Certificate of Achievement In Pharmacy Technician (ASHP/ACPE Accredited)

Foothill College

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 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 California State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician. Registration is a legal requirement in order to work as a Pharmacy Technician. This program is offered annually beginning in Fall Quarter (September) and concludes in Spring Quarter (June).

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 additional technical and theoretical background. General education course work 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 or the Program Director.

The Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Assistant (Aide/Clerk)¹ 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 health care related career.

The Certificate of Achievement in Basic Pharmacy Technician¹ 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 health care related career. Students must be 18 years old and possess a high school diploma/GED or equivalent to participate in externship and apply for a license with the California Board of Pharmacy.