TIPS for a New Career as a pharmacy professional

The Tri-State Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS) has enrolled the first class in the innovative two-semester degree program in pharmacy technology. Presently, the people of our region are underserved in the area of pharmacy services. Many residents of the tri-state area are unemployed or underemployed and are looking for a new career with a brighter future and excellent earnings. The TIPS degree program is addresses both of these important community needs.
 
The first TIPS class is diverse. Some students are middle-aged and unemployed or underemployed looking for job security, better income, and an opportunity to serve others. Some students are young mothers with school age children entering the workforce for the first time. Some are recent high school graduates starting higher education with training to have a good income to support further education in health services professions.. Some students are rising high school seniors who are studying for a degree and certification at the time of their high school graduation. The ages are wide ranging, but the motivation for a more prosperous future as a pharmacy professional is the same for all.

The specialized associate degree in pharmacy technology is for those who want a comprehensive and hands-on route to certification as a pharmacy technician.  The curriculum blends the knowledge base of home or online study with the skilled experience base of on-the-job training. The best of both approaches is combined into the TIPS degree program. Those with a degree as well as certification may be able to take on more responsibility in the pharmacy of the future. This would increase the opportunity to serve and the compensation for the greater responsibility.

West Virginia with only 2 pharmacy schools, compared to 7 in Ohio, is severely affected by the shortage of pharmacy professionals. The great aspirations of the students are a part of the great aspirations at TIPS.  TIPS is working toward more advanced pharmacy education to address the shortage of pharmacy professionals in the region.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities at TIPS log on to tipswv.com or call 304-522-1888, you can obtain your degree in eight months fall classes begin in October.