Pharmacy Technician Schools and Programs in California

California is one of the most populous states in the US, which means more employment opportunities for pharmacy technicians as there will be a rising need in the use of prescription drugs, thus having more number of pharmacies coming up. According to BLS, in May 2021 in California there were 38,220 pharmacy technicians earning an average annual salary of $49,990. There are 67 Pharmacy Technician schools in California, offering certificate, diploma and associate programs. When it comes to deciding on the right school it is vital to know the top schools in your state and what they have to offer as education costs money, ensuring you get the best return on your investment. We have closely evaluated all these schools and come up with the list of the top 29 pharmacy technician programs in CA.

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#3. Santa Ana College - Santa Ana

Santa Ana College has a rich legacy and is celebrating 99 years of brilliance in academia. Situated on 17th street, Santa Ana, CA, the college provides the students with the skills and expertise necessary for certification, licensure and employment. The college has a name for distinction and is repeatedly ranked a state leader for the number of students who transfer to a university. The college is a brilliant choice when it comes to career preparation in fields that are in high demand and are devoted to providing optimal academic experience for students. It offers a Certificate and an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology which is accredited by ASHP. The curriculum comprises of - Body systems, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy operations, and in-patient pharmacy services. The institute boasts of cutting-edge, updated training tools used in real-life pharmacies.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: The Certificate Program will take 9 to 12 months for completion; while the Associate Degree Program takes 2 to 4 years to complete.

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#4. American Career College - Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Ontario

The American College is private vocational college that offers healthcare programs at its campuses in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Ontario. Since its inception 35 years ago the college has more than 35,000 graduates of allied healthcare programs. American Career College offers a Diploma of 36 weeks and an accelerated one of 28 weeks. The coursework includes Pharmacy Law, Drug Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Drug Distribution, IV Preparation and Retail Pharmacy. An externship and job placements in American Red Cross, Cedars Sinai, UCI Medical Center, USC, Harbor UCLA Medical Center, CVS, Pharmerica, RiteAid and RxRelief gives graduates a head start into the pharmaceutical industry. 76% of the graduates get hired as soon they graduate from the program.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: The Diploma program takes 9 months to complete.

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#5. Carrington College - Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Pomona, San Jose, San Leandro and Stockton

Established in 1967 Carrington College is a network of private colleges that offers programs at 5 locations in California at Citrus Heights, Pleasant Hill, Sacramento, San Jose, San Leandro and Stockton. More than 80% of Carrington students use some form of financial aid to cover their cost of education. The college also boasts of a fixed tuition promise and disability accommodation. It has an access to a support service called ASPIRE for its students wherein specialists are available to help through personal problems, childcare referrals, legal issues and housing. Carrington College offers a Certificate and an Associate Degree. Both the programs offer a combination of formal classroom instruction and hands-on training, preparing graduates for a pharmacy technician job as well as the PTCB exam.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 months for Certificate and 24 months for Associate

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#6. Pima Medical Institute - Chula Vista

Located in Chula-Vista, the Pima Medical Institute offers a nationally recognized and state licensed program which will prepare you for National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. The college has been serving the San Diego community at Chula Vista since 1998. For more than 45 years, the college has been devoted to healthcare education promising to make you the best healthcare professional possible. The staff is dedicated to providing in-demand, hands-on education so that you may thrive in your profession. It provides the students real-world experience right in their home community. The college offers a Certificate and an Associate Degree to Pharmacy Technology students. The course-work includes - Physiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy Laws and Ethics, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Pharmacy Math and Pharmacy Laboratory Skills and a hands-on externship.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: The Certificate Program will take 9 to 12 months for completion; while the Associate Degree Program takes up to 2 years.

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#7. North-West College - Glendale, Pomona, Van Nuys, and West Covina

North-West College which opened in 1946 has a 45,000 strong alumni. Its seven campuses at Long Beach, Santa Ana, Riverside, Glendale, Van Nuys, Pomona Valley and West Covina offer pharmacy technician programs. The campuses at Long Beach and Santa Ana have been awarded the School of Distinction award by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). The Certificate program in pharmacy technology offered by the college will prepare you for tasks such as filling prescriptions, package and label prescriptions, accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance. You will learn medical terminology, pharmacy laws and regulations. The hand-on learning with an externship adds to the learning experience and will help you gain knowledge and skills required to start a career as a pharmacy technician.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 40 weeks to complete the Certificate program

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#8. San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia

The for-profit and accredited San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) has 15 campuses spread across Northern, Central and Southern California. The college is running since 1977 and offers continuing education opportunities, Associate degrees and Certificates for career programs mainly in 3 different streams - Business & Criminal Justice, Medical & Dental, and Technical & Industrial.

SJVC provides training course in pharmacy technology which prepares students with extensive learning in compounding and dispensing of drugs, pharmacy law and clinical applications and all that it takes to work as a pharmacy technician at hospitals, pharmacies and healthcare companies.

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#9. San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino

San Bernardino Valley College is located in San Bernardino and was established in 1926. In 2016, San Bernardino Valley College celebrated its 90th anniversary. The college maintains a culture of constant and relentless improvement and a pledge to provide the best education, ground-breaking training, and services to a varied community of students. Holding a powerful reputation based on the quality of their programs, safety, comfort, and beauty of the campus, it is one of the popular pharmacy technician schools in California. It promises to revolutionize your future just like millions of Inland Empire students who have studied here over the last 90 years. The college offers an ASHP accredited Certificate and Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology. The curriculum comprises of physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, first-aid, pharmacy laws and ethics, drug interactions, medical abbreviations, and computers. A hands-on internship only adds to the learning experience.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: The Certificate Program will take 9 to 12 months for completion; while the Associate Degree Program takes up to 2 years.

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#10. Institute of Technology - Redding & Modesto

Since 2004, Institute of Technology has been offering hands-on training in various programs in more than five different streams. The institute has three campuses in California - Clovis/Fresno, Modesto and Redding. With one-on-one instructions, interactive classrooms, highly qualified instructors, and extensive combination of coursework, the institute grooms its students for a rewarding career.

You can enroll for the 40-week pharmacy tech course offered by Institute of Technology at its two campuses in California - Redding and Modesto. This short-term certificate program requires you to spend about 860 hours in classroom learning, laboratory training and clinical practicum. The curriculum also includes working with the best pharmacy management system in the industry - PioneerRx, which will prepare you for a competitive career in the retail and hospital pharmacy settings.

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#11. Charles A Jones Career and Education Center - Sacramento

Charles A Jones Career and Education Center is located in Sacramento, California. The college boasts of a rich offering of community partnerships with social service institutes and community-based agencies. The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center has served the Sacramento community for 40 years and meets the constantly-altering demands of the local and regional labor market. To get trained as a pharmacy tech you can do a Certificate program and take classes which include - Pharmacology, Pharmacy Math, Pharmacy Laboratory Skills, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Pharmacy Technician Duties and Inventory Maintenance. The program is a 1080 hours one. Charles A Jones helps you accomplish your goals in conjunct with a very productive path of learning. The course-work is designed to help prepare you for the PTCB exam.

Accreditation: ASHP
Program Length: 9 to 12 months for the Certificate program.

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#12. Cosumnes River College - Sacramento

Cosumnes River College located in Sacramento, California is one of the 4 community colleges within the Los Rios Community College District. The college was founded in 1970 with a goal to provide high quality education. Currently the college has 13 permanent buildings with state-of-the-art facilities like fiber optics and satellite transmission. The college offers an associate degree program in pharmacy technology. Coursework comprises of theory, laboratory and hands on training. Completion of the program qualifies you for registration with the California State Board of Pharmacy and also gets you ready for entry-level pharmacy technician jobs. Hands-on experience in community and acute pharmacies is part of the curriculum.

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#13. UEI College - Bakersfield - Bakersfield, Encino, Fresno, Gardena, Riverside, & San Marcos

UEI College was established in 1975. It is accredited by ACCET, ACCSC and ACICS and offers over 13 specialized career programs which are at par with industry standards and accommodated with flexible day and evening sessions. The career service center at UEI prepares students for job interviews after successful completion of the programs.

UEI offers pharmacy tech course in 8 cities namely - Bakersfield, Encino, Fresno, Gardena, Riverside, San Marcos, West Covina and Phoenix. The duration of course in Phoenix is 44-week long whereas in other cities, UEI offers 39-week course. According to ACICS, more than 70% of the course graduates at UEI have been successfully employed upon graduation.

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#14. Asher College - Sacramento

Asher College offers a 39-week pharmacy technician training program in Sacramento. The Sacramento campus has been operating since 1998. The college offers flexibility, being open mornings and evenings, six days a week, so you can be there at your convenient time. Upon graduation you will be ready to work under a licensed pharmacist in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Employers, the college partners with include Robert Half Technology, Envisions RX, CVS, Blue Shield, PG&E, State of CA, Intel, Sutter Health, and Coram Healthcare.

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#15. Downey Adult School - Downey

Started over 70 years ago, Downey Adult School (DAS) offers around thirteen career training programs along with career enrichment courses and render its students with the highest quality of education and state-of-the-art facilities. The school is accredited by Western Association of Schools & Colleges and Council on Occupational Education.

An undergraduate certificate in pharmacy technology can be attained in 25 weeks, at DAS. Coursework includes pharmacology, drugs handling, pharmacy laws, compounding, inventory management and the works. Upon graduation, students are eligible to register with state board and appear for the certification exam.

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#16. City College of San Francisco - San Francisco

Established in 1935, City College of San Francisco is the only community college in the city of San Francisco. It offers over 100 vocational programs and more than 50 academic programs. The college enrolls over 23,000 students every year and provides them optimum level of career training along with lively campus life, sports grounds and other facilities required for an overall grooming of a student.

The two-semester pharmacy technician program at City College trains students to perform the duties and functions of a pharmacy technician effectively. Upon graduation, students can obtain the pharmacy certificate and be ready to work at retail pharmacies, acute centers and other homecare units.

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#17. College of the Sequoias - Visalia

College of the Sequoias (COS) is over 90 year old educational institute located at Visalia and San Joaquin Valley in California. Accredited by ACCJC and WASC, the college offers community-based courses and occupational programs in various streams. COS aims at providing the highest quality of education that can help students achieve their career goals.

The pharmacy tech program at COS comprises of clinical and theoretical education. The program is two-semester long and upon graduation, students can apply for California State Pharmacy Technician registration and appear for certification exam. Graduates of this program can work as an entry level pharmacy tech at retail pharmacies, acute centers and other healthcare companies.

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#18. Modesto Junior College - Modesto

Running since 1921, Modesto Junior College (MJC) believes in overall personality development of its students. Apart from academic programs and community education, MJC provides special facilities, community resources and sport grounds. Modesto offers over 82 associate degree programs and 54 certificate programs to over 1,500 students annually. MJS has also won over 19 skills recognition awards.

The pharmacy tech program at MJC aims to prepare you for an entry level career as a pharmacy technician. The program curriculum is designed to extensively train you with 620 hours of classroom lectures, 87 hours of practical training in labs, and 340 hours of externship.

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#19. North Orange County Community College District, School of Continuing Education - Burlingame

North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) is one of the three schools established by the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) in the northern Orange County, California. NOCE provides non-credit programs and has campuses in Anaheim, Cypress and Fullerton, and several off-campus locations.

At NOCE, the 432-hour course for pharmacy techs is designed as per ASHP and ACPE standards. The course comprises of medical terminology, accurate dosage calculations, medication inventory management, out-patient and in-patient externship and all that is required to effectively assist registered pharmacists in healthcare setting. Upon completion of this program, you can take the certification exam and brighten your employment prospects.

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#20. Hacienda La Puente Adult Education - La Puente

Educating over 20,000 students every year, Hacienda La Puente Adult Education (HLPAE) offers entry-level and advanced career programs in various streams. HLPAE is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for secondary academic courses. Hacienda also provides distance learning, parenting classes, fee-based courses and job training to adults with disabilities.

The pharmacy tech education provided at HLPAE prepares students for entry level positions in pharmacy settings. The 576-hour course includes 240-hour externship and preparation for job interview. Coursework involves theoretical and clinical education on composition of drugs, medicinal terminology, pharmacy ethics and physiology.

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#21. North-West College - Long Beach, Pasadena, Riverside, & Santa Ana

Since 1966, North-West College (NWC) has been providing allied health programs with state-of-the-art technologies and modern education system which prepares students to effectively pursue their careers in medical field. The courses at NWC earned accreditations and approvals by nationally acclaimed systems such as BPPE, ACCSC, BVNPT, CAAHEP, and ASHSP.

NWC offers a 40-week pharmacy tech course at its campuses in West Covina, Pomona Valley, Pasadena, Glendale, Riverside, Santa Ana and Long Beach. The course is divided into 8 class course modules with additional 240 hours of clinical internship which is designed to practice pharmacy skills in real-life environment.

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#22. Santa Rosa Junior College - Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) has completed 100 years of excellent services in 2018. SRJC offers over 140 vocational certificates which are primarily aimed at career training taught by highly qualified instructors. Libraries at SRJC possess over 154,000 published books and around 16,000 e-books containing encyclopedias, magazines, and other knowledgeable material.

At SRJC, you can undergo an in-depth study on pharmacy technology which includes, but not limited to, compounding, preparing and labeling of drugs, filling lotions, potions, and capsules with appropriate medicine, managing inventory, executing pharmaceutical orders and preparing insurance claims. After completion of this program, you will earn Associate of Science degree and you will be eligible to register with the California State Board of Pharmacy.

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#23. American College of Healthcare - Riverside & Huntington Park

In 1993, American College of Healthcare (ACH) was established to provide specialized education related to health. The college focuses on providing ethical career growth, community involvement and individual development as its core mission. There are 10 specific healthcare programs offered at ACH and these programs are institutionally and programmatically accredited by ABHES.

ACH offers a 36-week pharmacy tech course at two campuses - Riverside and Huntington Park. The course comprises of pharmaceutical calculations, medical terms, inventory management and pharmacy law. Successful completion of this course opens employment opportunities as a pharmacy technician in various settings.

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#24. CBD College - Los Angeles

Programmatically accredited by ABHES, CBD College is running since 1982 with a vision to provide the best medical education in Los Angeles. It is one of the best non-profit Healthcare Career Training institute in the city and offers over nine medical specialized programs. The college also offers job placement service which assists graduates to crack job interviews and successfully chase their dream job.

The 36-week pharmacy tech diploma program at CBD College is designed to provide the best education in appropriately obtaining and measuring prescriptions, effectively performing pharmacy tasks, and clinically transcribing charts and orders. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for pharmacy licensure and qualified to sit for PTCB exam.

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#25. West Los Angeles College - Culver City

West Los Angeles College (WLAC) is a public community college that offers over 18 vocational programs and 25 transfer programs, awarding more than 600 certificates and degrees in 39 different streams to about 10,000 students every year. The college is best known for its excellent classrooms, labs, play grounds, studios, and libraries.

The college offers pharmacy technician course with a goal to help you gain State of California Pharmacy Technician license which will enable you to work as an entry level pharmacy technician in acute centers, retail pharmacies and other pharmaceutical settings. At WLAC you can earn an Associate Degree and/or a Certificate of Achievements in pharmacy technology.

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#26. Imperial Valley College - Imperial

With a mission to impart the best knowledge to students along with the development of their overall personalities and capabilities, Imperial Valley College has been channelizing the core values of excellence, reliability and accessibility to its students since 1962. The college offers high quality academic programs, career education, fast track programs, distance education and much more.

The 18 month course in pharmacy technology offers a Certificate of Achievement that prepares and enables students to sit for certification exam and start their career as a pharmacy technician, assisting pharmacists in preparation of medication, conducting administrative duties and dispensing drugs.

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#27. Santa Barbara Business College - Bakersfield, Santa Maria, & Ventura

Santa Barbara Business College (SBCC) founded in 1888 is one of the oldest in California. The campus at Santa Maria offers a pharmacy technician program. SBCC's associate degree in pharmacy technology will prepare you with the skills required to work as a pharmacy tech. The college with its small class size promotes a very friendly and warm leaning environment thereby helping students reach their career goals. The college also assists you with career planning and job placement.

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#28. Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga

Founded in 1883, Chaffey College is widely known for providing associate degrees and vocational certificates in various streams such as aviation, arts, science, psychology, etc. The college provides one of the oldest aviation programs in the nation. Huge science complexes, beautiful Panther stores & cafe, bookstores and educational excellence center is what you can expect at Chaffey College.

The lectures and lab instruction based education is provided to students who enroll to pharmacy technician course at Chaffey. After completion of the program, students can apply to register with California State Board of Pharmacy and upon earning the licensure, students become eligible to work as an entry level pharmacy technician.

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#29. Therapeutic Research Center - Stockton

With the dynamic principles of providing medical learning through significant educational programs to improve the patient care standards, Therapeutic Research Center (TRC) is running since 1985 under the supervision of its founder, Jeff Jellin. The center is committed to provide the best solutions to Pharmacists, Prescribers, Retail chains, Hospitals and Groups Practitioners.

The pharmacy technician university at TRC is the only distance learning solution which is PTCB-Recognized Sterile Compounding Training Program, designed with a 600-hour course content with intuitive dashboard and progress tracking program. The program supports multiple learning styles, including audio, video and stills.

Programs Currently on Hold or Discontinued

Brightwood College - Palm Springs & Vista

In October 2015, Brightwood College opened its gates for the first time in Ohio and since then the college has expanded its campuses to Texas, Maryland, Indiana, Nevada, Tennessee, North Carolina and California. This newly established college offers over 22 allied health programs, business administration courses, 4 courses related to continuing education, 4 IT courses, paralegal studies, nursing courses, and 3 repairing courses. Undoubtedly Brightwood is committed to expand its grounds and provide students a better future.

Brightwood offers a 36-week technical training for pharmacy tech students in California. The college prepares students with technical training and imparts extensive knowledge in sterilizing equipment and prescribed drugs. This course ensures aspirants to pursue their career in various pharmacy settings.

What are the Requirements to Work as a Pharmacy Technician in California?

To become a pharmacy tech in California you do not need any formal education, certification or licensure. However it is a good idea to attend an accredited program and get yourself PTCB certified and then apply for license to ensure a successful career as a pharmacy tech.

Education

Step 1: You must have a high school diploma or a GED

Step 2: You must meet one of the following educational requirements:

1) Pass the PTCB certification exam

2) Complete a pharmacy technician diploma program OR

Earn an associate degree in pharmacy technology

Certification: Although not a pharmacy technician requirement in California, certification improves your employment prospects as employers usually prefer certified pharmacy technicians. There are 19,846 certified pharmacy technicians currently residing in the state. You can sit for the PTCB exam without any formal training just by self-study or by attending a diploma or associate degree program. However many students prefer to attend college to better prepare for the PTCB exam.

Licensure: In California, Pharmacy Technicians are preferred to have a license before they start work. To apply for the license you are required to do the following:

Submit a written application to the California State Board of Pharmacy, along with a fee of $140.

• U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) OR Individual Taxpayer Identification.
• Number (ITIN) must be disclosed on the application.
• Submit the federal and state criminal background check.
• Submit the fingerprints card.

(The license must be renewed every two years on odd numbered years).

Choosing the Right Pharmacy Technician School in California

Now the most intimidating question, "Which school and program is right for me"? With several schools in California offering Pharmacy Technician programs you require to prioritize what is most important thing you are looking for in your education, whether it is the tuition costs, duration of the program, accreditation, or availability of financial aid. The following information will help you narrow down your choices:

Accreditation: Accreditation ensures a school adheres to legal and professional standards, thus preparing students to work as a pharmacy technician. You must choose a pharmacy technician program accredited by a nationally recognized agency like the ASHP. Other accrediting agencies include Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges ( ACCJC/WASC )

Tuition Costs: Tuition costs vary from college to college. You also need to find out what is inclusive of the tuition costs. Costs vary for in-state and out-state students as well. So before you enroll ensure the tuition costs fall in line with your academic aspirations.

Type of Program: Depending on your goals, knowing the duration and cost of the programs available will help you decide on the school best suited to your career aspirations. Out of the 67 pharmacy technician schools in California, 19 schools offer an associate degree program of two years and 63 schools offer a certificate/diploma program of 9 months. To get a better idea let us look at an example for each program type.

1. North-West College offers a certificate program of 9 months (900 contact hours), the cost of which is $15,750 plus $245 for books and supplies.

2. Carrington College offers an associate program on an average takes 17 months (60 credit hours), the tuition cost if which is $26,466 plus $1,655 for books and supplies.

3. Ashworth College offers online training and a certificate/diploma program which you can start anytime and finish in as few as four months. Graduates of the program take the PTCB exam and on passing earn the board certification.

Financial Aid

In addition to the federal aid, California offers college grants administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). You must attend qualifying colleges, universities or programs to be eligible to apply for the grant. Ensure you apply before the September 2nd deadline for the fall term. However it is recommended you apply by March 2nd to increase your chances to be shortlisted for the grant.

Admission Requirements For Pharmacy Technician Schools in California

Before you decide on which school you want to enroll, you would want to know the admission requirements. Looking into the pre-requisites will keep you off from scrambling at the last minute. The admission requirements of pharmacy technician schools in the state are pretty much the same. To give you a better insight we look into the admission requirements of Carrington College:

• Certificate of Proficiency equivalent to a high school diploma or a GED credential.
• The minimum age required in California is 17. Additionally if you are under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign the Enrolment Agreement.
• Pass the Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) exam as administered by the college.
• An interview with an enrollment services representative, wherein applicant's career objectives and training needs are discussed.
• Background check is done.

Employment Opportunities

In California 52% of job openings for Pharmacy technicians come from Health and Personal Stores, the largest employer being CVS Health, followed by Walgreens. Other top employers include Safeway, Atria Burlingame, Rite Aid, Omnicare, Rx relief and Raley's.

Average Salary of a Pharmacy Technician in California

The average salary for Pharmacy technician in California is $49,990 annually and $24.03 hourly. (Source Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2021). Pharma techs around San Francisco bay Area enjoy the highest income in the state. While considering how much you earn you need to keep in mind that the cost of living in most cities of California is higher than the national average. Out of the 38,220 pharmacy techs working in California, 19,846 are certified. The expected new job growth rate in the state for this occupation is 14.75% percent between 2020 to 2030 and every year around 3,300 job openings are being created.

Pharmacy Technician Related Organizations in California

California State Board of Pharmacy: The California State Board of pharmacy regulates the pharmacy practice of pharmacists, interns and pharmacy technicians. The promotes the appropriate use of pharmaceutical care using education, licensing, regulation and enforcement. You can apply to the Board to get your license to work as a pharmacy technician in CA.

Address: 1625 N Market Blvd, N219. Sacramento, CA 95834
Telephone: 916-574-7900
Fax: 916-574-8618

California Pharmacists Association: The California Pharmacists Association represents pharmacists, technicians and student pharmacists from all practice settings. Membership to this organization will help you find jobs, connect with people in the pharmacy field to advance your career. The association conducts seminars and webinars about the changing trends in the pharmaceutical world which can help keep you updated with your knowledge and skills.

California Society of Health-System Pharmacists: As a pharmacy technician you can become a member of this society and gain access to their many pharmacy related initiatives. You can get advance training and collaborate with other healthcare partners. It is the largest state association for pharmacists, representing 3500 members who practice clinical pharmacy and specialized medicine.

View Complete List of Pharmacy Technician Schools in California

Nearby States

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