The Restoration Center SDA group and High Desert New Beginnings, Inc. of Barstow partnered to provide a pharmacy technician certification program. Known as the Stay the Course Pharmacy Technician Certification Program, the training aims to prepare for exams and certification of new pharmacy technicians for entry-employment in the local service area.
This six-to-eight-week course is offered annually, beginning in June, to residents of San Bernardino county’s high desert who are interested in job opportunities as an entry-level pharmacy technician. Interested persons are required to present their high school diploma upon course registration and must have reliable transportation to the training location in Victorville for the duration of classes.
As a result of the program, graduates have begun obtaining employment in the pharmacy technician field or are making plans to enter the field at a future time and location of their choosing. A recent graduate from the program is now employed as a pharmacy technician. She shared her gratitude of the program and the impact her employment has made in her life and her son. Another graduate is in the process of employment with the veterans program. Idah White, pharmacy technician, has led the program as instructor for two years.
The joint mission of the two partnering agencies is to provide an opportunity to anyone who unemployed, underemployed, or is looking for a career change. White shared, “This ministry gives back to those who are seriously motivated to elevate their life trajectory towards self-sufficiency through sustainable, gainful employment.” As part of the group’s ministry, the program is at no cost to participants, but donations are encouraged to help defray the cost of consumable supply, the Restoration Center facility, and the required Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. Each participant must purchase their own PTCB Exam prep book,
Restoration Center is accepting donations in support of the program and are encouraging those interested in a health-related career to register at www.RestorationCenterSDA.org.
- Kendall White, pastor, Darnesha Cooper, Rosana Reveles, Marquel Watters, Faith Allen, Brandy Martin, Collet Childs, Brittany Williams pose with their certificates. ↩︎
- Dr. Idah White instructor, Andrea Garcia, Elizabeth Drasher, Martha Rebollar-Chanez, Shylee Hayes, Shateria Jetet smile upon completing the course. ↩︎