In May, Paul D. Camp Community College graduated its first class of pharmacy technicians. Applications are now being accepted at the college’s Regional Workforce Develop-ment Center for the fall semester.

The pharmacy technician field is growing, due to the increasing elderly population and the use of technicians to perform many duties that were previously limited to a registered pharmacist.

“Technicians are considered paraprofessionals and assist pharmacists in retail, hospital, nursing home-supply and mail-order pharmacy settings,” said Elaine Beale, RPh., pharmacy technician program director and instructor.

The program includes basic classes, such as freshman English, public speaking and CPR certification, as well as specific pharmacy classes and clinical experience.

“It is a 25-credit-hour, eight-month comprehensive program, so students are eligible for financial aid,” said Beale. “After completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the national and state examinations for certification.”

For more information, visit www.pdc.edu or contact Beale at ebeale@pdc.edu.