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CNEI

Pharmacy Technician
Training Program

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 program that combines focuses on  instruction to build a foundation of knowledge and skill to prepared students to obtain licensure and meet industry standard job expectations. Instruction is delivered using a hybrid method combining in-person and on-line instruction.

 

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:

41 Weeks Evening 780 hours
Semester Units:
35
Lecture:
6 Levels; (540 hours)
Externship:
240 Hours
Format:
Hybrid Delivery
Start Dates/Class times:
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Pharmacy Technician Program Details

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 delivered on-line combined with laboratory instruction totaling 540 hours and an externship consisting of 240 hours in-person 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 program allows students to start at the beginning of any level and complete all levels to be eligible for placement on an externship rotation. Graduates receive a certificate upon successful completion of all graduation requirements.

Admission Requirements

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

  • Complete enrollment application
  • High school diploma or equivalent educational diploma (GED)
  • Meet with an admissions advisor (virtual or in person)

Course Levels and Content:

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
90
5.0
Level II: Pharmacy Dispensing Processing & Pharmacy Calculations
90
5.0
Level III: Pharmacy Practices ; community and Institutional practice , Advance Roles, Non- Sterile compounding, Aseptic Techniques and Sterile Compounding, Pharmacy Billing & Inventory Management
90
5.0
Level IV: Medical Safety and Error Prevention, Pharmacy Operations , Drug Classifications, Therapeutic Agents
90
5.0
Level V: Therapeutic Agents, Anatomy, Functions and Conditions for Cardiovascular , Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Renal and Reproductive Systems, Commonly Prescribed Interventions
90
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
90
5.0
Level VII: Externship
240
5.0
TOTAL
780
35

Career Outcome & More Information

Pharmacy Technician in California

  1. The data below shows the job market for Pharmacy Technician for the State of California.
  2. 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

  1. 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.
  2. Job Outlook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
     

Learn More About Pharmacy Technicians

Financial Aid is Available For Qualified Students.

Start Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician. Request Information Today! $2000 Scholarship now Available. Inquire Today!

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

Pharmacy Technician Training Program – FAQs

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.

  1. First, complete a state-approved pharmacy technician training program.
  2. Next, register and pass the PTCE exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
  3. 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 delivered in hybrid online system, 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 will study in a program that meets every requirement for 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 41 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 complete 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.

Are the pharmacy tech classes in person?

No, instruction is provided using a hybrid approach combining online instruction for theory and in-person for lab and externship hours. This delivery method provides flexiability, saves travel time to the campus while maintaining the quality of instructure to meet educational objectives.

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.