California Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Foothill College offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program with three stackable certificate options to suit various career goals. The flagship Certificate of Achievement in Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician is a nine-month, ASHP/ACPE accredited program that prepares students for California Board of Pharmacy registration. The curriculum covers pharmacy law, dosage calculations, pharmacology, aseptic technique, and clinical externships. Students can also pursue the Basic Pharmacy Technician certificate for a part-time path or the Pharmacy Assistant certificate for a quick entry into the field. Career opportunities include hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. The program features hands-on training, a PTCE review course, and an optional associate degree pathway for further advancement.

• ASHP, ACPE accredited
• 9-Month program
• 41 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• Prepares for California Board of Pharmacy registration
• Optional associate degree pathway
• Clinical externships included
• PTCE review course included
• Admission by application only

Foothill College offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program with three stackable certificate options. The Certificate of Achievement in Basic Pharmacy Technician is a nine-month, part-time program that prepares students for entry-level positions in various pharmacy settings. The Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician certificate is an ASHP/ACPE accredited nine-month program with fall entry, providing advanced clinical skills and eligibility for California State Board of Pharmacy registration. The Pharmacy Assistant certificate serves as a short-term entry point into the pharmacy field. All programs combine academic coursework with competency-based training, covering topics such as pharmacy law, dosage calculations, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Graduates are prepared for careers in community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical externships and offers a pathway to the Associate in Science degree for those seeking further education.

• 9-Month program
• Part-time available
• Stackable certificate
• Requires high school diploma or GED
• Requires age 18 for externship

Foothill College offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician program with multiple stackable certificate options, from a short-term Pharmacy Assistant certificate to a nine-month Advanced-Level certificate accredited by ASHP/ACPE. Students gain hands-on skills in dosage calculations, pharmacology, dispensing, and IV preparation through a sequential curriculum. Clinical externships provide real-world experience in settings like hospitals, retail pharmacies, and long-term care facilities. Graduates of the advanced program qualify for California State Board of Pharmacy registration. The program also offers an optional associate degree pathway for those seeking further education. With fall quarter start dates and part-time options, this program prepares students for rewarding careers in the growing pharmacy field.

• 13.5 total credit hours
• Entry-level pharmacy career certificate
• Stackable career pathway

The Pharmacy Technician Associate in Science degree at Foothill College is a two-year program that blends professional training with general education, preparing graduates for entry-level pharmacy technician roles or transfer to a four-year institution. The curriculum covers essential topics such as pharmacy law, dosage calculations, pharmacology, inpatient dispensing, aseptic technique, and compounding. Students also complete clinical rotations in real pharmacy settings. Career opportunities span community/retail pharmacies, hospitals, home health care, and government agencies. Graduates are eligible to apply for California State Board of Pharmacy registration. The program requires completion of prerequisite courses in human biology and intermediate algebra, and admission is through an application process. With a minimum of 90 units and a 2.0 GPA requirement, this degree offers a strong foundation for a career in pharmacy.

• 2-Year program
• 90 total credit hours
• 2.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Transfer pathway to four-year colleges
• General education courses included
• Career opportunities in various settings
• Application process required
• Prerequisite: Human Biology or equivalent
• Major requires 41 core units

Carrington College's Pharmacy Technology certificate prepares students for entry-level work supporting licensed pharmacists. Coursework covers prescription processing, pharmacy software, and pharmacy calculations, plus topics like the nervous system, anti-infectives, and retail operations theory. Students also complete an in-person externship at an approved healthcare setting, applying skills in a real pharmacy environment. Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement and can sit for national certification exams such as the CPhT or EXCPT. The certificate can be finished in as few as nine months, with courses offered online and at campuses in five states, including Pleasant Hill. Career paths span retail, community, hospital, long-term care, compounding, and mail-order pharmacies. The program emphasizes safety, ethics, and the math skills technicians rely on daily.

• Entrance exam required
• 9-Month program
• Prepares for CPhT
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Certificate of Achievement awarded
• Eligible for national certification exams
• Offered online and at campuses in five states
• Covers nervous system and anti-infectives
• Pharmacy software and calculations coursework

Carrington College’s Pleasant Hill campus offers an Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technology, built on a completed certificate. Students refine pharmacy calculations, drug distribution concepts, pharmaceutical terminology, and sterile dosage preparation while learning the ethics and laws that shape pharmacy practice. The online degree-completion route adds general education in writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Graduates gain eligibility for the CPhT national certification exam and pursue entry-level technician roles in pharmacies, hospitals, and retail settings. The program develops critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, preparing students to assist licensed pharmacists with prescription processing and daily operations. An externship supplies hands-on experience in real pharmacy environments.

• 66-Week program
• Prepares for CPhT
• Accredited by ACCJC/WASC
• Sterile dosage form preparation covered
• Ethics and law coursework included
• Career paths in pharmacies, hospitals, retail
• Entry-level pharmacy assistant training

Carrington College's Pharmacy Technology certificate prepares students for entry-level pharmacy technician work. Classes cover prescription processing, pharmacy software, pharmacy calculations, and topics like the nervous system, anti-infectives, and retail operations. Learners practice safe techniques and study the ethical and legal standards that shape the field. The program mixes online coursework with a hands-on externship at an approved healthcare setting, so students build real experience before they finish. Graduates can sit for national certification exams and move into retail, community, hospital, long-term care, compounding, and mail-order pharmacies. Most people complete the certificate in about nine months, and financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

• Entrance exam required
• 9-Month program
• Prepares for CPhT
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Certificate of Achievement earned
• Fill prescriptions and patient records
• In-person externship required
• Variety of pharmacy practice settings
• Offered online and at multiple locations

At Carrington College's Stockton campus, the Pharmacy Technology program combines theory with hands-on practical training for those aiming to become entry-level assistants to licensed pharmacists. Students cover pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems, sterile dosage preparation, medical terminology, and pharmacy law and ethics. An externship provides workplace experience in settings such as pharmacies, drug stores, hospitals, and grocery or retail pharmacies. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) national certification exam. The Associate of Science path builds on the certificate through online general education courses, with the combined option running about 66 weeks. Campus resources include classrooms, labs, and a learning lab.

• 66-Week program
• Prepares for Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• Theory and practical training combined
• Entry-level assistant to licensed pharmacist
• Pharmacy calculations and drug distribution curriculum
• Preparation of sterile dosage forms covered
• Externship included in program
• Online Associate degree completion option
• Accredited by ACCJC/WASC

Carrington College's Pharmacy Technology certificate gets you ready for an entry-level spot on a pharmacy team, working alongside licensed pharmacists. You'll study prescription processing, pharmacy software, pharmacy calculations, nervous system and anti-infectives, and retail operations theory, plus the safe practice habits and ethics that state rules demand. Most students finish in as few as nine months, then sit for national exams like the CPhT or NHA ExCPT. Graduates work in retail, community, hospital, long-term care, compounding, and mail-order pharmacies. Classes run online and at Sacramento and other campuses, with a hands-on externship at an approved healthcare site rounding out the training.

• Entrance exam required
• 9-Month program
• Prepares for CPhT
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Available online and at multiple locations
• Externship at approved healthcare setting
• Coursework in pharmacy software and calculations
• Nervous system and anti-infectives theory
• Safe practice techniques training

Carrington College's Sacramento campus offers a Pharmacy Technology program with hybrid learning options. Students can earn a Certificate of Achievement in 36 weeks or an Associate of Science degree in 66 weeks. The program prepares graduates for the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam with hands-on training in pharmacy calculations, drug distribution, and sterile dosage preparation. California residents can complete the degree online after the certificate. The curriculum covers pharmaceutical terminology, ethics, and law. No specific cost or admissions details are provided in the source.

• Hybrid program type.
• Certificate in 36 weeks.
• Associate degree in 66 weeks.
• Prepares for CPhT exam.
• Online degree-completion option.
• California residents eligible.
• Hands-on practical training.
• Covers pharmacy calculations.
• Includes sterile dosage prep.
• Teaches drug distribution systems.

Asher College's Pharmacy Technician certificate program trains you for a hands-on healthcare career in as little as 12 months. Coursework covers medical terminology, human anatomy, pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and lab skills like compounding and sterile preparation. You also learn prescription processing, inventory, insurance billing, and medication safety. A supervised externship puts you in a real pharmacy, working with patients and pharmacists. The program blends on-campus labs with remote study, so you can keep working while you train. It prepares you for the PTCE from PTCB and state licensing. Graduates work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, mail-order pharmacies, and government agencies. The program is approved by ASHP/ACPE, and training includes PioneerRx software used in independent pharmacies.

• ASHP, ACPE accredited
• 12-Month program
• Prepares for PTCE
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Supports state license application
• Hybrid on-campus and remote learning
• Hands-on pharmacy externship experience
• Training with PioneerRx pharmacy software

Asher College's Pharmacy Technician program prepares students for healthcare careers in just 12 months. The campus-based training offers flexible day, evening, and weekend classes with hands-on learning. Students gain skills in pharmacy operations, medication dispensing, and insurance procedures. The program includes preparation for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and state licensing assistance. Graduates can work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare settings. Financial aid options are available for qualified students.

• 12-month program completion
• Campus-based training
• Flexible class schedules
• Hands-on learning approach
• PTCE exam preparation included
• State licensing assistance
• Career services support
• Financial aid available
• Background check required
• Drug test required

West Los Angeles College offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Certificate program designed to launch your career in this growing field. The hybrid program combines online coursework with hands-on training, preparing you for the California State Board of Pharmacy licensure exam. You'll learn prescription processing, medication inventory, billing, and clinical pharmacy skills through 10 courses totaling over 490 hours of instruction. The curriculum meets ASHP standards and includes a community pharmacy externship plus 80 hours of advanced clinical training. Graduates can work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or clinical settings, with full-time salaries ranging from $31,000 to $44,000 per year. The program offers both basic and advanced certificate options, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. Alumni have successfully transferred to PharmD programs, highlighting the strong foundation this program provides.

• ASHP accredited
• 2 concentration options
• 1-Year program
• Complete in less than one year
• 10 total courses
• Full-time Pharmacy Technicians earn between $31,000 and $44,000 per year
• 80 clinical hours
• Prepares for California State Board of Pharmacy
• Financial aid available
• Externship at a community pharmacy

The Associate of Science Degree in Pharmacy Technology at West Los Angeles College prepares students for a rewarding career as a licensed pharmacy technician. The curriculum covers prescription review, medication preparation, inventory control, and billing, with an emphasis on both retail and clinical pharmacy settings. Students gain hands-on experience through externships at community pharmacies and advanced clinical training. Graduates are prepared to take the California State Board of Pharmacy exam to become licensed technicians. The program also offers a certificate option for those seeking quicker entry into the field. With strong industry alignment to ASHP standards and high exam pass rates, this program equips students for roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and skilled nursing facilities.

• Financial aid available
• ASHP curriculum requirements met
• High exam pass rates
• Career earnings $31k-$76k/year
• 80 hours clinical training
• Clinical and retail pharmacy careers

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate at Cosumnes River College is a 29-unit, 10-course program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on laboratory and practicum experience. Students learn pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, sterile product preparation, and retail operations, gaining skills in compounding, aseptic technique, and medication management. The curriculum covers both retail and acute care settings, with two practicum courses providing real-world training. Accredited by ASHP, the program prepares graduates to sit for the PTCE and apply for registration with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Career opportunities include positions in hospitals, retail pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and closed-door pharmacies. The program's focus on practical skills and professional ethics ensures graduates are ready for entry-level pharmacy technician roles in diverse healthcare environments.

• ASHP accredited
• 29 total credit hours
• 10 total courses
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for PTCE
• Retail and acute care practicum
• Hands-on sterile compounding training
• Eligible for California state registration
• Math and English screening required
• Career paths in hospitals and retail

Cosumnes River College offers an Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technology, a comprehensive program that blends classroom instruction, hands-on lab work, and real-world practicums. The curriculum covers pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, sterile product preparation, and retail and acute care operations. Students gain skills in medication dispensing, inventory management, and patient communication. Graduates are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and register with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Career opportunities include positions in hospitals, retail pharmacies, compounding pharmacies, and government agencies. The program is accredited by ASHP and features dedicated faculty, small cohorts, and a focus on ethical practice. With a total of 60 credit hours, the degree can be completed in about two years, including general education courses. This program is ideal for those seeking a fast-paced, rewarding career in healthcare.

• ASHP accredited
• 60 total credit hours
• 240 clinical hours
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
• Prepares for PTCE and state registration
• Includes retail and acute care practicums
• Career paths in hospitals and retail
• Hands-on laboratory training
• Math and English screening required
• Part of Career Education program

Santa Rosa Junior College's Pharmacy Technician Certificate program prepares students for rewarding careers in retail, hospital, and research pharmacy. The curriculum covers pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, compounding, and both retail and hospital clinical practices. With a 100% pass rate on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and an 82% job placement rate, graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. The program offers flexible one-year and two-year tracks, designed for working adults. An open access policy means no application process, and SRJC graduates often receive hiring priority. Students also gain eligibility for California state licensure, with many advancing to higher education in pharmacy or related fields.

• 1-Year program
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 82% job placement rate
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
• Open access policy, no application process
• Eligible for California state licensure
• Hiring priority for graduates
• Designed for working adults
• Clinical preceptorships
• Career certificate (19.5 units)

The Associate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Major at Santa Rosa Junior College prepares students for careers in pharmacy. The program includes 19.5 units of specialized coursework plus general education, totaling 60 units. Students study pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacology, dispensing, and compounding, with hands-on clinicals in retail and hospital settings. The curriculum builds critical thinking, communication, and professionalism. Graduates are eligible for California licensure and strongly encouraged to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, with a 100% pass rate at SRJC. An 82% employment rate as pharmacy technicians means many students are hired during clinical rotations. SRJC students get hiring priority. The open admission policy with no application process makes this program accessible. Ideal for those seeking immediate employment or a stepping stone to further education.

• 60 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 82% job placement rate
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
• Open access, no application
• Eligible for California licensure
• Clinical preceptorships available
• Hiring priority for SRJC students

American University of Health Sciences offers a 7-month Pharmacy Technician certificate through its School of Pharmacy in Signal Hill, California. Students build both classroom knowledge and hands-on skills, studying pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, sterile preparation, and hospital and retail pharmacy procedures. The program totals 48 quarter credit units and finishes with a 12-unit internship, giving students real time in inpatient and outpatient pharmacies. Graduates leave ready for entry-level jobs across retail, hospital, home health, long-term care, and managed care, with career services support along the way. Alumni have landed roles at Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Medical Center, Walgreens, and other major facilities.

• 7-Month program
• 48 total credit hours
• 2.0 GPA minimum
• Both inpatient and outpatient externships
• Varying practice settings for graduates
• Excellent career services
• Hands-on training for entry-level roles
• Careers in retail, hospital, managed care
• Graduates hired at Kaiser Permanente
• Aseptic compounding and admixture training

Concorde Career College's Garden Grove campus offers a Pharmacy Technician Diploma that blends online classwork with hands-on labs and an externship. Over about seven months, students learn medical terminology, pharmacology, pharmacy law, pharmaceutical calculations, and administration procedures. Lab work covers sterile and non-sterile compounding, while the externship puts those skills to use in a real pharmacy setting. Graduates are prepared for roles in retail pharmacies, mail-order and prescription fulfillment centers, hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and pharmacy benefits management. Daily tasks can include filling prescriptions, processing insurance claims, managing inventory, and helping patients understand their medications. The program is designed for career changers and recent high school graduates alike, with admissions requirements that include a high school diploma or GED and an entrance assessment. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. The hybrid format lets students complete coursework online while gaining in-person practice.

• Entrance exam required
• 7-Month program
• 21 total credit hours
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Hands-on externship included
• Prepares for retail or institutional jobs
• Careers in retail, hospital, long-term care
• Sterile and non-sterile compounding labs
• Pharmaceutical calculations for patient populations

Cerritos College's Pharmacy Technician Certificate program prepares you for a rewarding career in healthcare. In just three semesters, you'll gain the skills needed for retail and hospital pharmacy settings through a comprehensive curriculum covering pharmacy software like PioneerRx and hands-on clinical externships. ASHP-accredited, the program qualifies graduates for California licensure and offers a fast track to a PharmD through partnerships with Keck Graduate Institute, Chapman, and Western University. With experienced faculty, state-of-the-art labs, and strong job prospects in this growing field, this certificate provides a solid foundation for immediate employment or further study.

• ASHP accredited
• 3-Semester program
• Average Salary $38,370-77,600
• Partnerships with KGI, Chapman, WesternU
• Modern lab with PioneerRx software
• Experienced faculty from industry
• Clinical externships in hospital pharmacies
• Prepares for California license
• Accelerated PharmD pathway available
• Internships often lead to job offers

Cerritos College offers an Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technology, preparing students for a vital role on the healthcare team. The curriculum covers both retail and hospital pharmacy settings, with a comprehensive focus that includes medication dispensing, pharmacy law, and patient communication. Students gain real-world experience through clinical externships and internships, often leading to job offers. The program features state-of-the-art lab facilities with industry-leading software like PioneerRx. Expert instructors bring practical knowledge to the classroom. Distinctive partnerships with top pharmacy schools such as Keck Graduate Institute and Chapman University allow for accelerated pathways to a PharmD. Graduates are well-prepared for California pharmacy technician licensure and entry into a fast-growing field.

• ASHP accredited
• Pharmacy Technician Average Salary $38,370-77,600
• Fast-growing field in California
• Earn certificate in 3 semesters
• Internships provide hands-on experience
• Partnerships with pharmacy schools
• State-of-the-art science lab
• Expert instructors
• Preparation for pharmacy technician licensure

The Basic Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Achievement at Los Angeles Mission College prepares students for a rewarding career in pharmacy. This campus-based program covers essential skills for working in outpatient, inpatient, and home health care settings. Students learn through coursework and a summer externship at Walgreens pharmacies, gaining real-world experience. The curriculum includes clinical requirements like live scan and drug testing, and emphasizes state licensure preparation. With part-time and full-time options, the program offers flexibility for diverse schedules. Graduates are eligible to apply for California Pharmacy Technician licensure and enter the workforce equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on training.

• Full-time and part-time options
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• Financial aid available
• Externship at Walgreens pharmacies
• Prepares for CA Pharmacy Technician licensure
• Clinical requirements: live scan, drug test
• Required supplies: scrubs with name tags
• Attendance is mandatory
• Outside study 2-3 hours per class hour
• Externship sites evaluate felonies individually

The Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technician at Los Angeles Mission College prepares students for a career in pharmacy, covering essential skills for outpatient, inpatient, and home health care settings. The curriculum includes required coursework that qualifies graduates to apply for California Pharmacy Technician licensure. Students gain hands-on experience through a clinical externship at Walgreens pharmacies, bridging classroom learning with real-world practice. The program requires a live scan, drug test, and updated immunizations, ensuring readiness for professional environments. With an emphasis on mandatory attendance and dedicated outside study, students develop discipline and expertise. Financial aid is available for eligible students. This program is ideal for those seeking a structured pathway to pharmacy technician certification and employment in diverse healthcare settings.

• Financial aid available
• Clinical externship at Walgreens pharmacies
• Live scan and drug test required
• Prepares for CA Pharmacy Technician licensure
• Careers in outpatient, inpatient, home health care
• Mandatory attendance
• Outside study: 2-3 hours per class hour
• High school diploma or GED required

College of the Canyons offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate program that prepares students for entry-level positions in retail and institutional pharmacy settings. The curriculum covers pharmacy calculations, pharmacology, sterile compounding, and community and hospital pharmacy operations through classroom instruction and simulation labs. Students gain practical experience through a required externship. Graduates are eligible to apply for a California Pharmacy Technician license and take the PTCE to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The program is seeking ASHP and ACPE accreditation. With affordable per-unit tuition and a two-semester completion timeline, this program provides a fast track into the healthcare field. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• ASHP, ACPE accredited
• $851 total program tuition
• $46 per credit
• 2-Semester program
• Complete in Complete your certification in just two semesters
• 8 total courses
• Prepares for PTCE
• Financial aid available
• Required externship for practical experience
• Prepares for California Pharmacy Technician license

College of the Canyons offers a Pharmacy Technician program that can be completed in just two semesters. This 18-unit program blends online coursework with hands-on laboratory sessions on campus, providing flexibility for working students. Graduates can earn a Certificate of Completion or apply credits toward an Associate of Science degree. The curriculum covers medication preparation, inventory management, and patient interaction in both retail and hospital settings. Students gain practical experience through a mandatory clinical externship. No prerequisite courses are required, but a criminal background check and drug screening are necessary for clinical placement. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to apply for licensure with the California State Board of Pharmacy and pursue careers in retail, hospital, compounding, or specialty pharmacies.

• 2-Semester program
• 18 total credit hours
• Blended online and on-campus format
• Earn certificate or AS degree
• Mandatory background check and drug screening
• Clinical externship included
• Prepares for California state licensure
• Hourly mean wage in CA: $26.79
• Diverse career settings available

San Francisco State University's Pharmacy Technician Certificate program prepares students for careers in retail, hospital, and other pharmacy settings. The curriculum covers pharmacy math, aseptic technique, IV admixture, and prescription processing. Students complete a 60-hour course and an 80-hour clinical externship. The program offers a hybrid option with in-person classes in downtown San Francisco or a fully online, self-paced format. Graduates are ready to take the national PTCB certification exam. With no prerequisites, flexible payment plans, and CalJOBS eligibility, this program is accessible to many students entering the growing pharmacy field.

• $1,499 total program tuition
• 80 clinical hours
• Prepares for PTCB
• 60-hour course with 80-hour externship
• Hands-on IV admixture practice
• Register without a high school diploma
• Self-paced online option
• 3-, 6-, or 10-month payment plans
• CalJOBS eligible training provider
• Externship placement coordination

San Francisco State University’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate provides flexible training for pharmacy careers. The 60-hour course and optional 80-hour clinical externship cover medication safety, IV admixture, prescription processing, and aseptic technique. Choose a hybrid format with in-person classes in San Francisco or a fully online self-paced option. The program prepares you for the PTCB certification exam, with no high school diploma needed to enroll. Tuition is $1,499 and includes textbooks, materials, and exam fee. Payment plans and CalJOBS support are available. Graduates find work in retail, hospital, mail-order, and long-term care pharmacies. Demand for pharmacy technicians is growing, making this an excellent entry point into healthcare.

• $1,499 total program tuition
• Rolling admissions
• Prepares for PTCB
• 60-hour course with externship
• Optional volunteer externship
• No high school diploma required
• Hybrid and fully online options
• CalJOBS eligible training provider
• Payment plans available for online
• Externship placement assistance

Carrington College's Pharmacy Technology certificate prepares students for entry-level work as pharmacy technicians under licensed pharmacists. Coursework covers the nervous system, anti-infectives, retail operations theory, prescription processing, pharmacy software, and pharmacy calculations. Students learn to fill prescriptions, manage patient records, and apply safe practice techniques and ethical standards. Most of the program runs online, with an in-person externship completed at an approved healthcare setting. Students earn a Certificate of Achievement in as few as 9 months and may sit for national exams like the CPhT or ExCPT. Career settings include retail, community, hospital, long-term care, compounding, and mail-order pharmacies.

• Entrance exam required
• 9-Month program
• Fully online option available
• Prepares for CPhT
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Certificate of Achievement awarded
• Prepares for national certification exams
• Externship at approved healthcare setting
• Offered online and at multiple locations

San Bernardino Valley College offers a Pharmacy Technology Certificate of Achievement designed for students seeking entry-level careers as pharmacy technicians. The program covers pharmacy systems, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, and includes a 5-unit clinical experience. Students learn to process prescriptions, manage patient profiles, handle insurance claims, and inventory medications. The curriculum emphasizes accuracy in medication dosages, pharmacy law, and ethical leadership. Graduates are prepared to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam, a key step toward professional certification. This Gainful Employment Program provides hands-on training in real pharmacy settings, combining classroom instruction with practical application. With 22 units of focused coursework, students gain the skills needed to work alongside pharmacists in retail, hospital, or clinical pharmacies. The program also develops soft skills like cultural competency and career readiness, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the healthcare industry.

• 22 total credit hours
• Prepares for PTCB exam
• Clinical experience course included
• Gainful Employment Program
• Entry-level pharmacy technician careers
• Ethical leadership and cultural competency
• 5-unit clinical experience

The Pharmacy Technology Associate of Science degree at San Bernardino Valley College blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students explore pharmaceutical principles, medication dispensing, and regulatory compliance through courses like Pharmacy Systems I & II, Pharmacology I & II, and Pharmacy Calculations. The program includes a clinical experience and seminar, emphasizing ethical leadership and cultural competency. Graduates are prepared for entry-level pharmacy technician roles and to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. With 60 total units, the curriculum covers prescription processing, top 200 medications, and pharmacy law. This comprehensive program equips students with technical proficiency and soft skills essential for contributing to patient care in diverse pharmacy settings.

• 60 total credit hours
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
• Clinical experience and seminar
• Covers top 200 medications
• Focus on pharmacy law
• Calculations for conversions
• Biology or chemistry option
• Career readiness and soft skills
• Cultural competency training

ACC's Pharmacy Technician program in Los Angeles trains students to work behind the pharmacy counter with confidence. Coursework covers filling prescriptions, calculating dosages, tracking inventory, entering patient data, and following pharmacy laws and safety rules. Most of the learning happens online, with two days a week on campus in a fully equipped pharmacy lab, or on weekends if that fits your schedule better. A 300-hour externship puts you in a real pharmacy before you graduate. The diploma can be finished in about nine months, and graduates often land jobs in retail, hospital, compounding, and long-term care pharmacies across the LA area.

• ABHES accredited
• 9-Month program
• 300 clinical hours
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Prepare and dispense medications
• Process prescriptions using pharmacy software
• Weekend classes available
• Blended format: 2 days on campus
• Fully equipped pharmacy lab

Pharmacy technicians keep a pharmacy running, and this hybrid program at Institute of Technology prepares you for that role quickly. You'll build practical skills in ordering, packaging, preparing, and stocking medications, along with pharmacy technology and law. Training uses PioneerRx, a pharmacy management system many real pharmacies rely on, so the workflow feels familiar from day one. Graduates can pursue national certification through the PTCB and work in hospitals, drugstores, grocery stores, and ambulatory care settings. Coursework blends online learning with hands-on campus labs at the Modesto location, letting you practice while keeping your schedule. It's a focused, career-first path into a growing healthcare field.

• ACCSC accredited
• 81% job placement rate
• Prepares for PTCB
• Military benefits accepted
• Financial aid available
• PioneerRx pharmacy software training
• Train to prepare medications
• Careers in hospitals and drugstores
• Pharmacy technology and law
• Registration application package included

North-West College's Pharmacy Technician program in West Covina trains students to work under a licensed pharmacist in retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, and labs. The hands-on curriculum covers processing patient prescriptions, transcribing physician orders, calculating doses, using drug distribution systems, preparing IVs, packaging medications, and drug compounding. Students can finish in as little as nine months, attend day or evening classes, and complete externships for real-world experience. Graduates receive free job placement assistance, and financial aid is available for those who qualify. The college is accredited by ACCSC and has served Southern California for more than 53 years.

• 9-Month program
• Financial aid available
• Free job placement assistance
• Day and evening class options
• Hands-on training program
• Real-world externship experience
• Seven Southern California campus locations
• Accredited by ACCSC
• Training in IV preparation and compounding
• Prepares you to become a certified pharmacy technician

North-West College's Pharmacy Technician program trains students to work alongside pharmacists in retail pharmacies, hospitals, and compounding labs. The certificate-level training runs about 40 weeks and blends classroom modules with a 240-hour clinical internship, so students practice in a real pharmacy setting before they finish. Coursework covers drug distribution, aseptic technique, pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, prescription processing, and drug labeling. Students also pick up medical terminology, sterile and non-sterile compounding, and the FDA and DEA rules that govern the industry. A Career Seminar adds CPR certification and job-readiness workshops. Graduates are prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Classes meet during the day and evening at campuses across Southern California, including Riverside, with new sessions starting throughout the year. It's a fast, hands-on path into a growing health care field.

• 40-Week program
• Complete in less than a year
• 8 total courses
• Starts rolling
• 240 clinical hours
• Prepares for PTCE
• Sterile and non-sterile drug compounding
• Covers FDA and DEA regulations
• Day and evening classes available
• Employment projected to grow 9 percent in California