Pharmacy Technician instructor interview.

We sat down with our Pharmacy Technician instructor to ask some questions about the program. American College of Healthcare and Technology’s Pharmacy Technician program is a 8-month program available at our Riverside campus.

What got you into teaching? “I got into teaching when my daughter took the pharmacy technician took the class at the American College of Healthcare and Technology, and she needed help with some of her homework. I had worked in the field for over years when I retired from UCI medical center.”

Besides the curriculum what are you trying to teach your students? “I’m trying to teach the students ethics. From what I have seen many technicians are out there to collect a check, they don’t have a love for what they do. What I want to do is for my students to take pride in their work, so they can take that into the workforce.”

What is the most interesting part of the class? “For the students, they like the hands-on learning; it’s more fun than lecture for them. It’s something that the students are always looking forward to.”

What makes your program stand out? “It’s a challenging course; it’s a challenge mentally, emotionally and physically. If you are a person who likes to solve puzzles, working with numbers and putting stuff together, then Pharmacy Technician is a course that you might enjoy.

Why should a prospective student choose your class? “If you want to do something that has a higher calling. If you don’t want to work a register or work in an office then this is the program that will challenge you. You’re doing something to help people in this job.”

What is a student going to learn that they may not expect? “The job is a lot more than just counting pills. You will find intimate details of filling out a prescription.”

What can a student expect on externship? “Students may be working in a retail store, working on customer service, there are hospitals, in and outpatient facilities. Sterile production as well that makes the IV’s and chemo bags.”

What is a small change that a student can make to be a better student in your class? “Pay attention from the beginning. There’s a lot of information to take in and pharmacy is an exact science, you can’t just play around. What is taught one day may not be taught the next and you could miss out on really important information.”

What is the most exciting thing a student will learn in class? “Students I think will learn that this field has a lot of opportunity for growth. There’s much more room for growth than most people would ever expect.”

What is a tip a student can use to learn more effectively? “Make sure you study and be prepared to do a lot of reading. Take your study time seriously. Don’t be afraid to expand your knowledge and what we’re teaching to you and find videos and articles that aren’t shown in class. Process the info given to you, and look for more.

What makes this course so rewarding for a student? “The reality that you are working towards helping other people and saving lives. It’s a team effort to cure people. Pharmacy technicians are a big part of that team.”

What advice would you give your students? “Be honorable. There’s a code of ethics and standard set by the National Board of Pharmacy. Always abide by that. Work with integrity, be honest and take pride in what you do.”

What is something about the field that students don’t know of? “Students are going to be overwhelmed, even after class and extern at the amount of work it takes to fill a prescription. You will be doing more than what you really expect.”

For any additional information, visit us online at www.ach.edu or call us at (951) 729-5320 or (323) 585-9000

American College of Healthcare and Technology has two convenient locations.

Our Huntington Park offers the following programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Veterinary Assistant, and Massage Therapy & Physical Therapy Aide.

Our Huntington Park campus proudly serves the following communities: Bell, Bell Gardens, Compton, Southgate, Los Angeles, Vernon, Maywood, Cudahy, Florence, South Central LA, Watts, Lynwood, City of industry, Lawndale, Paramount, Inglewood, Commerce, Downy, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Carson, Long Beach, Bellflower, Pico Rivera, Montebello, Whittier, Gardena, Hawthorne, El Monte, La Puente, Monterrey Park.

Our Riverside campus offers the following programs: Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Veterinary Assistant, Massage Therapy & Physical Therapy Aide, Dental Assistant, Surgical Technology, and Pharmacy Technician.

Our Riverside campus proudly serves the following communities: Corona, Moreno Valley, Norco, Lake Elsinore, Perris, La Sierra, Arlington, Jurupa Valley, Rialto, Pedley, Mira Loma, Rubidoux, Bloomington, Colton, San Bernardino, Redlands, Wildomar, Temecula, Murrieta, Loma Linda, Fontana, Grand Terrace, and Glen Avon.

11801 Pierce St., Suite 100
Riverside, California 92505
(951) 729-5320

6606 Pacific Blvd, Suite 204
Huntington Park, California 90255
(323) 585-9000