility, so many employers value those

Pharmacy Technician skills and qualifications

A professional Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician should possess numerous skills in order to complete their duties effectively, such as:

  • Supply and inventory management skills
  • Attention to detail and analytical skills
  • Ability to create a safe and productive environment
  • Exemplary customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Dependable team player
  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Hospital Pharmacy Practice Labs:

The Medical Training Institute of New York provides sterile compounding training programs for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians that are designed to meet current and emerging educational needs. MTINY sterile compounding training programs are based on current regulatory guidelines specified by USP <797> and USP <800> standards

MTINY strive to provide affordable access to high-quality education training programs, related to sterile compounding. Participants, who satisfactorily complete a program, receive a certificate of completion and will be allowed to sit for certification for Certified Sterile Processing technician (CSPT).

USP Pharmacy 797 and 800 Standard Compliance

USP 797 provides standards for compounding of sterile preparations while USP 800 provides standards for the safe handling of HDs to minimize exposure risks. USP 797 promotes the protection of the sterility of the drug, while USP 800 is focused on the safety of personnel who come in contact with the HDs. Together, USP 797 and 800 establish an environment for compounding drugs that reduces contamination risk and aims to increase safety for healthcare personnel, patients and the environment.

Hazardous Drugs—Handling in Healthcare Settings

USP General Chapter <800> provides standards for safe handling of hazardous drugs to minimize the risk of exposure to healthcare personnel, patients and the environment

Hospital Pharmacy Practice Labs

Institutional Care Settings: Hospital

IV Admixture and Aseptic Technique I

This course is an introduction to aseptic techniques and sterile production preparation in an institutional care setting. The devices and manipulation techniques necessary to maintain sterility and mechanics of a hospital pharmacy are discussed and practiced in IV Clean Room exercises.

IV Admixture and Aseptic Technique II

This course is a continuation of IV Admixture and Aseptic Technique I, focusing on the preparation of cardiac and other titratable drips, IV antibiotics, chemotherapy, large volume parenteral solutions, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions. Students learn the basic indications, mechanism of actions of specific cardiac drugs, and calculations for selected drug concentrations. Proper technique for mixing and labeling thrombolytic, cardiac drips, and chemotherapeutic drugs are introduced. Laboratory sessions provide the opportunity for students to practice their techniques.

What does a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician do?

Pharmacy Technicians typically work for pharmacies, hospitals or health clinics. They work closely with Pharmacists and other Pharmacy Technicians to prepare Intravenous Admixture Solutions.

ENTRY-LEVEL
  • Prepare medications requiring compounding of sterile products.
  • Define and explain key elements of USP 797.
  • Collect the correct ingredients for sterile products requiring compounding.
  • Accurately determine the correct amounts of ingredients for a compounded product.
  • Compound sterile products using appropriate techniques, equipment, and devices.
  • Prepare medications requiring compounding of non-sterile products.
  • Compound non-sterile products using appropriate techniques.
ADVANCED-LEVEL
  • Introduce the rationale and development of TPN, chemotherapy, and intermittent infusion administration policies.
  • Demonstrate proper technique for mixing and labeling thrombolytic drugs.
  • Demonstrate proper technique for mixing and labeling cardiac drips.
  • Understand the basic indications, mechanism of action, and specific drugs in the cardiac class.
  • Calculate for specific drug concentrations, drip rates, and volume of cardiac medications needed for mixing.
  • Demonstrate proper technique for mixing and labeling chemotherapy.
  • Understand the basic indications, mechanism of action, and specific drugs in the chemotherapy class.
  • Demonstrate proper technique for mixing and labeling TPNs.
  • Understand the basic indications, mechanism of action, and specific drugs used for TPNs.
  • Calculate for specific drug concentrations and fluid volumes of drugs needed to mix a TPN.
  • Understand basic mixing and labeling requirements for compounded items.
  • Prepare medications requiring compounding of chemotherapy/hazardous products.
  • Compound cytotoxic and other hazardous medication products using appropriate techniques.
  • (Applying) Follow safety policies and procedures when disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.
  • Follow policies and procedures for sanitation management, hazardous waste handling (e.g., needles), and infection control (e.g., protective clothing).

Demonstrate skill in cleaning up a cytotoxic or other hazardous medication product spill using the accepted procedure.

PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY: OMNICELL AND PYXIS TRAINING

Hands-on Training with Pyxis and Omnicell

An area of great progress in Healthcare technology has been the wide adoption of automated dispensing cabinets for medications and supplies in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

This technology employs the use of storage units that operate somewhat like vending machines for medical products, but also have sophisticated software on the back-end that handles patient orders, medication dosing documentation, inventory management, and billing transactions. This course will cover automated dispensing cabinets as well as centralized pharmacy automation products.

pysis

In a hospital or other clinical setting, the units are installed at most units where patients are seen, such as General Medicine, ICU, the OR, and the ER. Supplies and/or meds are enclosed in the cabinets that are locked until the clinician accesses them.

Pharmacy Automation Jobs

If you are looking to get started in Healthcare IT, have basic technology skills, and are willing to travel, you have a decent chance of getting a job as an Implementation Consultant or Field Engineer. Having some Microsoft or Network+ certification helps, as well as having a Pharmacy Technician background. If you have programming and/or HL7 experience, then you would have a good chance at a developer position.

Admission Requirement: GED/High School Diploma

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • Current and Expanding Role of the Pharmacy Technician
  • Training and Skills for Advanced Pharmacy Technician Roles
  • The Basics of Aseptic Preparations
  • The Sterile Environment
  • United States Pharmacopeia USP<797>: Pharmaceutical Compound-Sterile Preparations
  • Administration of Intravenous Products
  • Medications Used in Intravenous Preparations
  • Intravenous Solutions, Stability, and Incompatibilities
  • Calculations Used in Intravenous Preparations
  • Equipment, Facilities and Supplies
  • Techniques for Preparing Intravenous Admixtures
  • Total Parenteral Nutrition
  • United States Pharmacopeia USP<800>: Pharmaceutical Compound-Sterile Preparations
  • Hazardous Drug Preparation: Chemotherapy Nutrition
  • Patient Administration Considerations
  • Quality Assurance and Medication Error Prevention
  • Medications and Disease Management
  • Infection Control and Waste Management
  • United States Pharmacopeia USP<825> Radiopharmaceutical—Preparation, Compounding, Dispensing, and Repackaging
  • Pharmacy Internship II: Institutional Care Settings
  • Third-Party Billing, Reimbursement, and Inventory Management
  • MTINY Prepare you to take the Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) Exam by PTCB

WHO WILL BENEFIT

nurse hat

Those Considering Pharmacy School

If your goal is to become a Pharmacist, starting out as a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician is a great opportunity to explore the Pharmacy field. You'll get the chance to work alongside Registered Pharmacist and PharmDs’ (Doctor of Pharmacist) in a variety of healthcare settings, earning invaluable experience and skills along the way.

doctor

Aspiring Medical Professionals

Working as a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician gives many of us our first taste of working in the medical field. You might gain inspiration to continue that career path and get a more in-depth understanding of the medical world. It's okay to share this desire with your interviewer. It shows your dedication to the field and a willingness to learn.

suitcase

Job Stability

Job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technician jobs number around 422,000 in the United States and the agency expects around 4% growth over the next decade. That puts pharmacy technician jobs at about the national= average for job growth. There is no specific data available on job outlook for individual certification levels, but some employers might prefer a pharmacy technician with a higher certification level like Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT), as they often can bring more advanced skills and knowledge to the job

Salary for pharmacy technicians

The average national salary for a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician is about $45,247 per year. However, Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician with a higher education level or additional credentials may negotiate a higher salary. Some Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician positions may require more advanced knowledge or training, which can also affect their salary. For example, if a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician works in a home infusion environment, they might also act as a pharmacy technician. besides a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician.

A Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician working in a long-term care facility like a nursing home might also need first aid and CPR certification or other medical credentials to supplement their Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician, which could help increase their salary.

This course is also part of our Pharmacy Technician II —consisting of Pharmacy Technician I and Sterile Compounding for Pharmacy Technician—Available for $4,850

Interested in mastering Pharmacy Technician II? LEARN MORE

Instructors:

Genevieve-Marie Louis

Sterile Compounding Instructors:

Program Curriculum

Curriculum Summary

DOWNLOAD CURRICULUM (PDF)

THE MTI ADVANTAGE

  • State-of-the-Art Cleanrooms- UPS 797 and UPS 800
  • Experience Faculty and Staff
  • 100% Medical and Healthcare Programs
  • State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment’s
  • All instructors are Practitioners in their field
  • Workshops to enter the Workforce
  • Guaranteed Internships/Externships (Hands-on Training)
  • Affiliated with top Hospitals and clinics, Pharmacy Stores
  • Career Development Skill
  • Job placement Assistant

Tuition, Books & Technology Fees

Program Pharmacy Sterile Compounding
Hours 350
Registration Fee $100
Tuition $2,500
Technology Fees $300
Clinical & Lab Fees $650
Total Program Cost $3,550

Fees

Registration Fee:

A non-refundable Registration Fee of $100 was due during registration to reserve a seat.

woman registering using laptop

Clinical/Lab Fee:

Clinical/Lab Fee is used to cover the cost of Liability insurance policy and student lab operations and to provide students with Liability Insurance at clinical rotation internship sites.

people doing lab work

Technology Fees:

Technology Fee provides students with Online Learning Resources, the learning management system, and the student portal.

nurse using computer

Books:

Students are required to purchase all textbooks on their own. Textbook costs are estimated at $200.00. Required books can be purchased from the school bookstore or online at portal.mtiofnewyork.com/stores.

book and stethoscope

Uniform Fee:

Students are required to purchase MTI logo Lab coat and scrubs on their own. MTI logo scrubs can be purchased from the school bookstore or online at portal.mtiofnewyork.com/stores.

health workers uniform

Tuition:

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician is $950 for each of the program's three (3) quarters and a total of $3,550 for the entire program, with tuition payments due as follows:

students using laptops
Quarter Cost
Prior to Quarter 1 $1,675
Prior to Quarter 3 $1,675

Schedule of Sessions

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Morning Classes

The Morning program will be 5 hours per day, Monday-Wednesday,

16-20 hours per week for approximately 18-22 weeks.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Evening Classes

The Evening program will be 4 hours per day,

5 days per week, for approximately 16 weeks.

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Weekend Classes

The Weekend program will be 8 hours per day, Saturdays and Sundays,

16 hours per week for approximately 22 weeks.

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)

Institutional Care Settings: Hospital

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician is similar to the Community Practice externship except that students are exposed to pharmacy practice in a Hospital or institutional care setting. The primary objective of internship is to be sure the student gains practical experience, knowledge, skills, and insight into the various aspects of the pharmacy technician job in a structured learning environment. This internship brings together all of the academic knowledge gained in the classroom, with an emphasis on aseptic technique and sterile product preparation. Evaluation forms for both the student and preceptor must be complete

Credentials:

Advanced Pharmacy Technician III – CPhT-Adv

  • Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  • Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
  • Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)
  • Billing and Reimbursement Certificate
  • Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate
  • Hazardous Drug Management Certificate

Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician Exam Review and PTCB Exam Preparation for the following Certification:

  • Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
  • Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT)
  • Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv)
  • Billing and Reimbursement Certificate
  • Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Certificate
  • Hazardous Drug Management Certificate

Frequently asked questions about Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician

What is the difference between a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician and a Pharmacist?

The difference between a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician and a Pharmacist lies in their education requirements, subsequent job responsibilities and levels of seniority. For example, Pharmacists typically earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree before passing a licensure exam and completing a residency period. In contrast, Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician /Pharmacy Technicians usually earn a Diploma from a pharmacy training program. Because of their differences in education, Pharmacists supervise and typically delegate tasks among Pharmacy Technicians and Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician

Further, Pharmacists have the qualifications to provide insightful advice to customers/patients regarding their current prescriptions, symptoms and additional medications or food items that they shouldn’t consume with their prescriptions.

What are the daily duties of a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician?

On a typical day, a s Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician starts by reviewing incoming order requests from Physicians in the Hospital/clinics. They also check the pharmacy’s voicemail to review missed messages from pharmaceutical companies, customers or Physicians. Throughout the day, Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician work with pharmacy personnel to retrieve the correct IV medication and dosage amount to prepare and compound prescription orders.

What qualities make a good Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician?

A good Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician has a personable nature that allows them to deliver excellent customer service to pharmacy customers. They make an effort to greet customers in a friendly manner and answer their questions, whether they need to refer to the Pharmacist or inquire with their Physician. Further, a good Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician enjoys working as part of a team and helps their coworkers by filling in when they’re sick or taking on additional responsibilities to maintain pharmacy operations.  

 
Who does a Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician report to?

A Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician typically reports directly to the Pharmacist or Head Pharmacist to complete tasks and receive directions. In larger pharmacies, Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician may report to a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor (lead Pharmacy Technician). Pharmacists who work within hospitals or healthcare facilities may report directly to the Facility Manager.