(Columbia, TN --- June 13, 2011) - - - A popular medical certificate program is being offered this summer through Columbia State Community College's Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Students can earn a Pharmacy Technician certification in 13 weeks and qualify for immediate employment in Tennessee's growing healthcare industry. All courses prepare students to take national board exams and apply for entry-level positions.

"Medical programs such as these have been very successful, drawing community members from throughout our service area," said Ron Beck, Director of Columbia State's Economic and Workforce Development program. "Many who enroll are laid-off workers, stay-at-home mothers returning to the workforce, and people looking to switch careers."

The summer schedule for Columbia State's medical certificate programs is as follows:

Pharmacy Technician - Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 28-Aug 16, 6-9:30 p.m.

Walk-in, telephone and online registration for these programs is available immediately at Columbia campus in Columbia, TN, located at 1665 Hampshire Pike. Registration runs until classes are filled.

The course fee, $999, includes 50 hours of instruction, books and all supplies. All classes are offered at Columbia State's Columbia campus. A detailed course schedule and online registration are available at

http://registration.xenegrade.com/columbiastate

. To register for Columbia State's non-credit continuing educations courses go to:

www.columbiastate.edu/ewd

. For additional information call (931) 540-2660.