Empowering Students Through Education
Pharmacy technicians play an essential role in healthcare, working alongside licensed pharmacists to support the safe and accurate dispensing of prescription medications.
Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) at Minneapolis College partners with Project for Pride in Living (PPL) to prepare students for careers as a pharmacy technician. Designed to meet growing workforce needs, the program equips students with the technical knowledge required to support pharmacists by preparing and dispensing medication, managing inventory, and handling patient services. In addition to technical training, participants develop essential workplace and life skills that foster professionalism and career success. Classes are held online through CEWD and in person at PPL.
In addition to the comprehensive coursework, students complete an internship at a local retail pharmacy or healthcare facility. In just 13 weeks, 78 classroom hours, students gain valuable hands-on experience and the skills needed to pursue employment as a registered pharmacy technician, with graduates earning an average of $24 per hour.
“Our career pathway programs are a good opportunity for students starting out or changing their career,” said Amy Shapiro, customized training representative, CEWD, who is inspired by the tenacity of the students. “The short program fits easily into people’s busy lives and encourages connections within the program, school, and community.”
Pharmacy technician instructor Semira Salihovic joined the Minneapolis College team in 2018, bringing with her experience teaching at Dakota County Technical College and working in the field. She values the diversity of the students and the opportunity to support their growth and success.
“Students represent a wide range of backgrounds, from recent high school graduates and individuals returning to school to pursue new career paths to newcomers to the country and those who have experienced homelessness,” said Salihovic. “By combining technical training with essential life skills, this program provides students with the tools they need to succeed. There’s nothing else quite like it.”
Skye Randall, Building A Future
A graduate of Loring Nicollet High School in Minneapolis, Skye Randall was between jobs when they discovered PPL’s career pathway programs online. Looking forward to jump starting their career, the pharmacy technician pathway piqued their interest so they enrolled in the program.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity this program provided me to learn, grow, and develop a more positive outlook on life while preparing me for a career in a pharmacy,” Randall said. They especially appreciated the program’s holistic approach, which extends beyond career-specific training to support long-term personal and financial stability. “Along with gaining the knowledge and skills needed for the field, I learned how to set goals, manage my finances, plan my career, and build a stable future.”
As part of her training, Randall completed an internship at CVS. Prior to graduating, they secured a job in the pharmacy at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, where she is continuing to build their skills and explore opportunities for growth. “I enjoy the fast-paced, serious environment the hospital provides,” said Randall. “I feel welcomed in the environment, and I’m learning more every day. I believe I can grow within this job.”
Success stories run in Randall’s family. Their sister graduated from the Sterile Processing Technician program, another PPL/CEWD career pathway.
Learn more about being a pharmacy technician.