How Pharmaceuticals Make It to Market…

And where pharmacy technicians come in.

People use pharmaceuticals every day without giving much thought to where they come from. This article explores the pharmaceutical development process and provides insight into how today’s most frequently prescribed drugs make it from early development to your local pharmacy.

Step 1: Research

This is often the stage where initial breakthroughs happen. Whether companies want to develop a drug to fight cancer or cure the common cold, research and laboratory studies are where all drugs begin. *

Step 2: Determine safety and effectiveness

When manufacturers or potential marketers are thinking about bringing a new drug to the commercial market, the first questions they need to ask are: “Is this safe and is it needed?” From there, they will begin collecting data and necessary information to establish the drug’s safety and effectiveness. This typically happens through some form of animal testing.

Step 3: Submit an application to the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

In the United States, pharmaceutical companies must gain permission from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to further develop and test potential drugs. This includes submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application and explaining the need for the drug, the animal pharmacology and toxicology studies, manufacturing information, clinical protocols and investigator information.

Step 4: Clinical trials

After submitting the IND application, pharmaceutical companies must wait at least 30 calendar days for the FDA to review it and give the go-ahead to begin clinical trials. At this stage, human testing can begin.

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Step 5: Review and approval

As soon as they conclude the clinical trials stage, pharmaceutical companies can begin examining the results. If the drug is determined to be safe and effective, the company will then submit a New Drug Application, which outlines the manufacturing specifications and other important information needed to bring the drug to market. After this review process is complete, the company may proceed with marketing its new drug for commercial use.

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Step 6: At the counter

This is where pharmacy technicians come in. They work on the front lines of distribution to the public. They ensure that proper medication, dosage and critical information about the drug are delivered to consumers to protect their safety.

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Online vs. Campus-Based Degree Programs

 

With the number of online-based education programs available from colleges and universities in the United States increasing, more students find themselves having to choose between campus-based and online learning. However, there are a multitude of benefits that a campus-based learning environment provides to students that online learning cannot. 

Below is a list of campus-based learning benefits.

Facilities and Resources

College campuses house multiple facilities and resources that students of online programs cannot experience. Libraries hold thousands of resources right at your fingertips; laboratories offer the latest equipment necessary for projects; and tutoring, advising and career counseling can all be experienced at locations on campus.  

Face-to-Face Interaction

Students of a campus-based education can easily interact face-to-face with both instructors and peers alike. Questions can be answered on the spot instead of waiting for a reply email. Group projects can be discussed in real time. And instructors are better able to motivate and inspire students while online learners may feel isolated and confused.

Structure

The structured nature of campus-based education is also beneficial to students. The regularity of scheduled class times and group projects can help students keep pace with their classes. Online students often develop the habit of procrastination and wait until the last minute to complete assignments. 

Networking

Students who enroll in campus-based programs have the opportunity to network with alumni, faculty and peers. Students feel more connected and programs with active alumni groups are able to help students explore career opportunities with the ultimate goal of helping them land a job.

So if you’re choosing between an online and campus-based education, make sure you consider the learning strategies and techniques that best suit your individual learning style.

Study Tips for Students Who Work Full Time

Nobody ever said it would be easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Balancing a work and study lifestyle has its challenges, but with determination, organization and proper time management, you can prepare for a better future while maintaining a steady income at the same time.

Here are three tips that can help you find that perfect balance:

Time Management

Your days and weeks need to be carefully planned. Make sure you set time aside every week for studying, but also for fitting in other commitments like family time, athletic activities, leisure time, etc. Since weekends might be the best time to get in a quality study session, try to plan for early Saturday or Sunday mornings to free up the afternoons and evenings for other activities.  

Organization

Create a space in your home where you can slip away from any distractions that can mentally take you away from your study time. Keep your textbooks, notes, computers, pens, etc., in this study space for easy access and retrieval whenever you need them. Having all of your study essentials organized and in one place can improve your study sessions and productivity.

Rewarding Yourself

This may be the most important factor in maintaining a healthy work and study balance. It’s easy to get bogged down and feel overwhelmed working a full-time schedule while going back to school. That’s why rewarding yourself and taking time off is not only beneficial – it’s a necessity! Set goals for yourself, and when you achieve them, reward yourself with a night off from studying or plan a trip or an evening out with your significant other or family. These rewards can help keep you mentally satisfied and renew your passion and drive to conquer the work and study lifestyle.

Ace Your Next Interview

You’re finally in the door. The hard part is over. All you have to do now is make a good impression at your interview, show them you have what it takes to handle the position and woo them with your charm. Piece of cake, right?

Not so fast.

Succeeding during an interview requires preparation and technique. The last thing you want to do is show up and act like you own the place. Confidence is key, but cockiness could turn your potential employer off completely.

By following the steps below, you could put yourself in good position to succeed during your interview and make a lasting impression.

Step 1: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

You’ve already applied for the position, so odds are you know a little bit about the company and what they do. If you don’t, you should. Start by doing some research. Find out exactly what they do and what your job responsibilities might entail. Read reviews about the company online, talk to people who work there and gain some background knowledge. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to answer any questions they might have. Participating in mock interviews and practicing your answers to certain questions could also be beneficial.

Step 2: Get Your Game Face On

Ok, so you’re prepared. Now you have to get in the right mind set to make an impact. As we mentioned before, confidence is key. You don’t want to look scared or intimidated. You also don’t want to be overly confident. Settle somewhere in the middle. You’re going to a serious interview, but don’t be afraid to be yourself. Just be confident in who you are, what you’re there to do and what you can add to the company.

Step 3: Stay Calm

No matter how confident you are, negative thoughts are probably going to creep into your head. When they do, don’t pay attention. They wouldn’t have called you in if they didn’t think you could be a good fit for the position. Take a deep breath. If they ask you a question you don’t know the answer to, be honest. Don’t make something up. You’re not there to show them you know everything. Reasonable employers won’t expect that. They want to hire someone who is able to learn, adapt and think on their feet.

If you’ve got a big interview coming up, consider following the steps above. Who knows, maybe you’ll be celebrating a few day later.  

Top Reasons to Continue Your Education

Top Reasons to Continue Your Education

You’ve hit a road block. You’re stuck in limbo at that point when you’ve advanced as far as you can in your current career without going back to school. What do you do?

The way we see it, you have three options. You can keep doing what you’re doing, content in your current, immobile position; you can give up your position and start a new career; or you can go back to school.

If you like what you’re doing now, but you’re ready for more responsibility, the choice should be simple – you go back to school.

Read on to see how continuing education can help you in your career.

1) You Could Have More Control Over Your Career

Don’t let your boss be the only one who decides if you’re ready to move up to the next level. The right education can help you qualify for better opportunities. Choose your own path and pursue a program that appeals to your interests and career goals. That way you’ll be in the driver’s seat as you head toward your future.

2) You Could Earn More Respect From Your Peers

You might have great ideas, but be in a poor position to share them. Going back to school to move ahead in your career could help you finally acquire the position and platform you need to make sure your ideas and opinions are heard.

3) You Could Make More Money

Perhaps the biggest reason people go back to school is so they can make more money when they get out. It’s important to choose the right program and school if you do decide to go back. Certain schools are respected more for certain programs or in certain fields of study. Find a school with good reputation in the career field you want to pursue and ask them how they can help you. Advanced education may help you see more dollar signs down the road.

If you’re ready to get take the next step in your career by going back to school, it’s never too early to start. Take a look at some of our programs and don’t be afraid to ask for more information. At Career Quest Learning Centers, we strive to help students reach their career goals, whatever they may be.