The Pharmacy Technician Association of Cerritos College is celebrating National Pharmacy Week until Oct. 25 to increase awareness about the importance of the pharmacy staff in health care.

According to the American Pharmaceutical Association (AphA) website, the observance of National Pharmacy Week began in 1925, “as a way to promote the value of pharmacy services.”

A display sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Association containing information on the activities of pharmacy technicians on campus is located in the Wilford Michael Library and Learning Resource Center.

Mr. Hal Malkin, adviser of the Cerritos College Pharmacy Technician Association and chair of the Pharmacy Technology Program said that there are currently 170 students enrolled in the Pharmacy Technician Program. “This does not include the Pharmacy Clerk Program, which has approximately 30 students,” Malkin said,” we have experienced a phenomenal growth over the past two years with a corresponding increase in the awarding of certificates.”

With the new Health Skills Laboratory scheduled to be ready for occupancy in Spring 2004, Malkin often discusses future plans for the pharmacy technology program.

They are also looking at the possibility of establishing a Associate of Arts (AA) Degree in Pharmacy Technology with specialties in home health care, pharmaceutical compounding, IV (Intravenous) specialty, chemotherapy, and possibly others.

The new Health Skills Lab will also enable them to initiate some cross-curriculum with the Nursing, Medical Assisting, Speech-Language Pathology Assisting (SLPA), and other programs.

It will also enable them to create more ‘real world’ situations for students to practice their technicians.

“California and the nation are experiencing a health care personnel shortage and the pharmacy technology field is rich with opportunities,” said Jenine Nolan, Dean of Health Occupations.

“So my advice to current students would be to immerse yourself in learning, experience all aspects of the industry, and above all, have fun in the process. The Cerritos College Pharmacy Technology Program is a strong program which will prepare you well for the field,” Nolan said.

For more information on the Pharmacy Technology Program at Cerritos College, call 562-860-2451 ext. 2574.