Caddo Adds Pharmacy Classes

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Caddo Parish high school seniors will be able to train as pharmacy technicians by taking a course that starts in August.

The Times reports (http://bit.ly/MK0CD6) Fair Park High in Shreveport will add the two-semester course to its medical careers program. The class also will offer three hours of college credit through Bossier Parish Community College.

Students who successfully complete the classes will be eligible to take the state licensing exam when they reach age 18.

The community college will provide the instructor. The college offers a certificate program and associate degree in pharmacy technology.

"We feel like the pharmacy technician program will be a really good fit at Fair Park with the medical careers program," said Renee Sears, director of dual enrollment at the community college. "The principal made very plain that he wants to afford his students the opportunity to earn a good wage while they are pursuing whatever (college) degree they want to pursue."

Jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected to grow by 3 percent over the next six years. Pay for someone with a moderate amount of experience averages $27,000 a year, Sears said.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.shreveporttimes.com