ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (Map) - ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Baxa Corporation announces the latest addition to its STAR (Skills Training, Academics and Resources) Center course offerings. Safe Handling and Preparation of Hazardous Drugs has been developed for nurses, pharmacists and physicians that prepare, handle or administer hazardous drugs. The 10-hour course combines hands-on experience with regulatory compliance and industry best practice to provide the most complete training in hazardous drug compounding and safe handling available.

Baxa launches the first class on April 24-25, with subsequent course dates on June 19-20 and August 21-22. The course is designed for front-line pharmacists, technicians, nurses, physicians, pharmacy managers and nursing managers, covering concepts that affect hazardous drug policies and procedures, from engineering controls to the proper use of closed-system drug transfer devices. Course material focuses on proper aseptic techniques and the principles and requirements of hazardous drug (HD) waste and disposal. Baxa developed the core curriculum with subject matter experts in HD, environmental consulting and USP < 797 > to prepare professionals for the Chapter guideline changes announced in December 2007.

"We're excited to have experts Eric Kastango and Luci Power at the STAR Center for the new HD course," said

Marian Robinson, Baxa VP of Marketing. "Both have been leaders in the development of best-practice guidelines and have extensive experience in the rules and regulations placed on pharmacies and caregivers by governing bodies such as NIOSH, OSHA, USP, ONS and ASHP." STAR Center attendees are able to draw upon the knowledge and experience that the expert faculty brings. The program combines open discussion with hands-on learning to reinforce the principles that are presented during the classroom time.

The STAR Center was launched in fall of 2006 and regular classes have sold out each time they've been offered. Program attendance is accepted on a first come, first served basis and courses fill quickly. Tuition charged for STAR Center training covers the cost of providing participant meals and training materials, ACPE accreditation and professional speakers' fees. Future class offerings are in development and the company also offers custom content and facility leasing. Participants can learn more or register at http://www.baxa.com/starcenter.

About Baxa Corporation

Baxa, a customer-focused medical device company, provides innovative, solution-based technologies for medication handling and delivery. Its systems and devices promote the safe and efficient preparation, handling, packaging, and administration of medications. Key products include the PadLock(R) Set Saver, Rapid-Fill(TM) Automated Syringe Fillers, Exacta-Med(R) Oral Dispensers, MicroFuse(R) Syringe Infusers, Repeater(TM) Pharmacy Pumps, and Exacta-Mix(TM) and MicroMacro(TM) Multi-Source Automated Compounders; used worldwide in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Privately held, Baxa Corporation has subsidiaries and sales offices in Canada and the United Kingdom; direct representation in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland; and distribution partners worldwide. Further information is available at http://www.baxa.com.

About the STAR Center

The STAR Center is a state-of-the-art cleanroom, pharmacy and training facility located at the Baxa world headquarters in Englewood, Colorado. The center was purpose-built to support training in aseptic technique, pharmacy workflow, healthcare best practice, cleanroom design and maintenance and USP < 797 > compliance, among other topics. Classes are taught by industry-recognized subject matter experts. For more information visit http://www.baxa.com/starcenter.

Contact: Marian Robinson, Vice President, Marketing Baxa Corporation: 800.567.2292 ext. 2157 or 303.617.2157 Email: marian.robinson@baxa.com Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR Absolutely Public Relations: 303.984.9801 or 303.669.3558 Email: maggie@absolutelypr.com