AUBURN – Mid-State College’s Department of Continuing Education announces the addition of a pharmacy technician course to the summer schedule. Career opportunities are excellent for pharmacy technicians.

According to the Maine Department of Labor, a career as a pharmacy technician is one of the fastest growing and most in-demand occupations in the state.

It is projected that there will be a growth rate of approximately 36 percent a year for available positions. A career provides a living wage (average of $9 to $13 an hour), benefits and opportunities for advancement without requiring a college degree.

Pharmacy technicians are trained to dispense medical prescriptions, control inventory and are familiar with over-the-counter medications.

Employment can be found in community pharmacies, hospitals and major retail pharmacies. Students completing the course may be eligible to sit for the pharmacy technician certification board exam.

Mid-State will offer a pharmacy technician course from June 23 to Sept. 5. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Friday at the Auburn campus, 88 East Hardscrabble Road. Students are also required to complete 24 hours of job shadow experience, which is scheduled outside of class time. Twenty students will be accepted into the program.

The cost is $990 and is all-inclusive. Payment is due upon registration. Those who register must have a high school diploma or General Education Development and submit proof of immunizations.

For more information, contact admissions at 1-800-950-8686 or e-mail admissions at [email protected].