California Pharmacy Tech Schools & Certification

Foothill College's Certificate of Achievement in Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician is a nine-month, ASHP/ACPE accredited program starting each Fall Quarter. It prepares students for roles in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other settings, focusing on pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical skills, and pharmacy law. Graduates are eligible to register with the California State Board of Pharmacy and are well-equipped for the PTCE exam. Admission requires completion of prerequisites with a 'C' or better, and the program includes aseptic technique training and interprofessional competencies.

• ASHP/ACPE accredited program.
• Nine-month duration.
• Fall Quarter start.
• Prepares for California registration.
• Covers pharmacy law and skills.
• 41 units required.
• Prerequisites with 'C' or better.
• Offers optional Associate Degree.
• Focus on clinical and pharmaceutical knowledge.
• Eligibility for pharmacy technician roles.

The Certificate of Achievement in Basic Pharmacy Technician at Foothill College is a nine-month part-time program for individuals 18 and older with a high school diploma. It provides competency-based training for roles in pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, emphasizing critical skills for living wage positions. This stackable certificate offers career advancement potential and prepares students for certification exams, covering transferable clinical knowledge and practical experience in diverse pharmacy settings.

• 9-month part-time program
• 18+ years old required
• High school diploma needed
• Stackable career certificate
• 41 total units required
• Multiple pharmacy settings
• Competency-based training
• Career advancement potential
• Certification exam preparation

Foothill College's Pharmacy Assistant Certificate is an entry-level, nine-month program accredited by ASHP/ACPE, designed for those entering the healthcare sector. It builds a foundation in pharmaceutical knowledge and professional competencies through competency-based training, preparing students for roles in pharmacies and allied health professions. Prerequisites include Human Biology, and the program offers multiple certificate options, positioning learners for living wage positions with advancement opportunities.

• Nine-month sequential program
• Multiple certificate options
• ASHP/ACPE accredited curriculum
• 41 total units required
• Prepares for Pharmacy Technician certification
• Career opportunities in multiple settings
• Prerequisites include Human Biology

Foothill College's Pharmacy Technician Associate in Science Degree is a nine-month sequential program accredited by ASHP/ACPE, providing comprehensive training for diverse pharmacy settings like hospitals and retail. The curriculum covers pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical skills, and legal requirements, with prerequisites in human biology, intermediate algebra, and a career exploration course. It includes certification exam review and offers pathways to a two-year degree, emphasizing practical experience and stackable career certificates.

• ASHP/ACPE Accredited Program
• Nine-Month Sequential Training
• Multiple Certificate Options
• 41 Total Program Units
• Diverse Pharmacy Career Settings
• Stackable Career Certificates
• Certification Exam Review
• Clinical Skills Training
• Optional Two-Year Degree

Los Angeles Mission College's Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician-Basic provides essential training for California licensure eligibility. This campus-based program offers flexible part-time and full-time scheduling across fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students develop skills for outpatient, inpatient, and home health care pharmacy settings through coursework and a Walgreens externship. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, plus live scan, drug testing, updated immunizations, and scrubs with name tags. The program emphasizes mandatory attendance and significant outside study time while providing financial aid options for qualified students.

• Prepares for CA Pharmacy Technician licensure.
• Flexible part-time and full-time options.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Live scan and drug test mandatory.
• Financial aid options available.
• Externship at Walgreens pharmacies.
• Mandatory attendance policy.
• Requires scrubs with name tags.
• Updated immunizations record needed.
• Two to three hours of outside study per class hour.

The Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician-Advanced at Los Angeles Mission College delivers comprehensive training for diverse pharmacy environments. This campus program prepares students for California Pharmacy Technician licensure through rigorous coursework and practical experience, including a summer externship at Walgreens pharmacies. Available in part-time and full-time formats across multiple semesters, it requires a high school diploma or GED, live scan, and drug testing. The curriculum focuses on developing clinical skills for various pharmacy settings, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for dynamic healthcare careers without entrance exams.

• California Pharmacy Technician licensure preparation
• Part-time and full-time options
• Summer externship opportunity
• Multiple pharmacy setting training
• High school diploma/GED required
• Live scan and drug test needed
• Clinical skills development

Los Angeles Mission College's Pharmacy Technician program offers both Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science pathways for career advancement. This campus-based training prepares students for California State Pharmacy Technician licensure eligibility through coursework covering outpatient, inpatient, and home health care settings. The program includes summer externship opportunities and requires live scan, drug testing, and potential immunization records. With part-time and full-time options available, it provides comprehensive clinical preparation without entrance exams, making it accessible for aspiring healthcare professionals seeking flexible educational pathways.

• Certificate and Associate degrees
• State licensure preparation
• Multiple pharmacy settings
• Summer externship opportunities
• Live scan and drug testing
• Part-time and full-time options
• Clinical requirements included

Santa Ana College's Pharmacy Technology Basic Certificate delivers essential entry-level training for California pharmacy technicians, focusing on flexible part-time scheduling that allows completion in just two semesters. Students master pharmacy operations, body systems, and calculations through a curriculum aligned with state licensing requirements. The program includes a 140-hour externship in outpatient pharmacy settings, providing hands-on experience to prepare for immediate healthcare roles. This certificate offers a swift pathway to entering the pharmacy field without requiring entrance exams, ideal for career changers or those seeking rapid certification.

• Entry-level pharmacy tech training
• Part-time flexible scheduling
• 140-hour outpatient externship
• California State Board compliant
• Two-semester completion possible

The Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate at Santa Ana College is a rigorous 28-unit program accredited by ASHP, designed for professionals pursuing advanced credentials. It prepares students for both California State Board licensing and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam through comprehensive training in inpatient, outpatient, and sterile product pharmacy settings. With over 200 externship hours and skills labs, graduates gain expertise in body systems, operations, and advanced calculations. This program does not mandate entrance exams, focusing instead on practical experience to equip technicians for diverse career opportunities in various pharmacy environments.

• 28 total program units
• ASHP accredited program
• Multiple pharmacy setting rotations
• Meets CA State Board requirements
• Comprehensive externship experiences
• Prepares for certification exam
• Covers inpatient and sterile products
• 200 additional externship hours
• Skills labs included

Santa Ana College's Pharmacy Technology A.S. Degree is an ASHP-accredited program that can be completed in four semesters with part-time flexibility, preparing students for California State Board licensing. The curriculum covers pharmaceutical operations, body systems, and specialized services, enhanced by 240 hours of clinical training across outpatient, inpatient, and sterile product settings. This degree emphasizes hands-on externship rotations to build practical skills without requiring entrance exams, ensuring graduates are ready for roles in diverse pharmacy sectors. It offers a balanced approach of classroom learning and real-world application for aspiring technicians.

• ASHP-accredited pharmacy technology program
• Multiple training options available
• Prepares for state board licensing
• Flexible part-time study scheduling
• Comprehensive externship experiences
• 240 hours total clinical training
• Meets California State Board requirements

San Diego State University's 100% online Pharmacy Technician Training is a flexible 12-month program requiring 400 course hours and costing $3,265 total. It prepares students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam with comprehensive training in medication processing, legal requirements, and professional ethics, and includes practicum experience. No prior prerequisites are needed, and students can start anytime. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in retail, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings, with California's job outlook showing 13.3% growth and average annual salaries around $45,780 in San Diego County.

• 100% online training
• $3,265 total cost
• 12-month program length
• 400 total course hours
• No prior prerequisites
• PTCB exam preparation
• Practicum experience available
• Start anytime flexibility

West Los Angeles College's hybrid Pharmacy Technician Program offers both Certificate of Achievement and Associate of Science Degree options, completable in under a year with over 490 hours of instruction. The curriculum includes an externship at a community pharmacy and meets Association of Health Systems Pharmacists requirements, preparing graduates for California State Board of Pharmacy licensing with high pass rates. Financial aid is available for eligible students, making this program accessible for careers in retail and hospital pharmacy settings.

• Less than one year completion.
• Includes 490+ hours of instruction.
• Externship at community pharmacy.
• Meets ASHP requirements.
• High pass rate on licensing exam.
• Financial aid available.
• Offers Certificate and Degree options.
• Prepares for retail and hospital settings.
• Eligible for California State Board exam.
• Comprehensive curriculum.

West Los Angeles College's campus-based Pharmacy Technology Program provides Basic and Advanced Certificates of Achievement and an Associate of Science Degree, all achievable in less than one year. Students receive over 490 hours of instruction, including an externship, and the program meets requirements for California Pharmacy Technician licensure with a high examination approval rate. Graduates can earn $31,000 to $76,000 annually in various healthcare environments, and financial aid supports qualifying individuals in pursuing this fast-paced, rewarding career.

• Less than one year completion.
• Basic and Advanced Certificates offered.
• Associate of Science Degree available.
• Over 490 hours of instruction.
• Includes externship for real-world experience.
• Meets ASHP requirements.
• Prepares for California Pharmacy Technician license.
• High examination approval rate.
• Financial aid available for qualifying students.
• Potential earnings $31,000-$76,000 annually.

California State University-Long Beach's 50-hour Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program delivers thorough training for retail and healthcare pharmacy roles. Students master drug classifications, prescription dispensing, and pharmaceutical calculations, covering dosage, top 200 drugs, IV flow rates, and sterile compounding. Flexible hybrid and self-paced online formats accommodate various schedules, with clinical externships enhancing hands-on experience. The program includes textbooks in tuition and prepares graduates for NHA and PTCB certification exams, requiring only a high school diploma and no application prerequisites for entry.

• 50-hour comprehensive training
• Hybrid and online formats
• No application prerequisites
• Textbooks included in tuition
• National exam preparation
• Clinical externship available
• High school diploma required

San Francisco State University's hybrid Pharmacy Technician program combines online coursework with in-person sessions in Downtown San Francisco, offering a fully online self-paced alternative. The 60-hour certificate course includes an 80-hour clinical externship, preparing students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. No prerequisites are required, though a high school diploma or GED is needed for PTCB eligibility. At $1,499, the cost covers all materials and exam fees, with flexible start dates in Fall, Spring, and Summer. This program supports career entry into various pharmacy settings, with 4% job growth projected by 2029.

• Hybrid and online options.
• 60-hour certificate course.
• 80-hour clinical externship.
• Prepares for PTCB certification.
• No prerequisites required.
• Cost: $1,499 all-inclusive.
• High school diploma needed for PTCB.
• Flexible start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer.
• Self-paced online course available.
• Includes textbooks and materials.

San Francisco State University provides a self-paced online Pharmacy Technician program that allows students to study at their own pace with 24/7 mentoring support. The curriculum prepares learners for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, covering pharmaceutical terminology, drug regulations, and pharmacy calculations. An optional 80-hour clinical externship enhances practical skills. Total tuition is $1,499, with six-month course access and flexible payment plans. This accessible program requires no prerequisites, though a high school diploma or GED is necessary for PTCB certification, offering a direct path to roles in the expanding healthcare field.

• Self-paced online format
• $1,499 total tuition
• Optional 80-hour externship
• PTCB exam preparation
• 24/7 instructor support
• Six-month course access
• Comprehensive healthcare content

Cerritos College's Pharmacy Technician Certificate is an ASHP-accredited, three-semester program that prepares students for California licensure. The curriculum focuses on retail and hospital pharmacy skills, incorporating clinical training and externships for hands-on experience. Students gain proficiency with state-of-the-art pharmacy software and benefit from partnerships with pharmacy schools. With an average salary range of $38,370-$77,600, this program offers a direct pathway to a fast-growing healthcare career, supported by experienced faculty instruction.

• 3-semester certificate program
• Retail and hospital pharmacy preparation
• ASHP accredited program
• Clinical training and externships
• Pathway to pharmacy licensure
• State-of-the-art pharmacy software training
• Partnerships with pharmacy schools
• Experienced faculty instruction

Cerritos College's Pharmacy Technology program provides comprehensive training for certification and licensure in California over three semesters. Emphasizing real-world experience through internships, the program features state-of-the-art facilities and industry-leading software. Partnerships with institutions like Keck Graduate Institute and Chapman University enhance educational opportunities, including an accelerated PharmD pathway. Students prepare for roles in retail and hospital pharmacies, with internships often leading to job offers in this rapidly expanding field.

• Fast-Growing Field
• Quick Completion in 3 semesters
• Comprehensive Curriculum
• Renowned Partnerships
• Real-World Experience
• State-of-the-Art Facilities
• Expert Instructors
• Clinical Training
• Certification Preparation
• Accredited by ASHP

College of the Canyons' Pharmacy Technology program offers a two-semester certification pathway blending classroom instruction with hands-on simulation labs. Students develop skills in pharmacology, calculations, and sterile compounding, with an externship included for practical experience. At approximately $828 for 18 units, this hybrid program prepares graduates for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and California state licensure, providing insights into diverse pharmacy practice settings.

• Two-semester certification program
• $46 per unit for residents
• Hybrid learning format
• Externship included
• Prepares for state licensure
• Simulated pharmacy labs
• Multiple pharmacy practice insights
• Sterile compounding training
• Seeking national accreditation

College of the Canyons provides an 18-unit Pharmacy Technician certification completed in two semesters through a hybrid format of online classes and on-campus labs. With no prerequisites, it leads to a Certificate of Completion or Associate of Science degree, featuring a mandatory clinical externship and background check. Graduates are prepared for California State Board licensure, entering roles in retail, hospital, or specialty pharmacy with competitive earning potential in the state's healthcare sector.

• 18-unit certification program
• Two-semester completion timeline
• Hybrid learning format
• No prerequisite courses required
• California State Board licensure preparation
• Diverse career opportunities
• Certificate and AS degree options
• Mandatory clinical externship
• Background check required

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona offers an online Pharmacy Technician certification program that prepares students for the PTCE through 400 self-paced course hours. The curriculum covers medical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, prescription processing, and pharmacy ethics, with an optional 130-hour clinical experience. Tuition is $2,995 and includes a PTCE exam voucher, textbook resources, and a pharmacy lab kit. This program supports entry into a field with an average salary of $40,300 and 7% job growth, providing flexible training for healthcare careers without requiring entrance exams.

• 400 course hours
• Self-paced online training
• PTCE exam voucher included
• Optional 130-hour Clinical Experience
• 12-month program completion
• $2,995 tuition cost
• Comprehensive textbook resources
• Pharmacy lab kit provided