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Pharmacy Technician Certificate

The Pharmacy Technology Certificate Program includes didactic, laboratory, and practicum components structured to facilitate achieving educational and career goals.  Pharmacy technicians are skilled technical health workers who perform a wide variety of pharmacy-related tasks under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist.     

Total Units:
29

First Year

Semester 1-Program Pre-requisites/Apply to the Program

11 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHARM 300
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice
3
F, S
PHARM 315
Pharmaceutical Calculations I
3
Co- or Pre-req: PHARM 300
F
PHARM 320
Pharmacology of Therapeutic Agents
5
Co- or Pre-req: PHARM 305; Advisory: LIBR 318
F

Semester 2-Acceptance to the Program

12 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHARM 350
Pharmaceutical Information Management
4
PHARM 300; Advisory: LIBR 318
S, 8W1**
PHARM 360
Retail Operation of Pharmaceutical Practice
3
PHARM 300
S, 8W2**
PHARM 370
Pharmaceutical Calculations II
2
PHARM 300 & 315
S, 8W1**
PHARM 380
Preparation of Sterile Products
3
PHARM 300 & 315
S, 8W2**

**8W1 = offered the first 8 weeks of the semester; 8W2 = offered the second 8 weeks of the semester

Year 2

Semester 3

6 Units
Course Units Pre-Reqs^ Semesters Offered*
PHARM 400
Pharmacy Technician Profession
2
PHARM 300, 360 & 380
Su, 8W1
PHARM 410
Acute Care Practicum
2
PHARM 350 & 400
Su, 8W2
PHARM 420
Retail Practicum
2
PHARM 350, 360, & 400
Su, 8W2

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a ā€œCā€ or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available, (P) = partially online

Career Options/Outlook:

Pharmacy technicians prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist.  Typical tasks may include measuring, mixing, counting, labeling, and recording amounts and dosages of medication according to prescription orders; receiving written prescriptions or refilling requests and verifying that the information is complete and accurate; pre-packing bulk medicines, filling bottles with prescribed medications, and typing and affixing labels; maintaining proper storage and security conditions for drugs; assisting customers by answering simple questions, locating items, or referring them to the pharmacist for medication information.

A sample of reported job titles:

Accredited Pharmacy Technician; Billing and Quality Technician; Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT); Compounding Technician; Lead Pharmacy Tech, Certified Pharmacy Technician (Lead Pharmacy Tech, CPhT); Lead Pharmacy Technician (Lead Pharmacy Tech); Pharmacy Technician (Pharmacy Tech); Senior Pharmacy Technician; Technician; Technician, Inventory Specialist

Projected job openings in California (2020-2030):

3,360

Projected growth in California (2020-2030):

15% growth

Median Salary in California (2021):

$46,760/yr

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC Area, CSU Area or IGETC Area without pre- or co-requisite can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2023-2024

Published May 18, 2023

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