Nuclear Pharmacy Certificate Program
Program DescriptionThe School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Purdue University offers a Certificate Program in Nuclear Pharmacy. The program provides post-graduate pharmacists with the instruction necessary to attain competency as practitioners in nuclear pharmacy. The program also provides the didactic training necessary to fulfill the NRC guidelines for training of nuclear pharmacists. Under special circumstances, undergraduate pharmacy students may also enroll in the program. The certificate program follows the guidelines for nuclear pharmacy training prepared by nuclear pharmacists in the American Pharmacists Association, Section on Nuclear Pharmacy Practice. There are two phases to the certificate program. The first phase is self-study, with lectures on DVDs and reading assignments to be completed while receiving experience in a nuclear pharmacy. A preceptor at the practice site serves as the clinical instructor and mentor for the pharmacist in training. The DVD portion is self-paced. Completion of a substantial portion of the self-study phase qualifies the trainee to attend a six-day training session at Purdue. While on campus, the trainee participates in laboratory exercises and lectures that emphasize material pertinent to day-to-day clinical practice. The on-campus session gives the trainee personal interaction with instructors and other trainees, enhancing the overall learning process. Following completion of both portions of the program, certification is awarded to those trainees who have demonstrated their knowledge and competence by examination in each of the key areas addressed by the program. Upon enrollment, the trainee is provided with the DVDs and workbook for the entire self-study portion of the program. A packet of information providing a detailed description of the course and instructions for the new trainee is also included. The pharmacy preceptor also receives a copy of the information packet . A laboratory/lecture workbook specific to the on-campus portion is provided for the trainees when they attend the campus session. Self-Study portionThe most effective learning experience is achieved when the trainee spends about two hours a day viewing DVDs and taking notes in the nuclear pharmacy so that they can address immediate questions to the preceptor. This method has been encouraged by regulatory agencies. By watching 10 hours of video a week, the trainee completes the entire self-study segment of the course in about fourteen weeks. Given the importance of correlating the video material with actual practice experience, and in order to be adequately prepared for the on-campus session, the trainee must be enrolled at least one month prior to the on-campus session that they will attend. The trainee must complete the material through the first five video exams prior to coming to the on-campus session. Campus SessionAfter completing a significant portion of the self-study portion of the program, the trainee is eligible to attend one of the several campus sessions offered each year. The campus sessions are devoted to laboratory and lecture sessions that elucidate principles of nuclear pharmacy practice. These sessions convey the practical, hands-on information needed to enhance clinical practice. The campus session provides the trainee with direct interaction with faculty members who are experts in a wide variety of areas related to nuclear pharmacy practice. Interaction with other trainees through the exchange of ideas and experiences is an invaluable tool in the learning process. The on-campus session is a unique and essential part of our training program. Trainees are expected to arrive on Sunday prior to the start of the campus session in which they are enrolled. Trainees usually fly into the Indianapolis International Airport, which is serviced by most major airlines. A shuttle service is available for transport from the Indianapolis airport which will transport them to West Lafayette. Students will stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. The Hilton Garden Inn is located within a short shuttle ride of our lecture and laboratory classrooms and a variety of dining establishments. Housing arrangements are made for the duration of the campus session with checkout scheduled on the last day of the session after completion of the final exam. ExaminationsThere are eight exams for the self-study portion. The exams are administered online as the trainee progresses through the material. These closed-book exams are either twenty-five or fifty questions long, with a mixture of multiple-choice, short answer, math problems, and fill-in-the-blank type of questions. The exams are submitted online to the Division of Nuclear Pharmacy where they are graded and returned to the trainee with explanations of concepts missed. The trainee is also encouraged to discuss these areas with their preceptor. The trainee must score 70% or better to pass each exam. If the trainee fails to score 70%, they will be asked to review the corresponding video section and take a makeup exam. The first five exams must be completed prior to attending the on-campus session. While on-campus, there are three point quizzes and a final exam given on the last day of the program. These tests cover material discussed in both the lab and lecture portions of the on-campus session. The trainee must score 70% or better to pass each one. If the trainee fails to score 70% on a quiz and exams during the campus session, they will be asked to review the material and a second test will be given. Payment of TuitionThe total cost of this program is $7010.00 which includes both the off-campus DVDs and on-campus portions of the program. This fee can be divided into two payments, one for the video portion, payable at registration ($3720.00) and one for the campus portion payable before the campus session begins ($3290.00) Payments can be made by check or money order. Flexible payment options for tuition fees are offered to accommodate both trainees and employers. For more information about available options, contact Kara Weatherman at kdwman@purdue.edu (765-496-1815). Each trainee's account must be paid in full prior to the awarding of the final certificate of completion. Faculty
Upcoming Sessions
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