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. Some of these tasks may include receiving prescriptions, using a computer, inventory control, taking patient information, ordering, filling prescriptions, compounding, and working with a team of health professionals. To work as a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee in the state of Arizona, a person must possess a pharmacy technician or pharmacy technician trainee license issued by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy. To be licensed, a person must first be certified by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board examination.

Where can I work as a certified and licensed pharmacy technician? - People are most familiar with a pharmacy in a hospital or a community retail pharmacy. 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 4 semesters to complete. These 4 semesters will include the required general education classes. The Certificate of Proficiency will also require 4 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 8 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 the student when they apply for positions in the work force and later for advancement. 

What is the pay scale for a certified and licensed pharmacy technician? - A newly certified and licensed pharmacy technician can expect to be paid between $20,000 and $35,000 a year depending on the amount of skill and education the position requires and to what extent a certified and licensed technician is in demand in a particular area.  Pay increases with the amount of skill and education required and the amount of experience.