Seats are open for RLC Pharmacy Tech program

By ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL – The Rend Lake College Allied Health department announces there are seats available for the Pharmacy Technician program.  Classes start on January 8, 2018.

The Pharmacy Technician program is a one-semester, 16 credit hour program offered in a night class format, making it a practical option for both new students and working adults looking for a career change. Graduates will be qualified to practice in a variety of pharmacy settings and will have the knowledge to pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination.

Classes meet at 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays on the Ina campus with clinical hours varying by clinical site. Kim Wilkerson, Dean of Allied Health, said the program is a great first step for those considering a career in the industry.

“Rend Lake College also has an Associate in Science Degree that offers the foundation needed to transfer into a five-year bachelor’s degree program,” she said. “Pharmacy is a rapidly growing and evolving field, and our program offers students the tools to start a fulfilling career.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This will be due in part to an aging population, necessitating more medications, but also because of increased access to insurance coverage by more people and because of the greater range of services pharmacies are beginning to offer their customers.

For additional information, visit www.rlc.edu/allied-health/pharmacy-technician, or contact the Allied Health Division at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1251.