Gateway Introduces Retail Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Gateway Community & Technical College will offer a certificate in pharmacy technology this fall. Classes begin Aug. 13 at the colleges Urban Center at 525 Scott Boulevard in Covington.

The program can be completed in two semesters after any developmental needs are met and if the student attends full-time. Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions, mix medications, and interact with customers under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Retail pharmacy technicians earn about $13 an hour; their annual wages average about $12,000 a year more than what a high school graduate earns, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of job openings for pharmacy technicians across the country is expected to increase by 29 percent by 2020. That is much faster than the average for all jobs.

Gateway's pharmacy technology program qualifies as an allied health career under the colleges Health Professions Opportunity Grant. This means low-income students interested in becoming a pharmacy technician may be eligible for tuition assistance and other special financial benefits. For more information about HPOG and 10 other HPOG-eligible healthcare majors, contact Michele Schwendenmann at (859) 442-4103 or email gw-hpogemail@kctcs.edu.

Gateway is now accepting students in any field of study for the fall semester. For admissions and financial aid information, call (859) 441-4500 or visit the website at www.gateway.kctcs.edu.