The Indian River State College (IRSC) Pharmacy Technician program, which prepares students to work in hospitals or community based pharmacies in less than a year, is accepting applications for the spring semester now through Monday, Dec. 2.
Those interested in learning more about the Pharmacy Technician program are encouraged to attend an upcoming information sessions offered on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. in the Mary L. Fields Health Science Center in H-254 on the IRSC Main Campus located at 3208 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce.
Pharmacy technicians have many responsibilities. They work behind the counter, take prescription orders both in-person and over-the-phone, interact with health professionals and customers, help mix medicines, count pills, measure medication, label and give instructions for medicine, and more. Graduates of the IRSC Pharmacy Technician Program are prepared to work in both retail and hospital pharmacies. Coursework includes hands-on classroom lab work and a 14-week internship (7 weeks in retail, 7 weeks in hospital).
Once a student completes the 1,050 clock-hour program, they are eligible for a state license to practice in Florida and have the opportunity to sit for the national licensing exam. They can find employment in retail or hospital pharmacies in both full-time and part-time positions. The average starting pay for trained Pharmacy Technicians is $14 per hour with the potential to make up to $25.
Students entering the program must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Financial aid opportunities are available for those who qualify. For more information on the Pharmacy Technician program contact Jessica Fulton at jfulton@irsc.edu or 772-462-7086.