This fall CDI launched an exciting new program that will train 35 current high school students and recent alumni as Pharmacy Technicians. This CDI program is in partnership with CVS, Lehman College and The New York Alliance for Careers in Healthcare with the very generous support of The Heckscher Foundation for Children. Students have already had to pass a rigorous selection process to be admitted to the year-long program which will involve classes twice a week taught by Lehman College professors and volunteer math tutoring support from Credit Suisse employees. u201CThe number of pharmacy technician jobs is expected to increase by 32% in the next six years,u201D says CDI Executive Director, John Mancuso. u201CWe are getting input directly from CVS on what they are looking for and this will be a model for future certificate programs that we are developing. Itu2019s the scale of the CDI network that has given us the ability to run this kind of program for the first time.u201D <br><br>Students who successfully complete the program will have to pass an exam to receive a Pharmacy Tech Certification which will enable them to earn well above minimum wage in retail, hospital and clinic settings. With this nationally recognized certificate, many students can use their training as a spring board for other medical jobs. u201CMy future goal is to become a pediatric oncology surgeon u2013 itu2019s what Iu2019ve always wanted,u201D says Sabrina Pierre an HPHS senior. u201CI wouldnu2019t be dealing too much with pharmaceuticals, but to be able to explain prescriptions to my future patients will give me a more personal touch. This is a great opportunity and itu2019ll be really fun!u201D
