RRN 1,715. Pharmacy Technician. April 2010 Needs Assessment. Prepared by Carli Straight Date: April 16, 2010 Pharmacy Technician

Transcription

1 RRN 1,715 Pharmacy Technician April 2010 Needs Assessment Prepared by Carli Straight Date: April 16, 2010 Pharmacy Technician 1

2 Scope Data compiled in this report covers San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and Los Angeles counties. Data were drawn from external sources, including the Employment Development Department s California Labor Market Information and the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), as well as Chaffey College s Colleague Administrative database. Data Sources and Calculations Educational Program Data TOP Code Program of Study Pharmacy Technology The Taxonomy of Programs (TOP) is a standardized system used at the state level to classify programs and courses at California Community Colleges that are intended to achieve the same outcome. The Pharmacy Technician program at Chaffey College is classified under the Pharmacy Technology TOP code. CIP Code Program of Study Pharmacy Technician/Assistant The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a standardized coding system used at the federal level to facilitate accurate tracking, assessment, and reporting of fields of study and program completion at educational institutions throughout the country. This report draws on the Pharmacy Technician/Assistant CIP code, which maps to the Pharmacy Technology TOP code, to compare Chaffey College to other institutions and examine employment trends. Completions Data Degree and certificate data regarding students at Chaffey College were collected from the Colleague Administrative database. Degree and certificate data for all comparison schools were collected from the U.S. Department of Education s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). All comparison institutions included in this report are postsecondary and have provided data to IPEDS. IPEDS defines postsecondary education as a formal program designed primarily for students beyond high school age. These include academic, vocational, and continuing professional education, and exclude avocational and adult basic education programs. Occupational Data SOC Code Occupational Title Pharmacy Aides Pharmacy Technicians The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system is used by federal statistical agencies to classify workers into occupational categories. The Pharmacy Technician/Assistant CIP code was mapped to the two SOC codes listed in the table above using the crosswalk described in the paragraph below. 2

3 Educational Program to Occupation Crosswalk The TOP-CIP-SOC Crosswalk (Employment Development Department, 2007) was used in this report to map TOP codes to CIP and SOC codes. This crosswalk allows the user to estimate labor market demand for California Community College program completers using SOC-based projections from the California Labor Market Information Division. Industry Data The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is used by federal statistical agencies to classify business establishments for the purpose of conducting and reporting research on the U.S. business economy. The Standard Occupation Classification codes are mapped to industry data by the California Labor Market Information Division. Industry information is used to geographically map the business locations of potential employers as well as to observe trends across the industries that employ the occupations identified above. 3

4 Introduction and Contents Contents Background Information 5 Regional Job Outlook 7 Largest and Fastest Growing Industry Employers 9 Regional Graduation Summary 10 Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators 12 Map of Regional Employers and Competitor Institutions 13 Purpose and Goals Chaffey College currently offers a 24-unit Associate of Science and a 24-unit Certificate option in the Pharmacy Technician program. The following is a description of the Pharmacy Technician program as outlined in the Catalog: This occupational program prepares students for work as Pharmacy Technicians. The program provides both the technical and practical training that enables the technician, upon licensure, to function as a competent entry-level assistant to the pharmacist. Pharmacy Technicians may be employed in hospitals, community pharmacies, home-health care settings, and government agencies. Program curriculum consists of lecture and laboratory instruction in both simulated and supervised clinical environments. Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician (PT) program, students are qualified to apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for registration; registration is a legal requirement for work in California as a pharmacy technician. California law also allows for the denial of certification on the basis of any prior criminal convictions substantially related to pharmaceutical practice. Regional Definitions Inland Empire includes the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Los Angeles County includes the Los Angeles- Long Beach-Glendale Metropolitan Division Orange County includes the Santa Ana- Anaheim-Irvine Metropolitan Division Key Terms and Concepts Replacement Jobs: Replacement jobs refer to the number of job openings due to workers leaving an occupation. Annual Openings: Annual openings are calculated by adding the number of new jobs to the number of replacement jobs, divided by the number of years in the projection period. Projections: Projections of employment are calculated by the Employment Development Department and are based on a mathematical formula that includes historical employment and economic indicators along with national, state, and local trends. Occupation: Jobs are grouped into occupations using the federal Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. Industry: Occupations are grouped into industries using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Wages: Hourly wages are reported in percentiles and averages. The 25 th percentile is a useful proxy of entry-level wages and the 75 th percentile of experienced-level wages. The purpose of this report is to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources to determine labor market needs for the Pharmacy Technician program at Chaffey College. 4

5 Background Information Pharmacy Technology Pharmacy Technology programs in California Community Colleges focus on teaching students principles and procedures used to assist in maintaining and dispensing pharmaceutical supplies and medications. 1 The descriptions of job duties for Pharmacy Aides and Pharmacy Technicians are provided by the Occupational Information Network. 2 Pharmacy Aides Pharmacy Aides record drugs that are delivered to the pharmacy, store incoming merchandise, and inform their supervisors of stock needs. They may also operate the cash register and accept prescriptions for filling. Typical Tasks Accept prescriptions for filling, gathering and processing necessary information Answer telephone inquiries, referring callers to pharmacist when necessary Prepare solid and liquid dosage medications for dispensing into bottles and unit dose packaging Greet customers and help them locate merchandise Unpack, sort, count and label incoming merchandise, including items requiring special handling or refrigeration Prepare prescription labels by typing or operating a computer and printer Receive, store and inventory pharmaceutical supplies, notifying pharmacist when levels are low Operate cash register to process cash and credit sales Restock storage areas, replenishing items on shelves Perform clerical tasks such as filing, compiling and maintaining prescription records, and composing letters 1 California Community Colleges, Chancellor s Office, Taxonomy of Programs, Sixth Edition (Corrected Version). 2 O*Net Online: 5

6 Pharmacy Technicians Pharmacy Technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist, measuring, mixing, counting out, labeling, and recording amounts and dosages of medications. Typical Tasks Receive written prescription or refill requests and verify that information is complete and accurate Establish and maintain patient profiles, including lists of medications taken by individual patients Maintain proper storage and security conditions for drugs Answer telephones, responding to questions or requests Prepack bulk medicines, fill bottles with prescribed medications, and type and affix labels Mix pharmaceutical preparations according to written prescriptions Clean and help maintain equipment and work areas, and sterilize glassware according to prescribed methods Price and file prescriptions that have been filled Assist customers by answering simple questions, locating items or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information Receive and store incoming supplies, verify quantities against invoices, check for outdated medications in current inventory, and inform supervisors of stock needs and shortages 6

7 % Growth % Growth Regional Job Outlook Projected Regional Job Outlook The table below displays 2006 employment estimates and 2016 projections for Pharmacy Aides and Pharmacy Technicians. Job openings for Pharmacy Aides are very few across all regions of interest, and are only being filled to replace employees who leave. Job openings for Pharmacy Technicians, on the other hand, are relatively plentiful across all regions of interest and are a result of both new openings and replacements. Total Estimated 2006 Jobs Total Projected 2016 Jobs Projected Growth (%) Ave. Annual New Job Openings Ave. Annual Replacement Job Openings Ave. Annual Total Job Openings Pharmacy Aides State of California 7,300 6, (-6.9%) Inland Empire (-5.3%) Los Angeles CO 1,990 1, (-9.5%) Orange CO (-7.8%) Pharmacy Technicians State of California 23,300 31,700 8,400 (36.1%) ,550 Inland Empire 2,380 3, (40.8%) Los Angeles CO 6,320 8,420 2,100 (33.2%) Orange CO 1,970 2, (36.5%) Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited April 8, 2010). Projected Regional Job Growth The graphs below shows the projected growth from 2006 to 2016 of Pharmacy Aide and Pharmacy Technician jobs. As the graphs show, the number of Pharmacy Aide jobs is expected to decline over this time period across all regions of interest. The number of Pharmacy Technician jobs, on the other hand, is expected to grow by over 30% in all regions of interest. Pharmacy Aides Pharmacy Technicians California Inland Empire Los Angeles County Orange County California Inland Empire Los Angeles County Orange County Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited April 8, 2010). 7

8 Regional Hourly Wages This table displays the 2009 hourly wage statistics of occupations associated with Pharmacy Technology. In general, Pharmacy Technicians earn more than Pharmacy Aides. Wages are comparable across all regions of interest. Mean Hourly Rate 25 th Percentile Median Hourly Rate 75 th Percentile Pharmacy Aides State of California $11.67 $9.19 $10.36 $13.05 Inland Empire $10.77 $9.08 $9.97 $12.01 Los Angeles CO $10.91 $8.93 $9.69 $11.77 Orange CO $11.46 $9.19 $10.13 $12.86 Pharmacy Technicians State of California $17.69 $14.66 $17.55 $20.17 Inland Empire $16.39 $13.46 $16.59 $19.11 Los Angeles CO $16.99 $13.96 $17.08 $19.87 Orange CO $17.88 $15.47 $17.79 $20.17 Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Occupation Profile, on the Internet at: (visited April 8, 2010). 8

9 Percent Change Percent Change Number of Employees Number of Employees Largest and Fastest Growing Industry Employers Largest Industry Employers of Pharmacy Technician-Related Occupations The graphs below display the 2006 staffing patterns of the largest industries employing Pharmacy Aides and Pharmacy Technicians across the state of California. Whereas only three industries employed Pharmacy Aides during this year, ten industries employed Pharmacy Technicians. Moreover, Grocery Stores employ the largest number of Pharmacy Aides and Health and Personal Care Stores employ the largest number of Pharmacy Technicians Pharmacy Aides 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 Pharmacy Technicians Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: (visited April 12, 2010). Change Over Time of the Largest Industry Employers of Pharmacy Technician- Related Occupations The graphs below display projections of staffing changes from of the largest industries employing Pharmacy Aides and Pharmacy Technicians in the state of California. None of the industries employing Pharmacy Aides are expected to increase the number of Pharmacy Aide positions. On the other hand, four of the largest industries that employ Pharmacy Technicians are expected to increase the number of Pharmacy Technician positions. 100% 80% 60% Pharmacy Aides 100% 80% 60% 40% Pharmacy Technicians 40% 20% 20% 0% 0% Source: Labor Market Information Division, Employment Development Department, Staffing Patterns, on the Internet at: (visited April 12, 2010). 9

10 Regional Graduation Summary Education and Training 3 Pharmacy Aides typically receive on the job training but most employers prefer at least a high school diploma. The job of Pharmacy Aide is likely to appeal to those who enjoy working with people and performing tasks that are organized, clearly defined, and require an attention to detail. Pharmacy Technicians must be licensed to practice in California by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Pharmacy. To obtain this license, they must meet specific educational requirements, pass a criminal background check, and obtain a Live Scan fingerprint clearance. The job of Pharmacy Technician is likely to appeal to those who enjoy working with people and performing duties that are organized, clearly defined, and require an attention to detail. Regional Completers in Pharmacy Technician/Assistant Programs The table below displays the number of program completers in the academic year at regional institutions offering Pharmacy Technology programs. Besides Chaffey College, there are 36 institutions offering degrees or certificates below the baccalaureate level across the four county region. Institution Name < 1 year Certificate 1 to < 2 year Certificate Award Level Associate s Degree 2 to < 4 year Certificate Chaffey College American Career College Ontario American Career College Anaheim American Career College Los Angeles American College of Healthcare Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education Career Colleges of America Cerritos College Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science Everest College Alhambra Everest College City of Industry Everest College LA Wilshire Everest College Ontario Everest College Reseda Everest College Torrance Everest College West Los Angeles Four-D College Labor Market Info, Employment Development Department, California Occupational Guides, on the Internet at: (visited April 12, 2010). 10

11 ICDC College Intercoast Colleges West Covina Intercoast Colleges Riverside Intercoast Colleges Carson Kaplan College Palm Springs Kaplan College - Riverside Los Angeles ORT College Los Angeles ORT College Van Nuys Milan Institute North-West College Glendale North-West College Pasadena North-West College Pomona North-West College West Covina Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career Education San Bernardino Valley College San Joaquin Valley College Rancho Cucamonga Santa Ana College United Education Institute Huntington Park Campus University of Antelope Valley West Los Angeles College Total 1, Note: -- indicates that this type of degree is not offered. 0 indicates that this degree/certificate level is offered but no degrees or certificates were granted. Source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, on the Internet at: (visited April 13, 2010) 11

12 Chaffey College s Performance on Core Indicators The Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 mandates that all state and local postsecondary institutions provide data on six core performance indicators for their career and technical education programs. These indicators are: 1) Technical Skill Attainment; 2) Completions; 3) Persistence and Transfer; 4) Employment; 5) Nontraditional Participation; and 6) Nontraditional Completion. Performance goals are set at the state and local levels and progress is monitored based on a comparison between the actual percentage of students who master each performance area and the negotiated levels of performance Chaffey College Performance on Core Indicators The table below displays negotiated and actual core performance indicator levels for all Chaffey College students classified under the Pharmacy Technology TOP code. These students performed above district negotiated levels in five of the six areas measured. Core Performance Indicators Negotiated Level State District Chaffey College Performance Percent Above or Below District Negotiated Level Pharmacy Technology Core 1 Technical Skill Attainment 88.37% 87.93% 94.23% 6.3% Core 2 Completions- Credential, Certificate, Degree, or Transfer Ready 81.65% 78.95% 92.00% 13.1% Core 3 Persistence and Transfer 85.47% 83.62% 76.92% -6.7% Core 4 Employment 81.80% 80.33% 86.36% 6.0% Core 5a Non-traditional Participation 20.27% 19.05% 23.08% 4.0% Core 5b Non-traditional Completions 21.99% 19.72% 32.14% 12.4% Source: CA Community Colleges Reporting Services, Radio and Television, College Core Indicator Information by 6-Digit TOP ( ) 12

13 Map of Regional Employers and Competitor Institutions Home and Personal Care Stores employ the majority of Pharmacy Technicians whereas Grocery Stores employ the majority of Pharmacy Aides. This map focuses on the locations of Home and Personal Care Stores, due to the strong market for Pharmacy Technicians and weak market for Pharmacy Aides. Across all four counties of interest, there are 7,572 employers in the Home and Personal Care Store industry listed by the California Labor Market (4,621 in Los Angeles County, 1,586 in Orange County, 704 in Riverside County, and 661 in San Bernardino County). This map illustrates the location of a random selection of 10% of all employers in the Home and Personal Care Stores industry, generated using SPSS Statistical Software. Also included are the locations of Chaffey College and other competitor schools offering a degree or certificate in Pharmacy Technician/Assistant programs. 13