Northwood Tech News

As the need for clinical pharmacists increases to meet today’s healthcare demands, so does the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technician jobs are in the midst of a growth spurt. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects pharmacy technician jobs to grow 12 percent faster than the average for all occupations from 2016–2026. This expected growth is a result of several factors including an aging population and higher rates for chronic diseases.

Jami Wallace, pharmacy technician program director and instructor, has been working in the field for the past 17 years. According to Wallace, this program fills a training void in both Northwest Wisconsin and the Twin Ports. Advisory committee members already in place for the pharmacy technician program report that pharmacists no longer want the responsibility of training technicians.

“It takes about one year to train someone to do what you want them to do,” said Wallace. “Pharmacies are constantly hiring, and it can be frustrating when you routinely start from scratch. The industry needs a formal education program.”

Area employers are seeking highly-skilled graduates to fill their pharmacy technician positions.

“More employers are seeking new technicians that have completed an education program, and trends are showing an education will be a prerequisite for advanced roles for technicians. The forecast is that in less than four years, an accredited education will be required to enter the field, and WITC’s students will have all of the skills to succeed and build their careers.”

The pharmacy technician program will be taught three evenings per week on campus and one evening per week over WITC’s interactive live streaming software. The nine-month program gives students everything they need to pass the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Through the pharmacy technician core courses, students will learn about medications, how they are used and how to understand and fill prescriptions. Students will also learn hands-on skills such as how to mix sterile and non-sterile medications as well as aspects of pharmacy business. As part of the program, students will complete eight weeks in both retail and hospital clinical sites where they will apply the skills learned in the classroom while gaining customer service experience and the opportunity to network with potential employers.

For more information about the pharmacy technician program, please visit the program page here, or contact pharmacy technician instructor Jami Wallace at 800.243.9482 ext. 4202.

WITC is grateful to all its community partnerships. Your support of the WITC Foundation is essential to student success. For information on how to contribute, visit www.witc.edu/alumni-and-giving/giving.

A nationally top-ranked college and a designated 2018 Military Friendly® School, WITC serves the educational and career needs of more than 25,000 residents of Northwestern Wisconsin each year. With multiple campuses, WITC offers career-focused associate degree programs, technical diplomas, short-term certificates, customized business training, and a wide array of courses for personal or career enrichment. WITC is a member of the Wisconsin Technical College System and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org). For more information, call 800.243.WITC or visit witc.edu. WITC is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer and Educator.

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