Medical & Dental Programs

Pharmacy Technology

Prepare for an exciting career in health care with SJVC’s Pharmacy Technology program.

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REAL-WORLD SKILLS

Hands-on training prepares you for a career in the real world.

UPLEVEL IF YOU’D LIKE

Earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 9 months.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Conveniently offered at 10 campuses in California.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by location, learn more now.

Program Details

PHARMACY MATH AND COMPUTATIONS
This course focuses on the fundamentals of arithmetic processes involving fractions, decimals, ratios, and percentages including the metric, household, and apothecary systems. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the math skills in pharmaceutical applications which are required to determine medication dosages and preparations. Students will also learn business practices in a retail pharmacy.
PHARMACY CLINICAL APPLICATIONS I
This course covers the theory of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and related pharmacology of the nervous systems, including mental health and nutrition. A comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical dosage forms, pharmacokinetics, terminology, abbreviations and symbols, the difference between trade and generic drugs, and interpretation of prescriptions in relation to this system will be included. Students will utilize the pharmacy lab in the applications of pharmacy science. Interpretations of doctor’s orders along with prescription filling, refilling, and labeling procedures are practiced.

Education is the most important investment you can make in your future. There is a financial plan available for everyone, including a broad range of financial assistance options. Visit SJVC’s Net Price Calculator to get personalized information on college costs and financial aid. Check out SJVC’s Academic Catalog to learn about program costs by campus and credential level. You also can talk to an Admissions Advisor to discuss the costs of your chosen program and schedule an appointment with an experienced financial aid officer. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

We offer both Pharmacy Technician degree and Pharmacy Technology certificate programs at the following campuses:

Institutional Accreditation

San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, Phone: 510-748-9001, Fax: 510-748-9797.

www.wscuc.org

The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

State Approvals

CALIFORNIA

SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5, – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations. As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet, which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement.

A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education by calling (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the Bureau’s internet website (www.bppe.ca.gov).

View additional State Approvals for SJVC.

Health Studies

Program Description

SJVC’s Health Studies program may be completed in 25 weeks. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers and have earned a certificate of completion in Pharmacy Technology from SJVC. The Health Studies Associate of Science Degree affords excellent opportunities for professional growth and development through instruction in general education coursework designed to produce the competencies of higher education that employers expect of college graduates.

What Will I Learn?

Pharmacy Law & Ethics

Pharmacy Science & Applications

Pharmacy Math & Computations

Pharmacy Clinical Applications

Ready to Do This?

Find your path in Pharmacy Technology.

Talk to an admissions advisor about your options. You could graduate in as few as 9 months!

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Discover What it’s Like to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician at SJVC

“”

They give you all this hands-on experience. We would interact with other medical career programs, so you get a broader understanding of other medical industry positions.

KarlLesia C.
2014 Pharmacy Technology Graduate

Career Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians primarily work in pharmacies and hospitals, but they can also find employment for pharmaceutical companies, health clinics, assisted living, and nursing homes.

Check out our guide on becoming a Pharmacy Technician in California.

Are you interested in math, anatomy, physiology and health care? If you’re looking for a stable hands-on career where you get to make a difference in the wellbeing of others, then pharmacy technology just might be the perfect profession for you!

Our program gives you the flexibility to work in many different settings after graduating, so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle.

VIEW THE CAREER GUIDE

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Pharmacy Technician FAQ

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN?

Students interested in pharmacy technology programs can choose from a wide range of options, including community colleges, university hospitals, and vocational schools. Timing may depend on the award, certificate, diploma, or associate degree. However, you can earn a certificate of completion with SJVC’s Pharmacy Technology program in as little as 9 months.

WHAT DOES A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DO?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pharmacy technicians (or pharmacy techs) work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist to help deliver prescription medications for customers and healthcare providers.² They are also responsible for administrative and customer service tasks, including:²

Packing and labeling prescriptions
Answering phone calls and customer inquiries
Collecting prescription payments and insurance claims
Entering customer information into a computer system
Organizing stock and updating pharmacists on shortages
Measuring medication quantities for customer prescriptions
Gathering contact or personal information for prescription fills

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BE A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN?

Since professional training and licensure are not standardized from state to state, you may only need a high school diploma or GED as a prerequisite. If your area does require certification, you’ll need to pass the state’s licensing examination in order to fulfill a role in pharmacy technology. Candidates must also have the necessary technical and interpersonal skills to perform day-to-day functions under supervision.

HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN.

To be a pharmacy technician, most states require at least a high school diploma, certificate of proficiency, HiSET test results, or GED. Regulations can vary by location, as some states require formal training in pharmacy technology or course completion from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Here’s how you can become a certified pharmacy technician.³

Complete a PTCB-Recognized Education/Training Program
OR obtain relevant work experience
Complete a criminal background check by submitting fingerprint cards as required by the State Board of Pharmacy
Comply with all PTCB Certification policies and prerequisites
Make a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE®)*

HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN CALIFORNIA.

To become a pharmacy technician in the state of California, you don’t need any certifications. However, it can make it easier to find more jobs. If you’re interested in becoming a certified professional, follow the steps listed above this question: How to become a pharmacy technician.

Sources

*SJVC is a PTCB-recognized Education and training program which qualifies candidates to take the PTCB certification exam (PTCE). In addition to this, candidates must comply with all PTCB certifications and policies. SJVC students qualify to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) upon successful completion of practice exams administered during their course of study and with the approval of the Pharmacy Liaison. Students also earn their HIPAA Certification. SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

Medical & Dental Programs

Pharmacy Technology

REAL-WORLD SKILLS

UPLEVEL IF YOU’D LIKE

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Program Details