Pharmacy Technology FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a certified and licensed pharmacy technician?

  A pharmacy technician works with a licensed pharmacist in a hospital or community pharmacy or within other pharmacy settings. They perform essential tasks that do not require the pharmacist’s skill or expertise.

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• Where can I work as a certified and licensed pharmacy technician?

  People are most familiar with pharmacies in hospitals or a community retail pharmacies. A pharmacy technician can also find employment in managed health care facilities, in-home health care, long-term care, the military, mail service pharmacies, educational/training programs, drug manufacturers, wholesale drug houses, health maintenance organizations and agency pharmacies.

• Are all pharmacy technicians certified and licensed?

  All pharmacy technicians employed in pharmacies in Arizona are certified and licensed or have applied and received a pharmacy technician trainee license. Trainees have 24 months to take and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board examination and become licensed.

• How long is the Pharmacy Technology Assistant Program at MCC?

  The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will require four semesters to complete. These four semesters include the required general education classes. The Certificate of Proficiency will also require four semesters as a part-time student to complete.

• What is the difference between the AAS Degree and the Certificate of Proficiency?

  The Certificate of Proficiency requires eight credits of general education instead of the 27 required for the A.A.S. degree. The certificate also requires 31 credits of Pharmacy Technology courses instead of the 37 required for the degree. The A.A.S. degree student will have professional, technical skills with additional education in administration, supervisory skills and basic science. The additional education and technical skills will benefit you when you apply for positions in the work force, as well as later on in your career when there are opportunities for advancement.

   

• What is the pay scale for a certified and licensed pharmacy technician?

  As a newly certified and licensed pharmacy technician, you can expect to be paid between $20,000 and $35,000 a year. The salary will depend on the level of skill and education the position requires and to what extent a certified, licensed technician is in demand in a particular area. Salaries increase when more skill and education are required. The amount of experience you have is also an important factor.