SAS PROGRAMMING CERTIFICATE FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

An innovative and intensive program to prepare professionals for challenging, rewarding employment in pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations.

Philadelphia University and SAS Institute Inc. are collaborating to provide state-of-the-art training for professionals interested in employment in the dynamic field of clinical research.

This three-month, non-credit program, offered yearly, is designed for recent college graduates, professionals working in related fields, and career changers. Participants complete three distinct units -- classroom training, an independent project, and the opportunity for a paid clinical internship that is available on a competitive basis.

Program participants can expect to qualify for in-demand positions as SAS programmers in pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations.

CLASSROOM TRAINING

In-class instruction will occur during the first eight weeks of the program and will be provided by SAS Institute Inc., professionals from the pharmaceutical industry and experienced programmers. Participants will complete the five SAS Institute courses listed below.
SAS® Fundamentals
SAS® Report Writing and ODS
SAS® Programming
SAS® Macro Language
SAS® SQL Processing

Additional topics include an overview of the pharmaceutical industry, data issues, study design, data analysis and biostatistics.

INDEPENDENT PROGRAMMING PROJECT

This hands-on project will be directed by experienced SAS programmers and must be completed in order to receive certification. Program participants will have four weeks to complete their project. During this time, they will be working with real clinical data to produce tables and listings for a small safety study.

CLINICAL INTERNSHIP

Participants will be given the opportunity to interview, on a competitive basis, with pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area for a three-month paid internship. If selected, interns will be supervised by the respective organizations. For fall 2006, all students received an internship or offer of full-time employment.  In fall 2007, 13 of 14 students received an internship or offer of full-time employment.

PROGRAM COMPLETION

Participants who have successfully completed the program will receive a Certificate of Completion, in addition to the SAS certificates for each of the five SAS Institute courses. Students may not enroll in individual courses.

UPCOMING START DATE

Monday, September 15, 2008
Classes meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Monday through Friday
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 9, 2008

ADMISSION

Participants must submit an application for the SAS Programming Certificate program and be interviewed prior to acceptance into the program. Enrollment is limited, and admission to the program is competitive. Qualifications include a bachelor's degree, PC experience, programming skills in languages such as C or C++, and excellent oral and written communication skills. A background in statistics is beneficial, but not required. Additionally, non U.S. citizens must submit a copy of their Employment Authorization Card. Applicants should submit all admissions materials to the Director of Student Services in the Office of Continuing and Professional Studies at Philadelphia University.

TUITION

Comprehensive tuition for the SAS Programming Certificate is $7,750; payable in three installments throughout the first three months of the program. The first installment of $2,750 will be due upon acceptance to the program.

LOCATIONLOCATION

The SAS Programming Certificate will be offered at Philadelphia University's Bucks County campus, located in The Bucks County Technology Park. The campus is convenient to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1. Participants will complete their internships in pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION MATERIALS, CONTACT:

Susan Calder
Director of Student Services                                                             Continuing and Professional Studies
Philadelphia University
Bucks County Campus
4800 East Street Road                                                                          Suite 150
Trevose, PA 19053
Telephone: 215.953.4500
Fax: 215.953.4510
E-mail: calders@philau.edu