Category:
Health/Science
Region:
USA
State:
North Carolina
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HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM GIVES SENIORS A HEAD START ON PHARMACY CAREERS
Date: 13-May-2007
Author: Josh Humphries
High school seniors preparing to enter the medical field can become pharmacy technicians soon after they graduate.
A new program offered by the Pitt County Health Sciences Academy and Pitt County Schools gives seniors hands-on training to prepare for the National Pharmacy Certification Exam.
Jennifer Burrus, a student at North Pitt High School, is completing an apprenticeship with pharmacist Chinquere Onyeagocha at Eckerd Pharmacy on 10th Street.
Burrus plans to attend Pitt Community College before transferring to the East Carolina University School of Nursing. The program will allow her to take the certification exam and work as a pharmacy technician while she goes to college.
"The pharmacy technician program is beneficial to me because I want to go into the health sciences field," Burrus said. "The experience is giving me an opportunity to become more familiar with the drugs, interactions and uses."
Onyeagocha said the program prepares students for patient care and gives them a chance to gauge whether they want to pursue a career in the medical profession.
"I think we should do it for all kids who are going into medical care," she said.
North Pitt High School senior Ryan Taylor plans to pursue pharmacy as his college major. He's completing his apprenticeship with Lisa Murphy at Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Rachel Parker, a senior at D.H. Conley High school, is working with Pharmacist Brian Fulcher at CVS/Pharmacy on Fire Tower Road.
The program, developed by pharmacists, is offered as an online curriculum through the PassAssured Multimedia Training Systems program, a Texas-based group that touts a 98 percent pass rate. It consists of 90 hours of class work, 60 hours of homework and 45 hours of practical experience in a pharmacy.
Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians also help prepare prescribed medication for patients, count tablets and label bottles.
Janet Knox, coordinator of the Health Sciences Academy, said the program will expand next year to include about a dozen students.
"This is an excellent opportunity for students considering the pharmacy field," Knox said.
Knox explained that the program gives students a chance to spend time in a pharmacy environment before graduation from high school. Once students pass the exam administered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, they will be able to work in pharmacies while attending college. Students interested in the program are encouraged to talk to school career development coordinators.
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