Program News
New Accelerated Pharm Tech Degree Offers Instructional Courses Completely Online
RALEIGH, N.C. (May 21, 2020) – Online learning options are suddenly more important than ever – and pharmacy technicians now have an opportunity to earn a degree online. Wake Tech’s new accelerated Pharmacy Technology program offers students a fast track to professional credentials and career opportunities. The new, online “bridge” program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree for pharm techs who have at least three years of work experience.
Pharmacy technicians are in high demand. They work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to provide patients with prescription and over-the-counter medication, medical equipment and supplies, and other health-care products and services.
The new accelerated program offers eight-week (instead of 16-week) courses, allowing students to complete the AAS degree in four semesters instead of five. All instructional courses are taught online, with in-person labs held one evening each week or on Saturdays. Wake Tech also offers its traditional Pharmacy Technology degree for students not currently working in the field.
The new program is aimed at pharmacy technicians who want to complete an academic degree that includes general education courses as well as pharm tech specifics. It also prepares technicians for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). While certification for pharm techs is not currently required in North Carolina, Wake Tech considers it crucial for future employment opportunities as well as options for continuing to four-year degree programs. “Wake Tech is helping to raise the standard for pharmacy technicians, which will in turn raise the pay scale for these important professionals,” said Shannon Natale, department head, for Wake Tech’s Pharmacy Technology program. “We want to help pharm techs move to the next level.”
For more information on the Pharmacy Technology bridge program, visit http://pharmtech.waketech.edu.
