Pharmacy technician training in the United States Army

Pharmacy technician training in the U.S. Army is described. The training program, officially titled the pharmacy specialist course, is conducted at the U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences on Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. The 17-week program is conducted six times a year, accommodating up to 75 students per class. Before entering the course, the soldiers must complete basic combat infantry training and a general medical orientation course. Standardized examinations are given to ensure the students have the basic prerequisite knowledge. The curriculum emphasizes psychomotor skills with laboratory requirements supported by didactic instruction. During the first seven weeks of the course, the students receive instruction in pharmacy administration, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical calculations, and pharmaceutical preparations. The last nine weeks of instruction focus on pharmacology, physiology and pathology, and hospital pharmacy practice. The laboratory simulates a hospital pharmacy and is used exclusively for the training program. The students are continually evaluated and provided with individualized supportive counseling by the faculty. Overall attrition has remained at approximately 22% for fiscal years 1981, 1982, and 1983. Following graduation and assignment to a medical-treatment facility, the technicians have several opportunities for advanced training and continuing education. The proficiency and competency of the graduates are continually monitored by an annual skill qualification test. The pharmacy specialist course conducted by the U.S. Army, accredited by ASHP, can serve as a standard for the comprehensive vocational and technical training of pharmacy technicians.