By james art PHOENIX — Scottsdale Community College is launching a new pharmaceutical technology program that can be completed in one semester.
The The Accelerated Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion (CCL) is new nine-credit program that begins in January and is designed in tandem with local healthcare employers.
The program will offer students the opportunity to network with professionals in the field while completing coursework.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board approved the program, which promises to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Health Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (ExCPT), a step that is required before hiring.
Pharmacy practices in retail, hospital and institutional settings are some of the job opportunities for which the program will prepare students.
These jobs are expected to grow 19% over the next decade in Arizona and offer a starting salary of $45,260, higher than the national average.
“Using the feedback we received from our healthcare partners, we streamlined and improved the program to make it even more effective in providing students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to provide exceptional patient care” , SCC President Dr. Eric Leszynski said in a release.
Orientation sessions are planned for new students noon-1pm on November 13 and 3-4pm on November 19.
Registration can be done online.
What topics will be covered in the pharmaceutical technology program?
The nine-credit program will cover a wide variety of topics, including:
- preparation of medicines
- work with different substances (hazardous and non-hazardous)
- reporting guidelines (federal and state)
- OSHA Guidelines and Best Practices
- patient safety and quality assurance
- order entry and processing
- inventory control and management
- administrative duties
- health and wellness guidelines
- billing and reimbursement principles and practices.