Pharmacy Technician – California (Test)
Train to become a pharmacy technician in as little as 7 months!
The 280-hour Pharmacy Technician program is taught in real time by a live instructor in a virtual classroom using Zoom. Students actively engage with their instructor and classmates through interactive lessons, demonstrations, and discussion—no self-paced or pre-recorded content. The program includes a 120-hour externship in a local pharmacy, providing hands-on training under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.
What You’ll Learn
- Prescription preparation and dispensing support
- Patient records and pharmacy documentation
- Purchasing, inventory management, billing, and reimbursement
- Pharmacy law, regulations, and medication safety
- Sterile and non-sterile compounding
- Quality assurance practices
Students are trained to work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist in retail, hospital, and clinical pharmacy settings.
Externship & Program Requirements
- Must be 18 years or older for externship placement
- Access to internet, a PC, laptop, or tablet, and a printer required
- Must have high school diploma or equivalent to obtain California Pharmacy Technician license.
Purchased Separately
- Textbooks
- Scrubs (if needed for externship)
- State License Application Fee ($120 as of 2/26)
Certification & Licensure Preparation
- Prepares students to sit for the PTCE and ExCPT national certification exams
- Meets California Board of Pharmacy education requirements
Salary Information
California Mean Annual Wage: $57,799
Source: EDD Labor Market Information Division
Ready to Get Started?
Live instruction. Hands-on experience. Industry-recognized credentials. Gain the skills, experience, and confidence to launch your career as a pharmacy technician!
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Spring 2027 Classes
February 2 – June 29, 2027
Cuesta College
El Camino College
Gonzales Adult School
Jefferson Adult School
Mt. San Jacinto College
Rio Hondo College
San Leandro Adult & Career Education
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
Santa Monica College
Santiago Canyon College
Sierra College
March 8 – July 29, 2027
Cuesta College
El Camino College
Gonzales Adult School
Jefferson Adult School
Mt. San Jacinto College
Rio Hondo College
San Leandro Adult & Career Education
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
Santa Monica College
Santiago Canyon College
Sierra College
April 6 – August 31, 2027
Cuesta College
El Camino College
Gonzales Adult School
Jefferson Adult School
Mt. San Jacinto College
Rio Hondo College
San Leandro Adult & Career Education
San Mateo Adult & Career Education
Santa Monica College
Santiago Canyon College
Sierra College
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