Sarnians lining up for flu shots
Posted by: medicalresources on: October 27, 2009
PAUL MORDEN
The Observer
Marnie MacKenzie was first in line Tuesday at the H1N1 flu shot clinic at the Sarnia’s downtown Bayside Centre.
“I heard the lineup was three hours yesterday,” said the Sarnia pharmacy technician, who showed up at 8:30 a.m., 90 minutes before the clinic opened.
By 9:45 a.m. about 50 people had joined her in line.
Today is the third day Lambton County’s Community Health Services Department has offered H1N1 immunization to those targeted as the most in need.
The group includes people with chronic medical conditions, health-care workers, pregnant women, healthy children age six months to five years old, and those caring for others who are at high risk of getting the H1N1 flu but can’t be immunized.
Recent surveys suggested that less than half of Canadians plan to get the H1N1 flu shot, despite a strong push by public health officials.
Those lining up had made up their mind.
“I think (people) should get it,” MacKenzie said. “I don’t think they should even think about it.”
Ontario’s top medical official recently confirmed the second wave of the pandemic H1N1 flu has arrived in the province, and was responsible for 29 deaths.
Jerry Ambrose lined up Tuesday at the clinic shortly after MacKenzie arrived.
The retired Sarnia man said he was at the gym earlier that morning, where he overheard two men talking about the shot. Both said they weren’t planning to be immunized.But Ambrose, who has had the regular flu shot in the past, said he’s convinced getting the H1N1 vaccine is the right move.
“The health care providers seem to recommend it, so here I am.”
Ken McGregor, of Petrolia, was third in line. He said he’s the primary caregiver for his wife, who has cancer.
“That’s why I’m here,” he said.
As for those unsure about getting vaccinated, McGregor said, “I think they’re foolish if they don’t.”
MacKenzie said she often sees people coming into the pharmacy where she works, suffering from flu symptoms because they didn’t get vaccinated.
“I wonder why they’re not getting it.”
The clinics for the targeted population run through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Bayside Centre.
Public health officials also scheduled one-day clinics at locations around the county.
The H1N1 vaccine will be available to everyone beginning in November.
At that point, the clinics at the Bayside Centre will run Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and first and third Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., November to December.
Information on the location and dates for additional clinics around the county will be posted on the department’s website, www.lambtonhealth.on.ca. Local residents can also call the Flu Clinic Info Line at 519-383-3812, or toll free 1-800-667-1839, ext. 3812.
As well as getting the H1N1 flu shot, Sarnia-Lambton residents are being urged by public health officials to boost their defences against the flu by:
• washing their hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• covering their cough;
• eating a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, and staying home if they’re ill.
Last week, a dozen area schools reported 10% to 31% of their students missed classes.
Pharmacy Technician Training is Good for Busy Moms
Posted by: medicalresources on: July 29, 2009
Enjoy self-paced pharmacy technician training from the comfort of home. Why? Most online schools allow you to customize your training to fit your own personal schedule – no matter how much it changes from day-to-day. Study when you have time and control how much you want to learn each day. So if an unexpected event comes up, like caring for a sick child, you can put off studying and pick up where you left off when you’re ready. With an online medical pharmacy technician school, you’re the one in charge!
Contribute to your family’s financial well-being and maintain at-home responsibilities when you receive medical pharmacy technician training online. There’s no reason to spend money on childcare. Stay home with your children and study after they’re asleep. And after you complete your pharmacy technician training, you have the choice to work from home too. Medical pharmacy technician is an ideal career choice for the mom who wants to have it all!
Complete your pharmacy technician training from anywhere you choose. An online education allows you to access your assignments and tests through the convenience of your computer. Study and complete online training from home, at your child’s little league practice or from a favorite coffee shop.
You can have a career, care for your family and contribute to their future financially. So what are you waiting for? Choose an online pharmacy technician school with live education support, the proper accreditation, financial assistance options and career assistance. Before you know it, you’ll be a pharmacy technician professional – and a mom – with a fulfilling career from home.
The Countdown Starts For Pharmacy Technician Registration
Posted by: medicalresources on: July 10, 2009
Pharmacy technicians throughout England, Scotland and Wales will be regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain on a statutory basis for the first time when legislation comes into force on 1 July.
The new regulations are a positive step for pharmacy technicians, reflecting the growing role and responsibility they have as healthcare professionals.
The legislation will pave the way for compulsory registration for pharmacy technicians from 1 July 2011. The initial two-year transitional period will make the transition easier for those not already registered with the Society. Pharmacy technicians who are not already on the voluntary register are therefore urged to register within the next two years. Pharmacy technicians already on the voluntary register will be automatically transferred to the new register and will not need to do anything.
The transitional period allows for those people with relevant work experience and vocational qualifications to have the ability to register as pharmacy technicians until 30 June 2011. After this date qualification requirements will change and those who have not registered will need to hold specific qualifications in order to do so.
The Society’s Head of Support Staff Regulation, Janet Flint said: “We have been unreservedly supporting this new legislation for some time and we are pleased this is now a reality.
“Pharmacy technicians now have the status of belonging to a health profession recognised in statute. It also means they can practise as a pharmacy technician, and to use that formal title, anywhere in Great Britain.
“We are fully prepared for the regulation of pharmacy technicians. It is now important for pharmacy technicians and their employers to register with us – and sooner rather than later. ” Hospital pharmacy technician and Education Officer for APTUK, Tess Fenn added: “I completely support the regulation of pharmacy technicians and see this as a tremendous and positive step forward. I am particularly proud that I am a registered pharmacy technician.”
Source
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
New Pharmacy Schools Opening In Maine
Posted by: medicalresources on: July 7, 2009
By CityTownInfo.com Staff July 1, 2009
Responding to a demand for pharmacists nationwide and particularly in rural Maine, the state will open its first two pharmacy schools this fall. The Portland Press Herald reports that the University of New England in Portland and Husson University in Bangor received approval this week from the national Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education in Chicago to open the pharmacy schools. Before granting full accreditation, the council will monitor the progress of each school through graduation of its first doctoral class in four years. “There certainly is a demand for pharmacists in the state of Maine,” noted Dr. Eric Jarvi, dean of Husson’s new College of Pharmacy, who was quoted by the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. “Maine has the third highest demand in the country, and far and away we have the worst demand of any of the 13 northeastern states. And our mission statement says that we will be a regional leader in integrative pharmacy education, committed to influencing the practice of pharmacy and rural healthcare delivery in the state of Maine.” Experts note that the nationwide demand for pharmacists is increasing as the population ages and the health care system expands. According to the Herald, there are only 113 established pharmacy schools across the country. Husson University officials expect that most of the school’s first class will be comprised of Maine students, and most of the clinical pharmacy sites will be in-state. “We believe Maine students studying and practicing right here will work,” said Rod Larson, dean of the school, who was quoted in the Herald. “There is a significant unmet need for pharmacists, particularly in rural, small-town Maine.” Kaitlin Campbell, who works as a pharmacy technician during the school year and will be a member of the first class of pharmacy students at Husson, said that she expects to finish her degree in four years and then work locally. “I actually wanted to be a doctor at first and my dad suggested I get into the pharmacy and learn the drugs that I’m going to be dispensing to people, writing prescriptions for,” she told MPBN. “So I started working in the pharmacy, seeing what the actual pharmacists do, the great relationships they have with their customers in the retail setting, the big impact they have on their customers’ lives. And it really inspired me.” UNE received 790 applications and plans to enroll 100 students this fall. Husson, meanwhile, has received deposits from 60 planned enrollees. Both UNE and Husson already have undergraduate programs that prepare students for pharmacy school.
New regulator for pharmacy
Posted by: medicalresources on: June 18, 2009
new, independent regulator for pharmacy professionals and pharmacy premises in Great Britain will be set up in spring 2010, Health Minister Mike O’Brien announced today.
The new General Pharmaceutical Council will replace the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) as the regulator for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
The Council will develop new standards to provide a clearer framework within which to work to ensure that public health, safety and wellbeing continue to be at the centre of pharmacy services.
Following the recommendations in the government’s White Paper Trust, Assurance and Safety – the regulation of health professionals in the 21st Century, establishing the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will mean separation of professional leadership from regulation, ensuring that the regulator is independent of all interest groups. This is in line with regulation of other health professions.
Health Minister, Mike O’Brien said:
“Establishing a new General Pharmaceutical Council will give the public confidence that they are receiving the best quality pharmacy services.
“This new Council ensures professionals providing pharmacy services put patient safety at the centre of everything they do. As a new independent regulator, the Council will modernise and strengthen the regulation of pharmacy professionals, giving them support in developing and maintaining their skills.”
The GPhC plans to create a single register for all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy premises which will replace the registers currently held by the RPSGB.
The regulator’s new definition of “practising” for pharmacy professionals will mean that many of those not previously registered as practising will now need to consider doing so. The titles “pharmacist” and “pharmacy technician” will be restricted to those on the GPhC register, regardless of whether or not they are in a clinical or patient-facing role.
Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook
Posted by: medicalresources on: June 9, 2009
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 32 percent from 2006 to 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The increased number of individuals, including middle-aged and elderly people, requiring prescription drugs will spur demand for qualified pharmacy technicians – and create an opportunity to play an integral role in the health and welfare of others.
Pharmacy technicians work alongside licensed pharmacists as they provide medication and other health care products to patients. They work in a comfortable pharmacy setting performing duties such as verifying prescription information, counting and measuring medication, preparing insurance claim forms, managing inventories, completing pharmaceutical dosage forms and more. A career as a pharmacy technician can lead to opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and pharmaceutical organizations.
Online Pharmacy Technician Program allows individuals to attend class from any location and study according to their own schedule. The course materials are available 24/7 – they can log onto their courses when they have time. The online education is also self-paced, allowing them to learn at an accelerated rate or keep a regular pace throughout their studies. Live student support is available if they need assistance with their course.
Pharmacy Technician Careers in Demand
Posted by: medicalresources on: May 27, 2009
When you watch TV at night, do you ever notice all those commercials for new medications? Soon doctors all over the country will be writing prescriptions for these medications and where will their patients take them? Who will be the one filling their prescription?
The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people – who use more prescription drugs than younger people – will spur demand for technicians in both community and industrial pharmacy settings. In addition, scientific advances bring treatments and medications for an increasing number of conditions, further increasing the demand for the well-trained pharmacy technician.
- Good job opportunities are expected for full-time and part-time work, especially for technicians with formal training or previous experience.
- Job openings for pharmacy technicians will result from the expansion of retail pharmacies and other employment settings, and from the need to replace workers who transfer to other positions or leave the labor force.
- Allied will provide the education needed to enter this growing and exciting career and prepare student to become a certified pharmacy technician through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- with great pricing and discount options, comprehensive course materials, educational tools like webcasts and a certification review workbook; it is easier than ever for student to get that great new career as a pharmacy technician!
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunity in this field is expected to grow 32% from 2006 – 2016, which is much faster than average for all occupations.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician at Home
Posted by: medicalresources on: May 19, 2009
As a growing and aging population requires more medical and health care, there will be an increased need for prescriptions and pharmacy personnel – meaning opportunity for you! If you’ve wanted to start a pharmacy technician career.
Here’s the easy steps you need to take to become a pharmacy technician at home:
- Enroll in an accredited career training school – You need to get a proper educational foundation. Take the first step and enroll in a pharmacy technician course. No time to travel to a classroom? Need to keep your current job? Taking a pharmacy technician online course is the perfect way to prepare for your new career, with the flexibility to focus on your life. Study any time, anywhere with a course that is convenient and self paced.
- Become certified – Make sure that the online course you choose provides the knowledge you need to prepare for the certification exam. By taking the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification exam, you will provide you pharmacy technician career with increased opportunities.
- Start your pharmacy technician career – Once you finish your pharmacy technician online course and become certified, you will be prepared to join a pharmacy team anywhere in the nation. Choose to work alongside a licensed pharmacist in a hospital, community pharmacy, outpatient clinic, nursing home or pharmaceutical organization.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician? The pharmacy technician course includes 120 hours of study – the amount of time you can spend each week will determine how soon you can start your career. If you study 10 hours each week, you will finish your course within three months.
In a short period of time, you will be prepared to start your pharmacy technician career. You will be prepared to help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Does a pharmacy technician sound good to you? Get started today with a pharmacy technician online course – study at home with a course that fits your life.
Very Good Career: Pharmacy Technician
Posted by: medicalresources on: May 15, 2009
A career that is on the rise is that of a pharmacy technician. Pharmaceutical businesses and advances in scientific research have increased the need for more pharmacy technicians. According to the pharmacy association report, there are close to 40,000 job openings in this field every year.
Technicians are not supposed to talk to patients about their medications, like the possible side effects, dosage, measurement, etc. – this is left to the licensed pharmacist.
A pharmacy technician career will continue to be in demand as an aging and growing population requires more medications. This will create an increased need for qualified pharmacy technicians to perform such tasks as counting medication, managing the shelves and handling insurance paperwork. Opportunities will exist in many different settings – creating flexibility, stability and reward for pharmacy technicians nationwide.
Pharmacy Technician Jobs
Posted by: medicalresources on: May 13, 2009
Pharmacy technicians play an important role – when a prescription is received, the pharmacy technician checks the prescription, completes the insurance information, labels the bottle, measures the medication and pours it. Upon completion of the medical prescription, the pharmacist will double-check the medicine for any errors in measurement, count, or labeling. The pharmacy technician assists the head pharmacist, but the final word always comes from the pharmacist.
The responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include:
- Helping the pharmacists count the prescription pills
- Labeling medicine bottles
- Answering the phones
- Taking care of the money
- Checking prescriptions
- Organizing the medication on the shelves
- Keeping count of all medication to ensure an all-day supply
The role of a pharmacy technician is a large and important one – however technicians cannot answer questions about medications and their possible side-effects or compound the actual medicines. This is the responsibility of the pharmacist, who has an extensive educational background and is licensed by the state.
A pharmacy technician can work in a hospital setting, nursing home, or pharmacy. They can set their schedules to work full or part-time. The good news is that this is a career that is on the rise – the elderly population has increased and more people are taking medications than ever before. Scientific research continues to make breakthroughs in medications and treatments, which in turn increases the need for well-trained pharmacy technicians in pharmacies nationwide.
How does a pharmacy technician learn the right skills? Pharmacy technician courses are offered at various schools and colleges, including:
- Vocational Colleges
- Technical Colleges
- Community Colleges
- Hospitals
- Proprietary Schools
These schools or colleges offer courses or programs for individuals to earn the skills needed to become a pharmacy technician. The amount of time it takes to complete the program is usually less than two years, with some as short as six months. Individuals will gain familiarity with medical terminology, types of medications, pharmacy ethics, and how to calculate dosages and read medical records.
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