Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Pharmacy Technology Basic Option

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. 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). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

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.

Construct an effectiveresume for Pharmacy Technician job interviews.

Apply forlicensing as a Pharmacy Technician withthe California Board of Pharmacy in a timely manner.

Apply for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

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

7.5 units
PHAR 048
Introduction to Pharmacy Technology
Overview of the SAC Pharmacy Technician training program. Definition of the roles and preview of the opportunities open to pharmacy technicians in various practice settings. Presentation of pharmaceutical dosage forms, the drug development process, and drug classification systems. Introduction to prescription labeling and to the law and ethics of pharmacy practice.
    PHAR 055
    Pharmacy Calculations
    This course introduces students to calculations related to drug dosage and preparation of medications. Interconversion of units in the metric and common systems of measurement are included. There is emphasis on unit-cancellation for solving pharmacy situation problems.
      PHAR 052
      Body Systems II
      Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of the integumentary, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. Basic terminology, with emphasis on word analysis and construction, medical abbreviations, and lay terms. Trade/generic drug names and indications for medications in each body system. Emphasis on top 200 drugs.
      *Fall Course Only

        Second Semester

        8 units
        PHAR 051
        Body Systems I
        Anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Basic terminology, with emphasis on word analysis and construction, medical abbreviations, and lay terms. Trade/generic names and indications for each body system.
        *Spring Course Only
          PHAR 056
          Pharmacy Operations
          Hands-on training in customer service, inventory control, compounding, packaging, record-keeping, and drug distribution in the outpatient pharmacy setting. Includes prescription lab simulations and use of computers.
          • Prerequisite: PHAR 048
          • Prerequisite: PHAR 051
          • Prerequisite: PHAR 052
          • Prerequisite: PHAR 055
          • Prerequisite: Typing proficiency minimum of 30 wpm 95% accuracy

          Third Semester

          0.5-2.5 units
          PHAR 072A
          Pharmacy Technology Externship Outpatient
          On-site training in the outpatient (retail) practice setting. Students must complete PHAR 056 lab class to qualify for the outpatient rotation. Students must pass the trade-generic test prior to placement. Some sites require additional background, health screenings, and drugs tests. Completion of the outpatient rotation PHAR 072A is required for the Basic Certificate. Completion of PHAR 072A, PHAR 072B, PHAR 072C rotations (340 hours) is required for the advanced certificate and Associate Degree.
          • Prerequisite: PHAR 056 -
          • Prerequisite: background checks, health screenings, current TB clearance, and drug test clearance (at the students expense).