About Pharmacy Technician

The Certificate of Achievement in Entry-Level Pharmacy Technician curriculum is a nine month (2 semesters) sequential program. The program is accredited by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (ASHP/ACPE accredited) and is a PTCB Recognized Education/Training Program. Entry into the program is limited to the Fall semester each year. 

This program prepares students for pharmacy technician positions in a variety of pharmacy settings, hospitals, community/retail, home health care, public and government agencies. Graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement and are qualified to apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for their Pharmacy Technician License. Licensure is a legal requirement to work as a Pharmacy Technician. 

During the program, you will gain practical experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy practice setting in the San Francisco Bay Area. You will have the opportunity to complete your clinical experience during the second semester of the program under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.

You may obtain the Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician by successfully completing the 34 units of instruction consisting of didactic and practical experience in a community or hospital pharmacy. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for a license as a Pharmacy Technician to the California State Board of Pharmacy. 

Explore Potential Careers

The Pharmacy Technician Program prepares you to work as technicians providing professional customer service to patients and clients in a pharmacy setting under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

Job Outlook

Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. For more information regarding the job outlook for Pharmacy Technicians, visit the .

Program Information

 

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

This two-year course sequence leads to an Associate of 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. 

Semester 1 

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
PHTC 101Pharmacy Technician I - Theory9 
PHTC 102Pharmacy Technician I - Clinical7 

Total Units: 16 

Semester 2

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
PHTC 103Pharmacy Technician II - Theory9 
PHTC 104 APharmacy Technician  - Clinical Preparation5 
PHTC 104 BPharmacy Technician Externship4 
EMT 12Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers0.5 

Total Units: 18.5 

Semester 3

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
BIO 108General Human Anatomy4 
BIO 112Introduction to Human Physiology4 
CMST 5Intercultural Communication3 
PSYC C1000General Psychology3 

Total Units: 14 

Semester 4

Course NumberCourse TitleUnitsNotes
MATH 46, MATH 60 or 860, ET 108B, or ET 50, or PSYC 5, or ECON 5, or LALS 5, or PHIL 12A, or FIN 136M or higher math course (or equivalent)Math Graduation Requirement3-8 
ENGL C1000Academic Reading and Writing4 
亚洲疯情 GE Area EHumanities Requirement3 
亚洲疯情 GE Area FUnited States History and Government Requirement3 
亚洲疯情 GE Area G1Health Knowledge Requirement2-3 
亚洲疯情 GE Area HEthnic Studies, Women's and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies3 

Total Units: 18-26

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Students who complete the program will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement and are qualified to apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for a license as a Pharmacy Technician. 

Graduates will be eligible to take the PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam) and become a PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technician, CPhT, upon completion of our program. The PTCB Certification does require 20 hours of continuing education as a requirement for renewal. Last year's (2024) pass rate for the PTCB national exam was 80%.

The PTCB Certification is not required for licensure in California. Each state varies in their requirements for licensure. 

Course Schedule

Students will complete 240 clinical hours in an off-site pharmacy.  

Each course must be completed with a final grade of "C" or higher. 

Semester 1 

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
 PHTC 101Pharmacy Technician I - Theory9
PHTC 102Pharmacy Technician I - Clinical7

Semester 2

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
PHTC 103Pharmacy Technician II - Theory9
PHTC 104 APharmacy Technician Clinical Preparation5
PHTC 104 BPharmacy Technician Externship4

The Pharmacy Technician Program

The program includes online instruction, in-person labs, and 240 hours of clinical externship. 

The classes require the use of Canvas. Students will complete coursework in Canvas, which must be accessed using an internet enabled device. E-textbooks and assignments within the textbook are required, thus an internet enabled device is required. Laptops or desktop computers are best, as most phone and tablets restrict access to certain functions. 

Requirements

  1. Official high school transcript or G.E.D. is required for the California State Board of Pharmacy application process. If the transcript is obtained out of the country, the transcript needs to be validated and translated.
  2. A 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on prior college or high school transcripts is recommended.
  3. Typing accuracy and speed of 50 wpm is recommended.
  4. Math 70 (Intermediate Algebra) or higher is recommended.
  5. English C1000 or higher is recommended. 

Externship Placement

  1. Physical examination is required.
  2. Background check and drug test is required.
  3. Immunizations as required by the pharmacy externship site.

Pharmacy Technician License

Upon completion of the program, the student will be eligible to apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for a Pharmacy Technician License. Another background check with fingerprints will be required. It is up to the discretion of the California State Board of Pharmacy to issue a license. Past records on a background check and fingerprints may be used in determination of licensure. More information can be found on the

 

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. 

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.