Pharmacy Technology students get a peek at real-world potential

Pharmacy Tech instructor Vincent Holloway is a firm believer in the advantages a strong visual aid can provide his students. So on May 27th, he took his class to the Antelope Valley Hospital’s Pharmacy Department to get a first-hand look at what a functioning pharmacy looks and feels like.

“I wanted students to observe and experience the operations of a real inpatient facility’s pharmacy, including IV room activities, Pyxis machine (medication dispenser nurses can access directly), unit dose preparation, drug distribution, and pharmacy team interaction,” says Holloway. “Students say they learned a lot and enjoyed the experience.”

The Pharmacy Technology class went on this field trip during their evening class time and absorbed the in-person advantages of this on-site educational experience.

“The hospital visit taught me a lot about the operations of an inpatient pharmacy,” says Pharmacy Technology student Vanity Hafoka. “After visiting the hospital and observing the operations first-hand, I now want to pursue a career in the field of inpatient pharmacy.”

Students particularly enjoyed passing through the WIP (Women and Infants Pavilion) building on their way to the hospital’s pharmacy and medical rooms located nearby. “Who doesn’t like babies?” asks Vincent. Patients of all ages benefit from prescribed medications that treat individual medical needs.

“I now know what to expect if I am blessed with a pharmacy tech job, working in a hospital setting,” says Elizabeth Avalos, Pharmacy Technology student. “I especially enjoyed learning about all of the different unit dose dispensing machines. Hospital pharmacy is very different from retail.”

SJVC medical programs not only balance hands-on experience with classroom lectures, but strive to include visits to potential career and employer sites that give students a glimpse of a potential future.