Q. What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A. Pharmacy technician is a pharmacy staff member who works under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, and performs many pharmacy-related functions. Job duties may include giving medication and other health care products to patients, as well as working with third party and doctors' offices in resolving adjudication of patients' insurance or state program. Pharmacy technicians perform the routine tasks associated with preparing prescribed medication and providing drugs to patients. Licensed pharmacists check all medications before they go to the patient, and only pharmacists may counsel patients on the proper use of medications.

Q. When does the program start and what is the application deadline for the program?
A. The program begins every Fall semester and Spring semester. Applications are accepted year round.

Q. What are the application requirements?
A.  There are two forms that must be completed for admission to the Pharmacy Technician program: 
     The MDC Application and the Application for Program Admission.  

Q. What are the admissions/selection criteria?
A.  Enrollment in the program is limited. Meeting the admissions requirements does not guarantee program acceptance. For this reason, following criteria are used to determine which applicants will be admitted: 

Overall GPA and T.A.B.E Scores

For the Pharmacy Program the T.A.B.E. scores that are required are:

READING - 10.0

MATH - 11.0

LANGUAG E - 10.0

Students who have earned an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or higher degree or have passed the C.P.T. on their first attempt are exempt from the T.A.B.E. Test.

Q. Can I apply if I have not completed all of the general education and science courses?
A. Applicants must have a high school diploma or G.E.D.  There are no required general education or science courses.

Q. What kind of degree will I be awarded when I graduate?
A. Upon completion of the program you will receive a Career Technical Certificate.

Q. What are the hours of the program?
A. This is an evening program with some courses begin at 5:30 PM. 

Q. Can I work while I am a student in the program?
A. This program is highly demanding, and students are therefore more successful if they do not work while in the program. If students must work for financial support, the program strongly recommends a limit of 20 hours of employment per week. Students should also consider family responsibilities before committing to a full-time accelerated program.

Q. Do I need to take a test to work in this profession after graduation?
A.  Graduates are eligible to apply to the Pharmacy Technician Board for the certification process. The credentialing process is required to work in this profession.
Q. What is the approximate annual salary for graduates of this program in this area?
A. In the South Florida area, entry-level graduates may expect to earn an annual salary of $21,000 - $29,000.00.