Industry demand drives new pharmacy technician program at Macomb

Based on workforce demand, Macomb Community College is introducing a new workforce development certificate program for institutional pharmacy technicians. The noncredit certificate program prepares students for a national certification exam, gaining state licensure and to work in an inpatient hospital setting. The new program is in addition to Macomb’s already in-demand ambulatory pharmacy technician program that trains students to work in a retail location.

The State of Michigan began requiring a state license for pharmacy technicians in June 2015, creating demand for qualified and licensed candidates to fill numerous open positions. Macomb reviewed its program and made adjustments to better meet these demands.

“We pulled together an advisory panel of local hospital pharmacists and reviewed with them the direction we wanted to take with Macomb’s new program,” said Michelle Valin, director, Center for Health Careers, Macomb Community College. “They were really excited and told us there was a real need for licensed candidates.” Representatives from Beaumont Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Hospital and St. John Ascension served on the advisory panel.

Those interested in pursuing a career as a hospital pharmacy technician are encouraged to attend a career workshop scheduled for Wednesday, April 4, 6 p.m., on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. The workshop will be held in R Building, Room 264. Attendees will learn about the institutional pharmacy technician program, costs, and curriculum, as well as tour the lab and meet faculty. For more information and to RSVP for the workshop, call 586.226.4807 or email [email protected]. The program’s first semester starts on May 1.

In addition to classroom work, this one-year program includes 100 hours for an institutional pharmacy externship and time dedicated to preparation for the pharmacy technician certification board exam.

“We are providing the skills the hospitals are asking for, meeting their needs and making our students more marketable in their career,” said Valin.

About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to nearly 40,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded by community colleges and is the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.