In many countries today, healthcare industry employment continues even while other industries falter, making a health service job a good choice for anyone considering a new career.Pharmacy technician jobs are one of the main positions seeing drastic increases with hiring expected to increase as much as 25 percent over the next few years. This is a great opportunity for anyone with good attention to detail to consider a career as a Pharmacy Technician or `PT`, especially since it is possible to complete certification programs at reputable pharmacy technician schools in as little as two years and get into a well-paying job soon afterward.Different Types of Pharmacy Technician SchoolsIn the US and Canada, some PT jobs do not require any certification or schooling although most do. Those who have schooling and certification are definitely preferable for positions, however, making schooling something that anyone looking at a career as a PT should consider very seriously.In all likelihood, more jobs will move toward requiring certification as well, so skipping the education may reduce job hire and advancement opportunity.Pharmacy Technician education is available in programs that last anywhere from 6 months to two years or more, depending on the depth of training.Like many other medical training and technical programs, the shorter programs give a basic, fundamental overview of what to expect on the job and general education relating to basic pharmacology, pharmacology law, pharmacology records, inventory, labeling, ordering and many other relevant topics to working in a retail pharmacy environment.Courses and diploma programsStudents that attend the shorter programs usually earn a Pharmacy Technician Certificate for completion of the program, but have no actual approved certifications.Longer courses offered by schools include specialized diploma programs and Associates Degree courses that last between about 12 months to 24 months.Diploma programs are great for students who already have some healthcare service experience and want to move into a position as a PT, as well as those entering the field new.Study usually includes all that is mentioned above, plus pharmacology in more detail, dosage calculation, mixing medications and others, and usually includes an externship to prepare students to take the certification exam. Students completing a diploma course and passing their certification exam will earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician or CPhT.Associates in Health Sciences with a PT specialty takes two years and is recommended for any individual if there is an interest in both obtaining a college degree, and being able to advance the fastest in their career.Courses of study are much more in depth and include additional medical subjects. Externships are a required part of the curriculum, as is passing the certification examination. Those with their CPhT and an AS degree stand the best chance of being hired in non-retail pharmacy technician positions, and starting at the highest salaries.Accredited vocational programIn the UK and many other countries a pharmacy technician is required to complete both an accredited vocational program in pharmacy services and a pharmaceutical science program, and must be registered with numerous UK healthcare organizations.Courses of study include that which is mentioned above, as well as medicines management for patients and training in running and assisting in hospital clinics and more.Please note however, in the UK there is a difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacy dispenser, with the former having more vocational and educational requirements.Interested individuals are advised to contact local professional organizations in order to get additional details about attending school to become a PT such as which are the best courses and whether they offer job placement and financial aid.In the US, contact the American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPA) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), in the UK contact the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC) and in Canada the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT) to name a few.Employment After Attending PT SchoolsThere are actually many more employment opportunities for PTs than most people assume. While the majority of jobs are in retail pharmacy positions there are much more specialized career options for pharmacy techs with the right training.Hospitals, medication manufacturing and packing companies, medication compounding pharmacies, nursing homes, psychiatric facilities and any type of medical facility that either fills medication prescriptions or dispenses medications directly to patients make use of pharmacy technicians.These positions can be very rewarding, and tend to pay more as well. Certain qualified technicians also have the ability to counsel consumers and patients on the use of their medications, as well as answer medication questions.In any case, attending schools that offer the most detailed training and externships, and prepare students to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians are highly recommended for anyone interested in a career in healthcare services that pays well and offers plenty of room for advancement.
Nutritional Supplements – A Growing Industry
The nutritional supplement industry has achieved phenomenal growth in the last two decades. In 1994, the DSHEA law was passed. This new framework for the regulation of dietary supplements is better suited for nutraceuticals because it facilitates increased product accessibility for Americans. Since then, the nutritional supplement industry has effectively grown due in a way mutually beneficial to manufacturers and consumers. This phenomenal growth is not only seen in the USA, but all around the world, particularly in Europe.What’s driving the nutritional supplement industry? Let’s take a look at why nutritional supplements are in such popular demand.Worldwide Shift in Focus from Symptom-Relief to Proactive HealthcareNutritional supplements are meeting the health concerns of today forcing a shift in focus. The focus is now on proactive healthcare rather than symptom relief. People want to stay healthy.More people want to take proactive measures for maintaining good health. Most people who take nutritional supplements believe that nutritional supplements will help them to achieve optimal health over longer periods of time.Lifestyle and Environment IssuesBusy lifestyles, a lack of good dietary habits, the strains of daily life and high pollution levels can cause stress to the body. In order to relieve the pressures of life, many people prefer nutritional assistance to improve their situation.Nutritional aids are formulated to help relieve anxiety, antioxidants to help stress at the cellular level, even sleep aids. This type of assistance is preferred since it carries less harmful side effects, is non-addictive, and gently works with the body’s natural functions.Educated PublicEighty percent of illnesses are nutrition-related. Consumer awareness is leading people to make nutritional supplementation their first choice. Nutritional assistance is available to support heart health, eye health, digestive health, and many other health concerns. It is also used in proactive health measures to help prevent some types of health conditions.All of these health benefits have been validated by scientific research which gives them more credibility. A wide amount of research is available to the public through the Internet – credible sources like PubMed and Medline and no doubt such research has given nutritional supplements a dynamic impetus.Inadequacies of Conventional TreatmentsSome conventional treatments have fallen short of consumer expectations. Users of have communicated their preference for less harmful methods of treatment, unless pharmaceuticals are absolutely deemed necessary.The Freedom to Control Your Own HealthcareConsumers are happy to exercise their own healthcare by means of nutritional supplementation. More people are taking responsibility for their own health as seen by the rise in the number of nutritional supplements now available in the market. Using education and their own discretion, consumers are able to administer their own self-care regimen.. There is almost 100% consumer satisfaction leading to a growing insatiable consumer demand for more nutritional supplements!Advancing Research and Variety of ProductsThe demand for more strategic nutritional supplements, targeted for specific demographics and health concerns are driving nutritional supplement manufacturers back to the laboratory for innovative products that can meet consumer demands. Research on nutrition and herbs keeps advancing giving rise to more products. There are now special products for adolescents, working women, men and children. Nutritional supplementation has become a specialized industry and products that cater to specific health needs, in the right packaging, can make the right impression amongst consumers. Products for anti-aging, skin health, cardiovascular health, antioxidants, hair care, continue to be remain popular.Wider Acceptance amongst the Medical ProfessionThere is a wider acceptance of nutritional supplementation amongst the medical profession. More doctors are recommending nutritional supplements to their patients and many of them have begun to endorse products they believe in. More products are developed in collaboration with condition specific experts and nutritional researchers and some are formulated by well-known doctors. Famous athletes and celebrities are endorsing nutritional products and this too has added to the salability and credibility of the nutritional product.The nutritional supplement industry will continue to grow as breakthroughs in research, new manufacturing technologies and innovative products increasingly meet the health needs of today’s consumers.
Digital Marketing – The Need For Digital Marketing – Avoiding Bad Companies
Digital marketing in contextThere are 1.5 billion internet users worldwide, and in the UK alone over 884 million minutes are spent online. Internet sales account for £36 billion per year – Brits spend £71 per month on average on online goods and services (reference: see below). It is obvious that a digital presence has now become mandatory as opposed to just desirable. But it can be said that to be absent from Google is to be absent from the internet. I would further this by suggesting that to be absent from the first page of Google is to be absent from the internet. Enter digital marketing.Competition on the internet is fierce. Inadequate digital marketing means low search ranking, poor brand exposure and ultimately loss of lucrative revenue streams.What should I look for in an online marketing company?If you have an interest in your company succeeding online, achieving a page-1 rank on Google is of the highest concern. There are no secrets – Many companies will try to convince you into thinking that search engine optimisation (SEO) is niche and dodgy and only they have the knowledge of ‘advanced’ link building strategies, etc, etc. These are tactics used to gain dishonest sales.An honest and professional digital marketing agency will provide accountability and transparency to its services. Vague weekly reports are not enough. Some sort of regular precise update with current progress, assuring clients that goals are being met, is obligatory. In addition, objectives are agreed during several initial meetings, ensuring both parties are happy and confident in the campaign’s direction.An online marketing agency is not the same as a web designer who provides generic SEO!What benefits are there in hiring a digital marketing agency?A good agency will maximise the impact of your online marketing to get the best return on your investment. After initial meetings, they should get on with their job and leave you to do what you do best – run your business! Most importantly, the solution should be tailored to your needs and objectives, amplifying the power of your marketing campaign just like the generic solutions won’t!