Scottsdale Community College launching new pharmacy tech training program

PHOENIX — Scottsdale Community College announced this week the launch of a pharmacy technician training program.

The 16-credit Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion program will prepare students to work in retail, hospital and institutional settings, the college said in a press release.

“We recognize how important it is to Scottsdale and Arizona as a whole to have a dedicated pipeline of well-trained healthcare professionals,” Veronica Hipolito, the college’s interim president, said in the release.

“From our established popular programs like nursing to emerging fields like community health worker and now pharmacy technician training, we’re proud to be a part of supporting the health of our community through our educational programming and workforce development.”

Classes begin in August and enrollment is open now. More information can be found on the college’s website.

Among the topics covered in the program are medication preparation, handling of hazardous and non-hazardous substances, federal and state reporting guidelines, OSHA guidelines and best practices, as well as patient safety and quality assurance.

Also included in the program is an internship or practicum at leading industry employers’ facilities, the college said, along with networking opportunities with professionals already working in the field.

Students after completing the program will be prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the National Healthcareer Association Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians.

The college said positions in the field are expected to increase by 25% across the state over the next decade and it can be an entry point for those interested in a career in healthcare or those already in the industry looking to upskill.

Follow @KTAR923