Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The CRC Pharmacy Technology Certificate Program includes didactic, laboratory, and practicum components that are structured to facilitate the achievement of 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. Successful completion of the program not only qualifies students for registration with the California State Board of Pharmacy but also prepares graduates for entry-level pharmacy technician positions. The program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist.

Students who complete the program in a satisfactory manner will be awarded a Certificate of Program Completion and are qualified to apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for registration as a pharmacy technician.

Students will also be eligible to take the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) and become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.

A two-year expanded Pharmacy Technician Program is also available, which includes general education.

This two-year course sequence leads to an Associate in Science Degree in Pharmacy Technician, and offers the student the ability to transfer to a four-year program or to enter the job market with additional technical and theoretical background.

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• PSLO 1: Application of the federal, state, and local laws; regulations and professional standards to pharmacy practice.
• PSLO 2: Understand the setting, duties and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
• PSLO 3: Demonstrate the comprehension of knowledge pertaining to human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• PSLO 4: Perform basic mathematical functions and dosage calculations utilizing metric, apothecary, household and avoirdupois systems.
• PSLO 5: Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in all job-related activities.
• PSLO 6: Design and relate messages for effective and appropriate oral and written communication.

We project 20 students to complete this certificate annually.

As a registered pharmacy technician in California, you can — under the supervision of a registered pharmacist — perform routine tasks related to receiving, dispensing, distribution, control, maintenance, compounding, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling of pharmaceutical products.

A sample of reported job titles:

Pharmacy Technician; Clinical Pharmacy Technician, Billing and Quality Technician; Compounding Technician; Lead Pharmacy Technician, Inventory Specialist, Controlled Substances Technician, Chemo Technician, Pharmacy benefit manager and Pharmacy Analyst.

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Completed a High School diploma or equivalency.
• 18 years or older at the time of enrollment