Wichita Area Technical College Selects NexLearn to Develop Pharmacy Technician Certification Preparation Course.

Business Editors/Education Writers

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2003

Agreement Will Convert WATC Pharmacy Technician Certification

Preparation Curriculum Material to Interactive Courseware to Prepare

Pharmacy Technicians for the State of Kansas Certification Exam

NexLearn, LLC, a leading provider of academic and business education software, today announced that it signed a contract with the Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) to create a distance learning course for pharmacy technicians wishing to prepare for certification.

The technology-based course, which will be available in spring 2004, will prepare learners for the pharmacy technician certification exam. This schedule will allow technicians anywhere in the state of Kansas to obtain certification prior to late 2004 when the state will require all pharmacy technicians be certified.

"The WATC/NexLearn program will be the first formalized pharmacy technician certification program available to technicians throughout the state of Kansas," said Mary Anderson, WATC Director of Health and Human Services. "This program will give our students the flexibility they need to complete training while keeping up with other professional and family obligations."

One of the primary benefits of the interactive course, which was developed by a pharmacist, is the pre-assessment functionality that allows students to direct their learning to the components in which they need the most instruction. The program will offer a full range of multimedia elements to present engaging lecture and instructional material. "The course will make learning more convenient and allow the student to progress through the material at his or her own pace," said Marty Boyzuck, NexLearn Vice President of Product Development. "This is the first of what we hope will be many opportunities to convert classroom-based material to technology-based instruction."

The customized content and flexible "wherever/whenever" availability make the learning experience meaningful and helps decrease students' time-to-comprehension. By combining innovative technology and media-rich content, NexLearn courses create a more exciting learning environment and place more resources at the fingertips of both the teachers and students.

Camille Kluge, WATC President, added: "This is one of WATC's first distance learning endeavors, and we wanted to make sure it was a state-of-the-art offering that provided an enriched learning experience for our students."

In addition to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Program, which is designed for current pharmacy technicians, students who would like to join the field can receive training at the WATC campus.

About WATC

Wichita Area Technical College has been delivering excellence in technical education since 1965. WATC provides many affordable and accessible educational opportunities including certificate, diploma, associate of applied science degree and apprenticeship programs. Students may also opt to select classes that focus on particular technical skills instead of enrolling in a complete program.

WATC has strong ties and commitments to local business and industry, which assists in establishing, implementing and evaluating the short- and long-range educational needs of students and businesses.

WATC offers over 35 training programs with an emphasis on the career fields of aviation, business, construction, health, manufacturing and transportation. Twelve programs are offered in the health career area, and most of these programs are accredited and/or certified by state and/or national organizations. Additional information is available at www.wichitatech.edu.

About NexLearn

NexLearn, a leading provider of custom academic and business education software, develops engaging multimedia courses that apply proven interface design, advanced instructional strategies and innovative technology platforms. The comprehensive NexStep Process supports the company's commitment to -- and strength in -- developing multimedia training and education solutions to provide customers with the next step in learning. NexLearn is the choice for advancing excellence in business and academic education. Additional information is available at www.nexlearn.com.