Scottsdale Community College program offers fast track to health care career
Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale Community College is launching a new Accelerated Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion program 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, SCC officials tell the Digital Free Press.
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, according to a press release.
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 10 years across the state.
“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,” said SCC President Dr. Eric Leshinskie, in a prepared statement.
The program, approved by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, prepares individuals to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam or the National Healthcareer Association Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, 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.
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.
Classes begin Jan. 13, 2025 at Scottsdale Community College, whereas an online new student orientation session is scheduled for Noon-1 p.m., Nov. 13 and 3-4 p.m., Nov. 19.