Pharmacy Technician
Training Program

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Program Overview

The Pharmacy Technician program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to assume the role of a pharmacy technician. This is a dynamic, hands-on program that combines classroom and lab instruction with practical real-world externship experience.

Job Summary

Pharmacy technicians are important members of the pharmacy team who work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Their primary responsibilities typically include the following:

Prescription Management
Medication Dispensing
Customer Service
Administrative Duties
Support for Pharmacists

Time to Complete:

36 Weeks Evening 780 hours

Semester Units:

Lecture:

6 Levels; (540 hours)

Externship:

240 Hours

Format:

In-Person

Start Dates/Class times:

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Pharmacy Technician Program Details

Program Objectives

This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level pharmacy technician positions for both institutional and community pharmacy settings. A pharmacy technician, under the supervision of pharmacists, assists in the day-to-day operations to prepare and provide medications to patients and with related tasks in managing pharmacy clinical and business operations. Graduates are eligible for licensing by the California State Board of Pharmacy upon graduation and for national certification by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Program Description

The Pharmacy Technician program is designed based on a well-balanced integration of theory and practical instruction in the fundamentals of pharmacy operations. The program consists of six course levels of classroom theory and laboratory instruction totaling 540 hours and externship consisting of 240 hours for a total of 780 hours.

The instruction is designed following a framework of theory and practical skills to meet eligibility requirements for licensing upon graduation. The design of the program allows students to start at the beginning of level I through VI and complete all levels to be eligible for placement on an externship rotation. Graduates receive a certificate upon successful completion of all graduation requirements.

Requirements

In order to graduate from the Pharmacy Technician Program,
students must meet the below requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent educational diploma (e.g., a GED or foreign diploma)
Complete all levels (780 Hours)
Satisfactory attendance
Satisfactory academics
No financial obligations to school

Students Must Complete:

Course Levels

Clock Hours

Semester Units

Level I: Pharmacy, Law , Ethics and Regulatory Agencies, Associations, Settings for Technicians Communication and Role of the Technician with Customer

5.0

Level II: Pharmacy Dispensing Processing & Pharmacy Calculations

5.0

Level III: Pharmacy Practices ; community and Institutional practice , Advance Roles, Non- Sterile compounding, Aseptic Techniques and Sterile Compounding, Pharmacy Billing & Inventory Management

5.0

Level IV: Medical Safety and Error Prevention, Pharmacy Operations , Drug Classifications, Therapeutic Agents

5.0

Level V: Therapeutic Agents, Anatomy, Functions and Conditions for Cardiovascular , Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Renal and Reproductive Systems, Commonly Prescribed Interventions

5.0

Level VI: Therapeutic Agents, Anatomy , Functions and Conditions for Immune System, eyes, ears , nose, and throat , Dermatological and Hematological systems, Over the Counter Medication

5.0

Level VII: Externship

240

5.0

TOTAL

780

Career Outcome & More Information

Pharmacy Technician in California

The data below shows the job market for Pharmacy Technician for the State of California.
CNEI cannot guarantee employment, salary levels, or career advancement.

1. Salary Range

$29,640 - $50,640

2020 median pay from BLS

2. Job Outlook

5% Increase

Average Growth Rate from 2019 – 2029

Salary ranges reflect the 25th and 75th percentile for the occupation in California, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of CNEI. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual. CNEI does not guarantee employment, salary level, or career advancement.
Job Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm

Learn More About Pharmacy Technicians

Financial Aid is Available For the Pharmacy Technician Program.

Start Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician. Request Information Today!

Your first step towards applying for your healthcare career starts here.

Pharmacy Technician Training Program – FAQs

How can I become a certified Pharmacy Technician in California?

It’s a simple three-step process, but each step matters.

First, complete a state-approved pharmacy technician training program that covers classroom lessons and hands-on lab work.
Next, register and pass the PTCE exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
Finally, apply to the California State Board of Pharmacy for your technician license.

Once approved, you’ll officially be recognized as a certified and licensed Pharmacy Technician in California.

What does the Pharmacy Technician Training Program at CNEI include?

At the California Nurses Educational Institute (CNEI), the Pharmacy Technician Training Program blends classroom instruction, lab practice, and hands-on externship experience. Students learn how to manage prescriptions, measure and dispense medications, and understand pharmacy laws and ethics. Every class is guided by qualified professionals to help prepare students for the certification and licensing requirements set by the California State Board of Pharmacy.

Is CNEI’s Pharmacy Technician Program accredited?

Yes, it is. CNEI’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program follows the standards of the California State Board of Pharmacy. That means once you graduate, you’re already set up to take the PTCE exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). In short, you’ll be studying under a program that meets every requirement for real licensure and certification in California.

How long does it take to complete the Pharmacy Technician Training program?

Most students finish the Pharmacy Technician Training program in about 36 weeks. It’s a steady schedule that blends classroom lessons, lab practice, and an externship at the end. Altogether, it adds up to 780 hours of hands-on learning. You move through each level at a manageable pace, so by the time you reach the externship, you’ve already built the confidence to handle real pharmacy work.

Does this Pharmacy Technician program help me prepare for the PTCE exam?

Yes, and that’s one of the biggest advantages of studying at CNEI. Every course level connects directly to PTCE exam content, so by the time you finish, you’ll already know what to expect. The instructors also include practical scenarios that mirror real pharmacy work, which helps a lot when it comes to test questions and clinical performance.

What kind of certification will I qualify for after graduating in the Pharmacy Technician Program?

Once you complete all levels and your externship, you’ll be ready to apply for your California Pharmacy Technician License through the State Board of Pharmacy. You’ll also be eligible to sit for the PTCE exam to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Many graduates go straight from testing into full-time jobs in community or hospital pharmacies — it’s a smooth transition from training to employment.

Are the pharmacy tech classes in person?

Yes, all Pharmacy Technician training classes are held on campus at CNEI in Rancho Mirage. Students train directly in real lab setups and practice under the guidance of instructors who’ve worked in the field. Being in person also means you’ll get that day-to-day exposure to teamwork, safety procedures, and patient interaction that online learning just can’t match.

What makes CNEI’s Pharmacy Technician Program different?

A few things make our Pharmacy Technician Training Program stand out. First, the balance — theory, lab training, and externship are all equally emphasized. Second, the faculty really know the industry; they prepare students for both state licensure and national certification. And third, the campus location is accessible to learners throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and the Coachella Valley, which creates a strong local network for graduates.

What job options do graduates of our Pharmacy Technician Training Program usually have?

Most graduates find work in hospitals, retail pharmacies, or long-term care centers. Some move into specialty or mail-order pharmacies. In each setting, pharmacy technicians handle prescriptions, manage billing, and support pharmacists with daily operations. Once you’re licensed and certified, you’ll have solid job prospects throughout Southern California.

Does this Pharmacy Technician Training Program include an externship?

Yes, it does — and it’s one of the most valuable parts of the program. You’ll spend 240 hours in a real pharmacy or healthcare facility. During that time, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned in class and get a feel for how pharmacy operations actually run. It’s a big confidence booster and a real plus when you apply for jobs later.

Who can apply to the Pharmacy Technician Training Program?

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. Having good communication, math, and organizational skills is also helpful since these are key to success in any pharmacy environment.

Can I become a licensed pharmacy technician in California after graduating?

Yes. Once you complete CNEI’s Pharmacy Technician Training program and pass the PTCE exam, you can apply for a license through the California State Board of Pharmacy. The school guides students through that process so you’ll know exactly what forms and documents to submit.

What areas does CNEI serve in Southern California?

Students attend from many nearby cities, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Indio, and Desert Hot Springs. CNEI is proud to serve students from across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties who are pursuing careers in pharmacy and healthcare.

How does the externship prepare students for Pharmacy Technician certification?

The externship ties everything together. You’ll be out in a real pharmacy setting, working alongside pharmacists, handling prescriptions, and managing daily operations. It’s where theory meets practice — the moment you realize how much you’ve actually learned. By the end of those 240 hours, most students say the externship is what truly prepares them for the PTCE and everyday pharmacy work.

What credential do Pharmacy Technician students earn after graduation?

Graduates receive a Pharmacy Technician Certificate and are qualified to sit for the PTCE certification exam. This credential allows them to start a professional career as a licensed pharmacy technician in California.

Why choose CNEI for your Pharmacy Technician training?

CNEI keeps its approach simple but effective — real instructors, in-person labs, and a professional externship that ties everything together. The program is accredited and recognized by the California State Board of Pharmacy, so students from across Riverside, San Bernardino, and nearby counties can train locally and start working faster.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician in California?

You need at least a high school diploma or GED. From there, you can join a Board-approved pharmacy technician training program. Many people choose programs that include externships because they help you gain real experience in a working pharmacy before entering the job market.

Is certification required to become a pharmacy technician in California?

Yes, without certification, you can’t work as a pharmacy technician here. California recognizes the PTCE exam, which proves you’re qualified and understand safe medication handling. Once you pass it, you’re eligible to apply for your license and start working legally.

How do I get a pharmacy technician license in California?

After passing the PTCE, submit your license application to the California State Board of Pharmacy. Include:

PTCE exam results
Proof of your training program
Background check and fingerprints
Application fee

Once everything is verified, the Board issues your California Pharmacy Technician License.

Is a pharmacy technician license the same as certification?

Not exactly. Pharmacy Technician Certification comes from passing the PTCE exam, while the Pharmacy Technician license is issued by the California State Board of Pharmacy. You need both — one proves your skill, and the other gives you permission to practice.