Student Stories

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Two medical professionals look at an IV solution.

Student outcomes (2023)

88%

first-time certification exam pass rate

70%

of graduates go on to work at Mayo Clinic

Pharmacy Technician Program graduates: Where are they now?

Our learners come from a variety of backgrounds. You don’t need a medical background or experience in health care to become a pharmacy technician. If you are passionate about helping people and love interacting with patients, but aren’t interested in clinical work, becoming a pharmacy technician could be a wonderful career option. It's one of the few health care professions that works with patients, but does not work with procedures or direct patient care.

See what a few of our graduates have to say about our program and being a pharmacy technician.

Grace Riess, C.Ph.T.

2025 Rochester graduate who now works as a pharmacy technician at Mayo Clinic

After high school I was uncertain about my career path. However, I knew I had a passion for helping others, which led me to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program. I realized this would allow me to make a positive impact in people’s lives. The program provided both hands-on experience and self-study opportunities, giving me the foundation I needed to successfully begin and grow in my career.

Sadie Omar, C.Ph.T.

2024 Rochester graduate who now works as a pharmacy technician at Mayo Clinic

After completing college, I wasn’t sure what was going to come next in my education/career plans. After discovering the Pharmacy Technician Program, I knew that it was going to bring me success. Not only has it taught me the skills necessary to be successful as a technician, but it has opened many doors for me as well.

Heba Abdallah, C.Ph.T.

2023 Rochester graduate who now works as a pharmacy technician at Mayo Clinic

Being a part of the healthcare system and making a positive impact on patient lives is truly fulfilling for me. Taking the leap to apply for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences marked a significant stride in my journey to discover my passion. Enrolling in this program has been a gratifying decision, given its comprehensive curriculum and the chance to gain practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. What genuinely stands out to me about this program is the unwavering support of the instructors who are deeply committed to guiding students on their path of self-improvement. Their encouragement to proactively enhance skills is an invaluable asset as these students transition into the professional workforce.

Sami Serna, C.Ph.T

2022 Arizona graduate who now works as a pharmacy technician at Mayo Clinic

Coming out of high school I had no idea what I wanted to do to start my career. After hearing all the opportunities that come along with being a pharmacy technician that sealed the deal for me. Mayo Clinic’s program not only gave me a start to this career, but also gives me room to grow!

Student stories

Meet program graduate, Cole Van Houten, C.Ph.T.

"I had a very rewarding experience and awesome time in the program. I would highly recommend it."

Advancement opportunities for a pharmacy technician

With additional experience and training, pharmacy technicians can advance into supervisory roles. Pharmacy technicians may also advance by moving into specialty roles such as hazardous compounding, specialty pharmacy, compounding, education, and research. With a substantial amount of formal education and training, some technicians go on to become pharmacists later in their careers.