Pharmacy Technician is a Certificate program (Hybrid) offered by High Desert Medical College in Temecula, CA. The program takes 34 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $17,135.
Program Overview
Are you interested in a career in the medical field? Are you comfortable in both an administrative and a clinical role? If you are interested in joining one of the healthcare field’s most rapidly growing sectors, a career as a pharmacy technician could be a great choice for you!
With High Desert Medical College’s hybrid, hands-on courses, you can get the training you need for this rewarding career in as few as 34 weeks!
At High Desert Medical College, our Pharmacy Technician training program is designed to prepare students for a pharmacy career in the healthcare industry. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for helping licensed pharmacists by assisting in measuring, mixing, counting, labeling, and recording the correct dosages of prescription medications. Pharmacy technicians are also responsible for establishing and maintaining patient record files, submitting insurance claim forms, and managing prescription and over-the-counter medication inventories. This 34-week program provides students with intensive training to develop the skills needed for entry-level employment as pharmacy technicians, and students receive real-world on-the-job experience through an externship.
Students in the Pharmacy Technician program learn the skills to:
- Fill prescriptions under the direct supervision of a pharmacist
- Utilize relevant software applications
- Recognize drug classifications and schedules
- Understand brand, generic, and OTC (over-the-counter) medications
- Adhere to HIPAA privacy regulations
- Comprehend and perform insurance procedures
Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion in Pharmacy Technician training and are eligible to apply for California state licensure from the Board of Pharmacy.*
Pharmacy technicians hold jobs with career opportunities in retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, pharmacy laboratories, and compounding pharmacies.
*Licensing by the California State Board of Pharmacy requires fingerprinting, a criminal background check, and official High School/GED transcripts to be submitted with the State Board of Pharmacy application. This process may take 45 days to process after graduating from the program.
What sets this Program apart
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists by preparing medications, managing inventory, handling prescriptions, processing insurance, and helping customers, ensuring safe, efficient pharmacy operations in retail, hospital, or clinical settings.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
Admission Requirements and Process
What Do I Need to Enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Program at High Desert Medical College?
To enroll, you’ll need a high school diploma or a GED. Don’t have your diploma yet? No problem – High Desert Medical College offers two high school completion programs to help you get started.
Application Process
- 1Submit ApplicationComplete the online application form with your personal information and educational background.Apply Now
- 2Submit TranscriptsProvide official high school transcripts or GED certificate. Some programs may require additional documentation.
- 3Financial AidComplete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. Meet with a financial aid advisor to review your options.Complete FAFSA Application
- 4EnrollmentOnce accepted, complete enrollment paperwork, register for classes, and attend orientation.
Program Schedule
- Total Program Length: 34 Weeks – Morning/Afternoon classes | 42 Weeks – Evening classes
- Semester Credit Hours: 35
- Total Clock Hours: 780 Classroom Hours: 620
- Clinical Externship Hours: 160
How Long is High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician Program?
HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program can be completed in as few as 34 weeks (morning/afternoon program) or 42 weeks (evening program).
Curriculum
- Intro to Pharmacy
- Drug Fundamentals
- Pharmacy Operations
- Career Development
- Clinical Externship
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
How Much Does the Pharmacy Technician Program Cost at High Desert Medical College?
For the most current tuition and fee information, please refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships, and student loans are available for those who qualify, and our Financial Aid team can help you explore your options.
Career Outcomes
What Types of Jobs Can I Find After Completing High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician Program?
Many of High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician graduates go to work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, mail-order pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies. Our Career Services department provides every student with a wide range of career support services and comprehensive job placement assistance.
How Does High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician Program Prepare Me For A Job?
In High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician program, you’ll gain real-world skills. Including filling prescriptions, utilizing relevant medical software, recognizing drug classifications, understanding brand, generic, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, adhering to HIPAA privacy regulations, and comprehending and performing insurance procedures. Our hands-on training prepares you for the tasks employers are hiring for, so you can step confidently into your healthcare career.
Our Career Services department also provides every student with a wide range of support services and job placement assistance.
What Will I Get When I Complete High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician Program?
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician program receive a Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply for California state licensure from the Board of Pharmacy.* Graduates of HDMC’s program are also prepared to test for the industry-recognized Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
*Licensing by the California State Board of Pharmacy requires fingerprinting, criminal background check, and official High School/GED transcripts to be submitted with the State Board of Pharmacy application. This process may take up to 45 days to complete after graduating from the program; a criminal background may delay the process.
What to expect as a High Desert Medical College student
Is High Desert Medical College’s Pharmacy Technician Program Online or In-Person?
HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program is offered in a hybrid online format. Students learn classroom theory online while completing hands-on training in on-campus labs. All students also gain valuable experience through an externship.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
When you attend an accredited institution, you are attending a school that has undergone a rigorous process that evaluates educational quality. It's not easy to become or remain an accredited institution. The rules and regulations are strict, precise and designed to protect students. Here are some of the benefits:
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide