Processing should include the following steps:

Enter prescription or medication order information into the patient profile.
Be aware of error-prone abbreviations, and sound-alike, look-alike drugs (SALAD, also called LASA); tall-man lettering.
Select the product(s) for a generic prescription or medication order.
Select the product(s) for a brand-name prescription or medication order (consulting established formulary as appropriate).
Obtain medications or devices from the inventory.
Check medication and/or device expiration date.
Measure, count, or calculate finished dosage forms for dispensing.
Record preparation of a prescription or medication, including any special requirements for controlled substances.
Package finished dosage forms (e.g., blister pack, vial).
Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) to container(s).
Assemble patient information materials.
Check for accuracy during processing of the prescription or medication order (e.g., matching National Drug Code [NDC] number).
Verify the measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians.
Prepare the prescription or medication order for the final check by the pharmacist.

Code of Virginia Statutes Related to Pharmacy Technicians

Virginia Administrative Code Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy

18VAC110-20-270 — Dispensing of prescriptions; certification of completed prescriptions; supervision of pharmacy technicians
18VAC110-20-275 — Delivery of dispensed prescriptions
18VAC110-20-280 — Transmission of a prescription order by facsimile machine
18VAC110-20-285 — Electronic transmission of prescriptions from prescriber to pharmacy
18VAC110-20-290 — Dispensing of Schedule II drugs
18VAC110-20-320 — Refilling of Schedule III through VI prescriptions
18VAC110-20-330 — Labeling of prescription as to content and quantity
18VAC110-20-350 — Special packaging
18VAC110-20-355 — Pharmacy repackaging of drug; records required; labeling requirements

Process/Skill Questions:

Why is each step of the order process important?
What is the difference between quater in die ("q.i.d" ) and every hour ("q.h.")?
What are common abbreviations used to indicate the route of administration?
Why do drugs have lot numbers and expiration dates?
Why is a basic knowledge of human biological functions important when processing a prescription or medication order?
What are an open formulary and a closed formulary, and what is the importance of each?
What abbreviations are on the "Do Not Use" list as recommended by The Joint Commission (TJC) and Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)?
What are common auxiliary labels affixed to containers?
What are the state regulations for tech-to-tech checking of prepared products?
Why is verification of the NDC number vitally important?