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University Hospital Pharmacy Technicians Certified

University Hospital of the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse has announced that nine pharmacy technicians have been certified by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP). Nationally, only eight percent of pharmacy technicians achieve this distinction.

Pharmacy technicians perform a variety of technical tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Requirements for certification consist of successfully completing approximately 700 hours of lecture, lab and internship training. The examination for certification tests the pharmacy technicians’ knowledge and skill base. Certification also provides employers with an objective benchmark in order to evaluate potential employees. According to Roy Guharoy, PharmD, director of University Hospital’s Pharmacy Department, “The national certification has been a catalyst to help ensure high-quality pharmaceutical care.”

“Pharmacy technicians play a significant role in the provision of pharmacy services in today’s health care environment,” said Guharoy. “With new services and procedures being offered all the time, and new drugs constantly entering the market, the need for highly skilled pharmacy technicians is more important than ever. We are very proud of the commitment to their profession demonstrated by the nine University Hospital pharmacy technicians who have been certified.”

University Hospital pharmacy technicians who received certification are: Barbara Lyness, Williamstown; Jackie Fettely, Hastings; Cynthia Jacobs, Syracuse; Michelle Leroy, Cicero; June Lockwood, Marcellus; Christine Mahunik, Auburn; David Nicotera, Fayetteville; Connie Peterson, Fulton; and Mary Kathleen Rodgers, Syracuse. Two other pharmacy technicians, Edie Bradley, Savannah; and Melanie LaVassaur, Liverpool, had previously been certified by ASHSP.