The Certificate of Achievement in Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician (ASHP/ACPE Accredited) curriculum is a nine-month sequential program accredited by the Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (ASHP/ACPE accredited), with an entry in the Fall Quarter only. This program prepares students for pharmacy technician positions in a variety of pharmacy settings—hospitals, nursing homes, community/retail, home health care, and public and government agencies. Graduates will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement and are qualified to apply and register with the California State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. Registration is a legal requirement in order to work as a Pharmacy Technician.

An optional two-year expanded Pharmacy Technician Associate in Science degree program is also available which includes general education. This two-year course sequence offers the student the ability to transfer to a four-year college or to enter the job market with an additional technical and theoretical background. General education coursework can be completed either before or after acquiring the Advanced-Level Pharmacy Technician Certificate.

Students may also elect to take additional coursework at Foothill College to satisfy all prerequisite course requirements for Pharmacy School admission. For more information regarding Pharmacy School prerequisites, consult with a counselor.

The Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Assistant (Aide/Clerk) is the first in a series of stackable pharmacy career certificates. This short-term, entry-level certificate serves as a direct CTE pathway for high school/rising students to pursue careers within the pharmacy profession or pursue other entry-level allied health professions. The academic curriculum, competency-based training, and transferable skills development will result in skills and credentials necessary to secure living wage skilled positions in the pharmacy profession with the potential for promotion and opportunities for future educational advancement in pharmacy or any healthcare-related career.

The Certificate of Achievement in Basic Pharmacy Technician is a nine (9) month, part-time, stackable program, which serves as a direct CTE pathway for students to pursue careers within the pharmacy profession and various entry-level allied health professions. The academic curriculum, competency-based training, and transferable skills development will result in skills and credentials necessary to secure living wage skilled positions in the pharmacy profession with the potential for promotion and opportunities for future educational advancement in pharmacy or any healthcare-related career. Students must be 18 years old and possess a high school diploma/GED or equivalent to participate in an externship and apply for a license with the California Board of Pharmacy.

Learn more about the program on the Pharmacy Technology website.

Program Learning Outcomes

- Graduates will demonstrate pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical skills, and values necessary to practice as a competent pharmacy technician in both community/retail and hospital pharmacy settings.

- Graduates will demonstrate competency with entry-level clinical skills in accordance with ASHP/ACPE accreditation requirements.

Career Opportunities

Pharmacy technician opportunities are available in community/retail pharmacies, hospitals, home health care, mail order, nursing homes, long-term care, health insurance companies, veterinary clinics, and public and government medical facilities.