Scottsdale Community College has announced the new Accelerated Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion (CCL) program, starting in the Spring 2025 semester. As the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians continues to grow, students within this healthcare program can acquire the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel, in as little as one semester, while enjoying impressive savings of both time and money.
The Pharmacy Technician CCL from SCC is a 9-credit program that prepares students for a role working in pharmacy practices in retail, hospital, and institutional settings. SCC has fine-tuned the program based on feedback from healthcare industry partners and students who wanted a quicker time to completion of the program. According to O*Net, the starting annual salary for pharmacy technicians in Arizona is estimated at $45,260, which is higher than the national average, and positions in this field are expected to increase by 19% over the next ten years across the state. This area of study can be an attractive entry point for anyone interested in a career in healthcare or for existing healthcare professionals looking to upskill within their industry.
“Using the feedback we’ve received from our healthcare partners, we’ve streamlined and improved the program to make it even more effective in giving students the practical skills and knowledge they need to provide outstanding patient care,” says SCC President Dr. Eric Leshinskie.
The program, approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, prepares individuals to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT), which is required for employment. Topics covered include: medication preparation; handling of a variety of 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.
Coupled with the included internship or practicum at leading industry employers' facilities, students will be prepared to take their certification exam and begin their careers in this rapidly growing field.
Students will also have the opportunity to network with professionals already working in the field to help them find positions in traditional pharmacy settings in drug or grocery stores, hospitals, clinics, nuclear medicine settings, compounding pharmacies, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, pharmacy benefits companies, and other retail outlets.
Whether you're looking to start your career or advance within the healthcare industry, this program provides the perfect opportunity to impact patient care and opens doors to endless opportunities. Classes begin Jan. 13, 2025. An online new student orientation session is scheduled for Noon-1 pm, Nov. 13, 2024 and 3-4 pm, Nov. 19, 2024. Visit Accelerated Pharmacy Technology for more information and to register.