Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Thompson M-TEC Announces New Pharmacy Technician Course

Feb. 13, 2008 - PRLog -- HOLLAND, Mich. – Leaders from the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, Thompson M-TEC announced today an online pharmacy technician career training course is now available for immediate enrollment. Offered in partnership with Gatlin Education Services, the new course will give students an important leg up in the job market by providing them with an externship at Walgreens, provided basic qualifications are met.  

Accessible at www.gatlineducation.com/oaisd/health.htm, Thompson M-TEC’s new blended learning online program teaches the necessary skills to gain employment as a pharmacy technician in a hospital or retail setting. The course aims to provide high school graduates and individuals seeking new careers the skills and knowledge that will enable them to qualify for entry-level positions in pharmacies as well as prepare for the mandated national certification.

Students enrolled in the course can qualify for an externship with Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain. Walgreens supplies interns with 80 to 160 hours of hands-on experience that includes assisting pharmacists with prescriptions, answering patient questions about medications and a bevy of administrative duties.

“The pharmacy technician program is one of our most popular offerings,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Fort Worth-based Gatlin Education Services. “The added benefit of having a valuable internship will continue to put Gatlin students a step ahead in an ultra-competitive job market. The partnership with Walgreens will not only open doors for students, but will also pave the way for similar advantages with our other programs.”

For program and course descriptions, go to http://www.gatlineducation.com/oaisd/. For enrollment information, contact Gatlin Education Services at (866) 441-5454 or questions@gatlineducation.com.

About Thompson M-TEC:
The Patrick A. Thompson Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) is a collaboration between the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Grand Rapids Community College to provide adult technical training in the heart of the Ottawa area.

About Gatlin Education Services:
Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities.  Gatlin’s courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately.  Gatlin’s online career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

About Walgreen Co.:
Walgreen Co. is the nation’s largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2005 sales of $42.2 billion. The company operates more than 5,250 stores in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Services, its managed care division, which includes Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc. and Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy.

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