Lane College partners with CVS Health to provide pharmaceutical opportunities for students
In a partnership with CVS Health and St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Lane College launched the grand opening of the Workforce Innovation Talent Center on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the campus's McClure Hall.
The first program of its kind at an HBCU, the WITC provides students the opportunity to learn in a simulated pharmacy environment and earn a variety of pharmaceutical-related credentials of which can be stacked in addition to their degree in a related field.
Students have the opportunity to pursue careers as pharmacy technicians, customer service associates, and retail managers.
Lane College President Dr. Logan Hampton shared his excitement about the benefits that the WITC will give to students and described the event as a "joyous occasion."
"They can use this opportunity to prepare and explore the field of pharmacy, to think about 'is this for me?' and to make a decision," Hampton said. "Our first-generation students, our African-American students, women and males, bringing more of those students into the workforce, into healthcare, and pharmacy tech workforce means serving the greater good for our community."
Dr. Melanie Van Stry, Lane's Division Chair of Natural and Physical Science and instructor of the Pharmacy Technology program, explained that there are several pathways students can follow while exploring the WITC program. Stackable credentials include applying for a certificate in pharmacy tech, following a pre-pharmacy track within the chemistry major, or following a management track in the business major.
"This gives them the opportunity to have hands-on training so they can develop skills that they wouldn't otherwise have a chance to," Van Stry said.
Workforce development aspects of the WITC include a mock CVS retail pharmacy store, a simulated clean room to learn about IV bag preparation, workstations and a location to house corporate meetings.
Graduating Lane senior Najah Ward is a CVS Pharmacy Tech in Jackson described how her professors opened her eyes to the world of pharmaceutical work through her participation in summer research programs, conferences, and working with various healthcare department agencies.
"It has made me tremendously excited to go in the path of pharmacy," she said.
Lead Director of Workforce Initiatives for CVS Health Richard Laferriere noted that the opening of Lane's WITC program comes as the ninth of its kind in the country, while their goal is to open 25 locations.
He described the partnership with Lane and CME Church as a partnership turned allyship that resembles "singing from the same sheet of music."
"We're creative, we're thoughtful, we're innovative, that's what our WITCs are about," Laferriere said. "I challenge all of you to think of ways that our WITC can improve your life here, and the community, and for students as well."
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: CVS Health and Lane College provide pharmacy careers for students.
