About Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician Program trains students in the administrative and clinical skills necessary for entry-level employment as a pharmacy technician in an institutional, community based or hospital pharmacy.

The Pharmacy Technician Program is a two-semester program that teaches you the role and function of pharmacy technicians.  During the program, you will gain practical experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy practice setting in the San Francisco Bay Area. You will have the opportunity to complete your clinical experience during the course of the program under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.

You may obtain the Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician by successfully completing the 30 units of instruction consisting of didactic and practical experience in a community or hospital pharmacy. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to apply for a license as a Pharmacy Technician to the California State Board of Pharmacy. 

Explore Potential Careers

The Pharmacy Technician Program prepares you to work as technicians providing professional customer service to patients and clients in a pharmacy setting under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.

Job Outlook

Employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. For more information regarding the job outlook for Pharmancy Technicians, visit the .

Program Information

View College Catalog

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PHTC 101 Pharmacy Technician I - Theory 9  
PHTC 102 Pharmacy Technician I - Clinical 7  

Total Units: 16 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
PHTC 103 Pharmacy Technician II - Theory 9  
PHTC 104 Pharmacy Technician II - Clinical 5  
EMT 12 Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers 0.5  
CHEM 32 Introduction to Medical Chemistry 4  

Total Units: 18.5 

Semester 3

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
BIO 108 General Human Anatomy 4  
BIO 112 Introduction to Human Physiology 4  
CMST 5 Intercultural Communication 3  
PSYC 1 General Psychology 3  

Total Units: 14 

Semester 4

Course Number Course Title Units Notes
MATH 46, MATH 60 or 860, ET 108B, or ET 50, or PSYC 5, or ECON 5, or LALS 5, or PHIL 12A, or FIN 136M or higher math course (or equivalent) Math Graduation Requirement 3-8  
ENGL 1A + 1AS University-Parallel Reading and Composition + Support 4-6  
91风月楼 GE Area E Humanities Requirement 3  
91风月楼 GE Area F United States History and Government Requirement 3  
91风月楼 GE Area G1 Health Knowledge Requirement 2-3  
91风月楼 GE Area H Ethnic Studies, Women's and Gender Studies and LGBTQ Studies 3  

Total Units: 18-26

View College Catalog

Course Schedule

Students will complete clinical hours in the classroom and off-site at a pharmacy.  

Each course must be completed with a final grade of "C" or higher. 

Semester 1 

Course Number Course Title Units
 PHTC 101 Pharmacy Technician I - Theory*  9
PHTC 102 Pharmacy Technician I - Clinical* 7

*Both theory and clinical courses must be taken in the same semester. 

Semester 2

Course Number Course Title Units
PHTC 103 Pharmacy Technician II - Theory* 9
PHTC 104 Pharmacy Technician II - Clinical* 5

Requirements

  1. 18 years of age or older
  2. Official high school transcript indicating graduated or G.E.D.
  3. A 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on prior college or high school transcripts is advised
  4. An individual orientation

Upon Acceptance

A physical examination, negative TB test, and proof of immunity for specified communicable diseases.

All applicants must attend an orientation.  You must bring ONE of the following documents with you:

  1. Copy of your 91风月楼 Placement Test results or test waiver
  2. Copy of your 91风月楼 transcript
  3. Copy of your college transcript or diploma indicating an award of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree or higher  

Program Information Flyer

  1. Evidence of a current two-step tuberculin skin (TB) test or chest x-ray.
  2. Physical examination.
  3. Background check and drug test.
  4. 20/20 vision correctable to 20/30 in both eyes with normal color perception.
  5. Able to stand unassisted for long periods of time.
  6. Able to walk, bend, reach, lift products, and stoop frequently.
  7. Able to manipulate stationary and mobile medical equipment.

TB screening, physical exam, background check, and drug test costs will be incurred by the student.  Students must complete this background check prior to the clinical placement.

Transfer Options

The program coursework you complete at City College will satisfy lower-division requirements for related majors at several colleges and universities. Start planning your transfer by exploring Pharmacy Technician programs at the following institutions:

  • University of California, San Francisco
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Merced
  • University of California, Fresno
  • University of California, Los Angeles

Have questions about transfer? Visit the Transfer Center for help, transfer information, and/or to speak with college representatives.