Earn While You Prepare for a New Career in as Little as Two Months
Looking for more flexible work? A better career and employment close to home? Consider the Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program offered by the Center for Workforce Development at County College of Morris (CCM), an earn-while-you-learn program that can be completed in as little as two months.
As an apprentice at CCM, you will receive a high-quality education and gain direct connections to healthcare employers, while receiving paid on-the-job training. The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing. In New Jersey, there is a projected need for 880 pharmacy technicians from now until 2028.
The job responsibilities of pharmacy technicians are varied and interesting. They prepare medications, work alongside a pharmacist, process orders, update inventory, and interact with customers and patients. They can work either in a retail or hospital setting. Pharmacy technicians also benefit from being able to work a flexible schedule. They can work typical daytime hours, an evening shift, or a combination of evenings and weekends, making this a good career option for those with other responsibilities such as school or family.
The first step to become a CCM pharmacy technician student is to take part in background and drug screening checks and testing in English and math to gain admission into the program. The cost is $99. To register for the screening, email ewills@ccm.edu.
Next students take an Introductory Course, consisting of two evening sessions from 6 – 8:30 p.m., and learn about the pharmacy technician profession. That cost is $250.
From there, students complete the Core Training Program. Classes meet Mondays – Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., for about seven weeks. As part of that program, students also are able to interview with CCM’s employer partners. In addition, the training prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician. The cost of that program is covered by either the student’s future employer or a grant, a savings of $3,400 in tuition and fees.
To participate in the program, students need to be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be proficient in math and English, and pass the background and drug screening checks. The deadline to begin for the Spring Semester is February 28.
To learn more, visit www.ccm.edu/workforce/pharmacy-tech/ or email ewills@ccm.edu.
