The Basic Certificate option prepares students for entry-level employment as pharmacy technicians in the retail pharmacy sector. By completing the Basic Certificate option, students will meet the minimum academic training requirements for licensing as specified by the California State Board of Pharmacy. Students who intend to complete only the Basic Certificate option will be placed for a minimum of 120 hours of externship in an outpatient(drug store or ambulatory care clinic) pharmacy site to gain workplace experience. Background checks, health screenings, and/or drug testing will be required prior to lab classes. Any required investigations are done at the student’s expense. Students are expected to understand and agree to abide by the Program Guidelines, which include technician standards and essential functions for pharmacy technicians. The Basic Certificate option is not accredited by the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP). Students who earn the Basic Certificate and then continue through the Advanced Certificate will be designated as having completed an ASHP-accredited program. Students must complete each required course with a grade of “C” or better (Externship with a grade of “P”) to qualify for the Basic Certificate. All courses are required to be completed within a 3-year period to be eligible for Pharmacy Technology program enrollment and certificate/ degree.

Learning Outcome(s):

🗸 Construct an effective resume for Pharmacy Technician job interviews.

🗸 Apply for licensing as a Pharmacy Technician with the California Board of Pharmacy in a timely manner.

🗸 Apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam