A.S. Degree: Pharmacy Technology
Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 1 General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.
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.
Construct an effectiveresume for Pharmacy Technician job interviews, highlighting your advanced technical skills and Associates of Science in Pharmacy Technology.
Apply for the California Board of Pharmacy licensing as a Pharmacy Technician in a timely manner.
Apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam and complete successfully.
Program Map
Getting Started
Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.
First Semester
To maximize your Promise Program benefits and support your academic, career, and personal development goals, consider taking CNSL 100 or CNSL 116.
Second Semester
- Prerequisite: PHAR 048
- Prerequisite: PHAR 051
- Prerequisite: PHAR 052
- Prerequisite: PHAR 055
- Prerequisite: Typing proficiency minimum of 30 wpm 95% accuracy
Third Semester
- Prerequisite: PHAR 048
- Prerequisite: PHAR 051
- Prerequisite: PHAR 052
- Prerequisite: PHAR 055
- Prerequisite: typing proficiency of 30 WPM with 95% accuracy
- Prerequisite: PHAR 048
- Prerequisite: PHAR 051
- Prerequisite: PHAR 052
- Prerequisite: PHAR 055
- Prerequisite: 30 wpm typing
- Corequisite (Concurrent): PHAR 060
- Prerequisite: PHAR 056 -
- Prerequisite: background checks, health screenings, current TB clearance, and drug test clearance (at the students expense).
Fourth Semester
- Prerequisite: PHAR 056
- Prerequisite: PHAR 057
- Prerequisite: background checks, health screenings, current TB clearance, and drug test clearance (at the students expense).
- Prerequisite: PHAR 056L
- Prerequisite: PHAR 057L
- Prerequisite: PHAR 060L
- Prerequisite: PHAR 048
- Prerequisite: PHAR 051
- Prerequisite: PHAR 052
- Prerequisite: PHAR 055
- Prerequisite: PHAR 056
- Prerequisite: PHAR 060
- Prerequisite: PHAR 057 - Background checks, health screenings, current TB clearance, and drug test clearance (at the students expense).