The 2006 schedule examinations for pharmacy technicians seeking certification through the Pharmacy Technician certification Board (PTCB) will be held on March 11th, July 22nd, and November 18th.

Individuals who meet all eligibility requirements and successfully pass the examination may use the initials “CPhT” after their names. Certification is valid for two years.

The next New Jersey exam will be administered at Rutgers University – Busch Campus, Science Engineering Resource Center, Room 111, Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ. For directions, visit www.rutgers.edu.

Application receipt deadlines are January 13th, May 26th, and September 14th. The application fee is $120. For more information, call PTCB at (800) 363-8012 or visit their new website at www.ptcb.org. To obtain registration materials, call the NJSHP headquarters at (609) 936-2205.-

Twenty-six students were in top form at this annual competition where the rewards were big!

On October 24, 13 teams of two students each competed against each other by presenting a detailed ASHP-prepared case. Students had just two hours to assess a patient’s most clinically significant problems, as well as numerous problems of major and minor significance. Students were allowed to use published references to assess patients and develop their pharmacotherapy plan.

After all 13 teams presented, Judges Drs. Kuper, Olin and Siu, one resident and three clinical education consultants from Pfizer selected three top teams. These teams get just five minutes to present their cases.

And the winners were 4th year professional students, Mary Barna and Pat Bridgeman. The lucky winners received free airfare, hotel accommodations, and registration to the ASHP Midyear in Las Vegas. All of these prizes were made possible by a grant from the NJSHP State Chapter. The Barna/Bridgeman team, representing Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy/Rutgers University, will compete in the national competition. NJSHP wishes you continued success in your next competition!

The Student Chapter also wishes to acknowledge Pfizer, an annual supporter, for sponsoring the food, prizes and giveaways at this popular event. Additionally, many thanks are offered to Walgreens for contributing prizes for all participants.

Kind-hearted and costumed, 11 Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy/Rutgers University students visited sick children at the St. Peter’s Children’s Hospital in New Brunswick on Halloween. On this not-to-miss annual event, these students paid personal visits to 15 sick children in the pediatric unit and PICU. Students lifted little hearts and distributed stuffed animals, cards, activity books and mini pumpkins.

As expected, the children were delighted and happy to receive their goodies and special visits!

Special thanks to Mrs. Martha Silady, Student President Rob Jenco’s sister, who graciously donated the stuffed animals and cards for these deserving children.

Preventing Controlled Substance Diversion

Check out Mitch Sobel’s article “A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Controlled Substance Diversion – An Interdisciplinary and Technological Approach” which appeared recently in Pharmacy Purchasing and Products.

In the article, Mitch focuses on a variety of approaches that can prevent this diversion. A responsible culture within an organization, the use of automated dispensing machines, targeted purchasing and inventory-management systems and critical documentation are key components of a systemic approach that can decrease diversion and increase patient safety. He also offers warning signs, schemes and patterns that diverters often follow as well as anti-diversion roles at Mitch’s hospital, Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

Mitch completely impressed his audience at the November 1 Pyxis Customer Seminar at the Glen Pointe Marriott. Our hats off to Mitch for a job well done!

Visit www.njshp.org – Calendar of Events for the original article.