In a groundbreaking collaboration, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) and UH Maui College have forged a partnership to enhance the training of pharmacy technician students, which responds to the growing demand across the state to fill these positions.
DKICP faculty will teach UH Maui College students, both in-person and online, preparing them for a national immunization certification exam. The certification verifies an individual has completed the necessary training and met the requirements to administer immunizations.
“For pharmacy technicians to get immunization certification is a gold standard that our faculty involvement can help provide for students in this UH Maui College program,” said DKICP Dean Rae Matsumoto.
Under this innovative alliance, students in UH Maui College’s pharmacy technician program will gain the opportunity to complete coursework and critical credentials.
“This additional level of training allows our graduates to perform at the top of their profession,” said UH Maui College pharmacy technician instructor Valerie Matsunaga, “We saw how important these skills are during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Workforce development
UH Maui College has offered the Pharmacy Technician Immersion degree program since 2008. In fall 2023, a career skills lab funded in partnership with CVS Health and designed like a real Longs Drugs pharmacy opened on the Maui campus. The workforce development initiative continues to provide hands-on skills training for students throughout its 15-week program.
- Related UH News story: Apprenticeship trailblazer: UH Maui College pharmacy technician graduate, December 19, 2023
UH Maui College and DKICP have an articulation program so students in continuing education on the Maui campus can continue on at the Hilo campus.
