Students interested in science, mathematics, medicine and helping those in need may find a new home this year in Copley’s Pharmaceutical Science Program. This two year program was integrated as part of the Four Cities Compact last spring. Students who enroll will learn the key elements of pharmaceutical science such as medical abbreviations and prescription writing as well as the compounding and preparation of medicine.

This program was designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in this specific field of healthcare. Since last summer, more pharmacies have been reporting a shortage of trained workers, and industry salaries have increased. Over 80% of pharmacies across the nation have experienced difficulty filling positions, prompting a high demand for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

The program also introduces a new faculty member: pharmaceutical science compact instructor and first-time teacher Katie Amos. Amos’ prior experience in the pharmaceutical industry has prepared her to lead the program.

“I worked in retail pharmacy for about five years and then I worked in hospital pharmacy for about eight years,” Amos said.

Amos also has a psychology degree from The University of Akron and is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University.

Students are first introduced to the pharmaceutical science program at the Four Cities Compact showcase in Barberton. If they are interested, they meet with their guidance counselor to discuss enrolling in the program.

After they learn the basics, students will also need to master critical skills: the distribution of medications, preparation of sterile medicine, techniques of collecting accurate patient information and the accurate performance of calculations. Hands-on learning is also involved. Students are able to participate in labs where they practice compounding certain medications.

Upon graduation, students will be able to further their education through college and university programs. Graduates can obtain a Pharmaceutical Tech Certification, Associate’s degree in Pharmacy or Pharmacology or a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology.

Students will also have the opportunity to enter the workforce as a pharmacy technician immediately after their high school graduation.

According to Amos, there are several different occupations a person could go into following their completion of the program.

“You can ultimately become a pharmacist or a pharmacologist if you want to do more research and development of drugs,” Amos said. “You can be a pharmaceutical representative and work for a manufacturing company. You can be a purchaser and actually buy drugs for hospitals. There’s a lot of different jobs, but pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are the big two.”

Despite the program's youth, currently enrolled students give positive feedback. Junior Natalie Felts plans to use the knowledge she derived from the class to work in a hospital pharmacy after graduation.

“If you are serious about being a pharmacist or being in the medical field then I recommend this program,” Felts said.