North-West College

Pharmacy Technician

San Diego Campus
Diploma · On Campus
Pharmacy Technician
Institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and approved by the California BPPE.
Taught at the San Diego campus in San Diego, CA; the catalog lists the method of delivery as Residential, Blended.
Total program charges are $19,995: tuition $19,577, books and supplies $318, and a $100 registration fee.
This program takes about 40 weeks to complete. It totals 32.5 semester credits; 994.25 total hours.
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is charged.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify, including Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans (FAFSA school code 016581).

Pharmacy Technician is a Diploma program offered by North-West College in San Diego, CA. The program takes 40 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $19,577.

Program Overview

Pharmacy Technicians are skilled professionals trained to perform clerical duties and tasks related to preparing and dispensing of pharmaceutical drugs. Pharmacy Technicians are usually included in all pharmacy functions except those which require the proficiency of a licensed pharmacist.

During the course of this program, you will learn the skills and procedures commonly performed by Pharmacy Technicians in hospitals, retail pharmacies and pharmaceutical laboratories, including how to perform pharmaceutical calculations, prescription processing, drug labeling, sterile and non-sterile drug compounding, and dispensing over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.

In addition, the program teaches medical terminology, pharmacy-related general medicine, along with the laws and regulations governing the pharmacy industry, such as FDA and DEA regulations and ethical codes of conduct.

Pharmacy Technicians routinely perform a variety of important tasks, including:

  • Collecting prescription information needed to fill prescriptions
  • Measuring amounts of medication for prescriptions
  • Packaging and labeling prescriptions
  • Organizing inventory and alerting pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies
  • Accepting payment for prescriptions and processing insurance claims
  • Entering customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system

Program objectives. Within the confines of the core classes, students are introduced to Computers using Word, and Excel as well as both Hospital and Retail Pharmacy Management programs. The Pharmacy Technician is a valuable assistant to retail or hospital pharmacists. The graduate will be capable of performing all duties of a Pharmacy Technician. Graduates may accept positions from entry- level after their graduation. Pharmacy Technician graduates must become licensed by the California Board of Pharmacy to practice as a Pharmacy Technician in the state of California.

Admission Requirements and Process

North-West College seeks students who are interested in practical career training and who are motivated to succeed in their chosen career fields. Admissions representatives are available at each campus to assist potential students in the admissions process. All courses offered at North-West College are in English.

Applicants for this program must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED®, HiSET™, TASC™, a California High School Proficiency Exam certificate, or a homeschool transcript) and provide verifiable documentation; students who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalent may not apply for admission to this program.

Applicants who possess a high school diploma or equivalent must complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) assessment during the enrollment process and achieve a required minimum score for the applicable program of study.

In some programs, students will be subject to criminal background checks, physical examination, and drug screening prior to being assigned an externship or clinical site.

Programs offered at North-West College are only offered to residents of the State of California.

General Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    You must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and provide verifiable documentation.
  • Scholastic Level Exam (SLE)
    You must complete the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) assessment during the enrollment process and achieve the required minimum score for this program.
  • Admissions interview and tour
    You must complete an admissions interview and tour of the College.
  • State residency
    Programs are only offered to residents of the State of California; you attest to your physical address on the Enrollment Agreement.
  • Registration fee
    You must pay the $100 Registration Fee on or prior to the start date, or make arrangements to pay.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact Admissions
    Reach out to the College by calling 1-888-408-4211, filling out an information form on the website, or emailing admissions@success.edu.
  2. 2
    Interview and tour the College
    Schedule an appointment with an Admissions Representative to complete an admissions interview and tour of the College.
  3. 3
    Submit your application
    Complete one of the College’s applications; an Admissions Representative will contact you to set up an appointment and answer any questions you may have.
  4. 4
    Provide documents and take the entrance assessment
    Provide or request official high school graduation or equivalent documentation and take the standardized basic skills assessment for your program.
  5. 5
    Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor
    Interview with a Financial Aid Advisor prior to completing the enrollment process.
  6. 6
    Complete enrollment
    Review the College’s catalog and required disclosures, complete the Enrollment Agreement, and pay the $100 Registration Fee on or prior to the start date.

Program Schedule

The majority of weekday classes meet Monday through Thursday, while others meet Monday through Friday and/or include weekend classes. Programs scheduled to meet evenings and/or weekends may have a longer program length than the day programs.

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Cost and Financial Aid Information is an estimate for general reference only. It is not an offer or guarantee of financial aid or of any price, and what a School charges you may differ.
Total Program Tuition
≈ $19,577
Total Program Cost
≈ $19,995
FAFSA Code

Program charges.

  • Tuition: $19,577
  • Books and supplies: $318
  • Registration fee (non-refundable): $100
  • STRF: $0.00
  • Total program charges: $19,995

Books and Supplies consist of Uniforms, Textbooks, Supplies, and Tutoring. Also, Review Courses where License or Certification is required. For Federal Financial Aid purposes, an academic year is a minimum of 30 weeks, 900 clock hours, or 24 semester credits.

Cost of attendance. The cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of expenses and costs for a typical student to attend a college or university for one academic year. It includes estimated costs you may incur for housing, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. For informational purposes, the average monthly estimated costs for a student who lives off-campus for the 2025-2026 school year is $3,015 per month.

Financial aid. North-West College participates in federal and state financial aid programs. All applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and meet with the Financial Aid Office either by telephone or in person on campus to complete the financial aid process. Programs available to students who qualify include: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and VA educational benefits. Federal School Code (FAFSA): 016581.

Payment plans. Students may also choose to make payments towards their tuition and fees directly to the College. North-West College offers a credit extension option, which includes a payment plan without interest where the balance must be paid within 12 months. Students who have limited financial aid assistance may qualify for alternative educational loans through a private lender.

Curriculum

All programs are systematically divided into courses making it easy for the student to enter at multiple times during the year and begin their program of study.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
SOSSeminar for Success6.5
PT110Drug Distribution3
PT120IV Admixture I3
PT130IV Admixture II3
PT140Pharmacology I3
PT150Pharmacology II3
PT160Retail/Communications3
PT170Home Health/Closed Door3
PT180Externship5

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program routinely find jobs working in:

  • Pharmacies and drug stores
  • Medical and surgical hospitals
  • Compounding laboratories
  • Grocery pharmacies

Careers. Pharmacy Technician.

North-West College cannot guarantee employment.

Campus Address

San Diego Campus
6106 Arosa Street
San Diego, CA 92115

Why Accreditation Is Important

Institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

  • A reliable indicator of quality
  • Approved program of study
  • Qualified instructors
  • Recognition by employers nationwide

Accreditations

ABHES

Images

Three North-West College students in scrubs at a pharmacy lab bench with prescription bottles and a balance

Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Pharmacy Technician do?
Pharmacy Technician duties can vary depending on where they work. Usually, Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for receiving and confirming prescriptions—verifying patient insurance coverage. Responsibilities can also include preparing and filling prescriptions along with organizing and managing inventory. In addition, Pharmacy Technicians spend a large amount of time interacting with customers, both over the phone and in person. They also process payments for prescriptions and arrange for individuals to speak with the Pharmacist if they have additional questions about their medicine. In most states, technicians can call physicians with prescription refill authorizations and compound or mix certain medications.
Where does a Pharmacy Technician work?
Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a Pharmacist, who must review all prescriptions before a patient receives them. Technicians have the opportunity to work at many locations, including pharmacies and drug stores, medical and surgical hospitals compounding laboratories, pharmacies in grocery stores, and a number of health care related facilities.
How do I become a Pharmacy Technician?
While not all states require Pharmacy Technicians to have completed specific education, most states do require training and certification for Pharmacy Technicians. Choosing North-West College’s (NWC) accredited Pharmacy Technician Program can equip you with the skills you need to succeed in the health care field. All of our programs at NWC include hands-on practice in our labs as well as a clinical externship, allowing you to put your newfound knowledge into practice in a real-world setting. This helpful combination means you can hit the ground running when you enter the World of Work!
Why is it helpful to be certified as a Pharmacy Technician?
Not all states require technicians to be certified, but many do. Having this certification will not only make you more marketable when applying for positions, but it also shows employers you have the right skills and knowledge to succeed in your role as a Pharmacy Technician. Many individuals find the pay is higher for Certified Pharmacy Technicians as well.
How does a Pharmacy Technician become certified?
After completing North-West College’s accredited Pharmacy Technician Program, you can apply to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Once you are approved to take the PTCE and pass the examination, you will be considered a nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician.
What is the difference between a Pharmacy Technician and a Pharmacist?
While Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacists work closely together, their job responsibilities and level of training vary widely. Most Pharmacy Technicians attend a short-term training program and earn their certification. Pharmacists, on the other hand, must hold a doctoral degree in pharmacology (a six-year degree), complete a one-year internship under a licensed Pharmacist, and pass the NAPLEX. And, while Pharmacy Technicians may accept prescriptions from patients and even fill them, they cannot dispense any medication without the Pharmacist first reviewing it. In addition, Pharmacy Technicians may not offer medical advice to patients; instead they must refer patients to the Pharmacist with their medication questions.
Why should I choose to become a Pharmacy Technician?
For those interested in an in-demand job in the health care field, becoming a Pharmacy Technician can be a great option. As the population continues to age, the need for medications will also increase, leading to a demand for trained Pharmacy Technicians. A Pharmacy Technician career can also be good for those who like the idea of working closely with other people (including Pharmacists and customers), but who do not want to deliver direct patient care. Also, those interested in eventually becoming a Pharmacist, may also want to consider first working as a Pharmacy Technician. It offers insight into the field and a solid foundation of skills and knowledge they can later build on as they continue your education. Plus, individuals can complete North-West College’s Pharmacy Technician Program in less than a year, putting them on their way toward a fulfilling career fast.
Where can I train to become a Pharmacy Technician?
North-West College has locations throughout Southern California, so there is likely one close to you! The Pharmacy Technician Program is available at the following NWC campuses: Anaheim, Long Beach, Pomona, Riverside, Van Nuys, and West Covina.
How long is the Pharmacy Technician Program?
The Pharmacy Technician Program is 40 weeks long, or approximately 9 months.
Does the College offer day and evening classes?
Yes, at North-West College, we understand that it can be challenging to juggle going to College with family, work, and other responsibilities. That’s why we offer convenient day and evening classes for most of our health care training programs, so you can choose the one that’s right for you. To learn more, please contact a representative at the campus nearest you.
When does the next Pharmacy Technician class begin?
Classes begin throughout the year. Please contact your local North-West College campus to learn when the next program is scheduled to start.
Ready to get started?
Request information about Pharmacy Technician at San Diego Campus.
Pharmacy Technician