Miami's St. Thomas University is addressing critical employment needs from recent high school graduates, South Florida's emerging Latino population, and those looking for second careers that can be launched within less than a year. A new Pharmacy Technician training course has been developed by former University of Florida Dean of Pharmacy Dr. William Riffee, offering a quick option to enter a rapidly growing occupational field.
Labor statistics point to the pharmacy sector outpacing other professions, with a 31% employment increase between 2008 and 2018, and annual salaries as high as $40,710. Designed for completion in 14 weeks, the course is taught via course materials accessible electronically, printed textbooks, and online textbooks facilitated by an instructor using online collaborative software. Spanish-speaking students needing program support in their native tongue will be able to access a pharmacy instructor who will facilitate course completion through individualized guidance.
Successful passage of the course results in the issuing of a certificate of course completion, which meets the requirement for registration for practice in the State of Florida by the Florida Board of Pharmacy. These state requirements will become much stricter in the near future so St. Thomas is urging those interested in this field to apply now. Those interested in moving up to the next level or practicing outside Florida will also be prepared to take one of the national certification exams: the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT).
The working force and those wishing to study from the comfort of their homes or offices benefit through easy, flexible access, Spanish-language support, simple pre-requisites, an affordable tuition cost of $2,900 and the easy payment process of major credit cards. All students who register need to have proof of high school degree or General Education Diploma (GED). Completion of Drug Screening Test and Criminal Background Check is required and it is the student's financial responsibility. There are no entrance exams.
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