Pharmacy Technician
9 months / 36 weeks / 720 hours = 44 credit hours

The Pharmacy Technician program is designed to qualify the student for the California State Board of Pharmacy Registration.  California law requires registration to work as a Pharmacy Technician.  This program will provide the student the skills and experience for an entry-level position. 

Pharmacy Technicians assist licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients.  Pharmacy Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients or from the doctor's office. They verify the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure the medication.

In hospitals, Technicians read patient charts, prepare and deliver medicine to patients, and copy the information about the prescribed medication onto the file.

Graduates are eligible to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification  Board’s (PTCB) examination to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.  Also, the student will earn certifications in First Aid and CPR through the American Red Cross. 
Course
Duration
Introduction to Microcomputer Concepts, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Word processing applications using Microsoft Word

60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Overview of Pharmacy I -  The Foundation of Pharmaceutical Care, Hospital &  Retail Pharmacy
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Overview of Pharmacy II - Pharmacy Law & Ethics, Terminology , Safety in the Workplace, Communications
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Pharmacy Mathematics -  Basic Mathematics,
Measurement Systems, Calculations of Dosages
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Drug Classifications I -  Biopharmaceutics, Antimicrobial & Antineoplastic Agents, Allergy, Respiratory, Nervous System & Cardiovascular Drugs
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours

Drug Classifications II -  Digestive System Drugs, Endocrine System and Hormones, Muscle Relaxants, Immunological Agents, Poisons and Antidotes
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Administrative Aspects in Pharmacology I  - Dosage Forms, Administration of Medications, Drug Interactions, Purchasing, Inventory Control, Insurance Billing
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours

Administrative Aspects in Pharmacology II - Nutrition, Special Considerations for Pediatric & Neonatal Patients, Drug Therapy for Aging Patients
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours

Computer Applications in Drug-Use Control  -  Pharmacy Management Software
60 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Internship  -  Practical Experience / Job Search

120 hrs /
4 qtr. credit hours
Total
720 hrs /
44 qtr. credit hours
Entry Level Career & Path Opportunities

Pharmacy Clerk, Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Assistant, Pharmacy Aid


Employment Outlook
Employment of Pharmacy Technicians in Fresno County is expected to grow by 25.6% between  2001 and 2008.    - California EDD -

Pharmacy Technicians are in great demand nationwide and throughout California.  Technicians can work in different work environments.  As a Pharmacy Technician, you can expect to work in such areas as:

  • Hospitals & Clinics
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Health Agencies
  • Nursing Homes
  • Managed Care
  • Home Healthcare
  • Department of Corrections

A drug or alcohol offense, sexual misconduct, DUI or felony crime may prohibit registration with the State.  The State of California application for registration includes a finger print check.

Fresno, California
Phone (800) 684-7196