The University of Texas at Austin Launches Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Professional Development Center (PDC), a component of the Division of Continuing and Innovative Education (CIE) at The University of Texas at Austin, is proud to offer the new Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program with classes starting in February 2012. The program is designed to help participants learn the skills they need to work in entry-level pharmacy technician positions, and perform duties such as filling prescription requests under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. The program also fully prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam (PTCE).

"As our population ages, and healthcare becomes more and more important, I anticipate there will be increased employment opportunities in all areas of healthcare - including pharmacy workers. I am so excited that PDC offers this important career training," said Liliya Spinazzola, director of the Professional Development Center. "Students will walk away from the program with important skills and knowledge that they can put to good use - either on the job or toward earning the Pharmacy Technician Certification credential."

The 14-week program includes a 120-hour internship at a local Greater Austin area pharmacy. Students enrolled in this program learn to prepare prescription orders, perform applicable pharmacy calculations, and comply with federal and state regulatory agency laws and regulations. Program subject matter includes: drug classifications and basic pharmacology, pharmacy laws and ethics, medical terminology, and a comprehensive review for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCE) Exam.

Participants are encouraged to apply for and take the PTCE exam immediately following their successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. Most state boards of pharmacy require technicians be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) within a certain period of time after registering to work as a pharmacy technician. Certification for students who pass the PTCE exam is provided by the PTCB.

More information, including registration, is found on the Professional Development Center's website at http://www.utexas.edu/ce/pdc/certificate/pharmacy-technician.

About the Professional Development Center:

The Professional Development Center (PDC), a component of the Division of Continuing and Innovative Education at The University of Texas at Austin, offers a wide range of programs and courses designed to help individuals and organizations around Texas and around the world improve personal, professional and organizational performance. To meet this goal, PDC offers high-quality non-credit courses, professional certificate programs, consulting, coaching, and facilitation services, both online and on the university campus. http://www.utexas.edu/ce/pdc/

About the Division of Continuing and Innovative Education:

Continuing and Innovative Education (CIE) has a 100-year history of extending the resources of the University to anyone with a desire to learn. CIE provides a wide range of credit and noncredit courses, services and programs that encompass K-16 academics, online college and professional development courses, professional certificate programs and personal enrichment opportunities. http://www.utexas.edu/cie/

Contact: Wayne Wenske, Division of Continuing and Innovative Education, The University of Texas at Austin, 512-232-7392, [email protected]

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SOURCE Continuing and Innovative Education