Pharmacy Technology: A.S.
Earn an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology
In addition to the general education requirement, the associate degree includes the
full-spectrum training required for employment in all pharmacy practice settings.
Upon completion of the associate degree, graduates will meet the academic training
requirements for licensing with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Graduates
will also be well prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.
The major course requirements for the associate degree consists of the same 20.0 units
of coursework listed in the Basic Certificate option, including the 2.0 units outpatient
externship rotation. In addition to completing two additional academic courses (PHAR
057 and PHAR 060), students choosing the associate degree must perform 200 additional
hours (3 additional units) of externship, involving rotations in inpatient and sterile
products pharmacy services. Students will be placed in the hospital and/or home infusion
setting to complete these rotations. 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 associate degree is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
(ASHP). Students must complete each required course with a grade of “C” or better
( 0.5 unit of PHAR 060L or other L-series lab classes and externship with a grade
of “P”) to qualify for the the degree option.
All courses are required to be completed within a 3-year period to be eligible for Pharmacy Technology program enrollment and certificate/degree.
