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Eleven graduates of the Davidson-Davie Community College pharmacy technology program are among the first community college students in the state to be certified as immunizing technicians.

Through a partnership with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), those certified at Davidson-Davie are helping improve the overall health of the population by positioning themselves to increase immunization rates.

“One of the challenges in improving the health of our communities is in getting care to those who need it,” said Dr. LaQuoia Johnson, a college faculty member in pharmacy technology. “Thanks to this new opportunity on our campus, we already have 11 additional people who will be working in our local pharmacies and certified to give immunizations alongside the pharmacists. And we expect many more.”

Newly-certified technicians are enthusiastic about the opportunities available to them.

“Prospective employers were very excited to hear that I had this training because this is a great skill to have if you want to advance in the pharmacy world,” said recent graduate Magenta Godfrey.

“With this training I plan to work at weekend vaccine clinics at various locations, and facilities like retail pharmacies that allow technicians to administer vaccinations. This was such a wonderful opportunity and I am beyond thrilled to use my very special certification to its fullest potential.”

The college and APhA will continue offering the certification opportunity as a continuing education class for qualified pharmacy technicians or state-authorized pharmacy interns, with the next in-person class scheduled for June 19. Composed of an online self-study portion combined with a live seminar that teaches hands-on immunization techniques, the program will provide six hours of continuing education.

To register: https://www.davidsondavie.edu/continuing_education/immunization-administration-certificate/

“Increasing immunization rates in response to COVID-19 is everyone’s first priority right now,” said Holly Myers, dean of health sciences. “By increasing the number of people certified to give immunizations, we not only help combat COVID-19 but also support efforts to positively impact the health of all people in all communities.”