What I learned on a client visit: Tips for class and externships!

Last week, fellow client manager, Bree Abbas, and I had the opportunity to meet with the preceptors at several pharmacy technician externship sites in Providence, Rhode Island and surrounding communities. Since 2008, MK Education has partnered with Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to deliver comprehensive pharmacy technician training. In a state the size of Rhode Island, word gets out when something is a success. Clearly, pharmacy technician training at CCRI has earned an excellent reputation.

We were able to visit chain drug stores, independent retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and even an infusion pharmacy. At each stop, we asked two basic questions, “How are the CCRI students doing?” and, “Based on what you have observed, is there anything you would change about the curriculum?” And of course, we thanked each of the preceptors who mentor the future pharmacy technicians of greater Providence and provide valuable training to these students.

Over and over again, we received positive feedback. We heard that CCRI students were professional, well-prepared and eager to learn. They have represented MK Education, CCRI, and themselves very well.

Our biggest compliments came though, when we discovered that CCRI pharmacy technician students were being hired by the preceptors. One student had been hired by a Walgreens in Warwick, and two students have just been hired by the VA Hospital. What a great testament to the student(s), CCRI, the instructor, and the curriculum!

For students, it is important to consider the externship as a stepping stone to employment. Externships in reality are long-term job interviews. Students should treat their preceptor as a potential employer.

Tips for students:

• Be punctual

• Be ready to learn.

• Ask intelligent questions.

• Conduct yourself professionally.

• Have a positive attitude.

• Always be willing to help.

• Smile.

#healthcaretraining #pharmacytechnician #externships #ccri #farihasiddiquie