1. I am interested in attending the Pharmacy Technician program. What should I do to get started?
We recommend you start by reviewing the information on the Pharm Tech web pages. Carefully read all pages (click on the tabs at the top of the page). If you have already applied for admission at SRJC you can begin by dropping in with counseling and meeting with a Health Science counselor. You can find information about the counseling department at: https://counseling.santarosa.edu/.
2. Is there an application process?
No. The program is set up to accept students each summer based on priority registration. You are strongly encouraged to complete an A.S. or A.A along with the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. This builds priority registration for entrance in the Summer semester. Pharmacy 150 Online is the pre-requisite course offered each Summer. Pharm 150 requires several hours per day for 3-4 days a week to complete the course work. It is recommended you take College Skills 334 (How to take an online class) before taking Pharm 150. It is also recommended that you meet with a Health Science counselor to develop a plan for completing the program and that you place correctly in Math and English.
3. How long does it take to complete the program?
The Pharmacy Tech Certificate Program is a 3 semester one year program starting every Summer. Many students take the program over 5 semesters, especially if they are working. It is highly recommended that students complete an A.S or A.A in Pharmacy Technician.
4. Can I work while I am in the program?
Yes, most classes during the week are offered in the evenings. This allows time for students to complete their clinical site hours and maintain employment.
5. Are there physical or health requirements for the program?
No, however, the job of a pharmacy technician requires certain physical and health requirements. Please see the general requirements and clinical site requirements listed on the website. Additionally, students must have a 100% clear background check and drug screening. Background checks are completed once per year prior to the fall semester. Drug screenings are completed twice per year, prior to the Fall and Spring semesters. These are required for both Pharmacy 154 A and B Courses.
6. Where will I do my clinical experience?
Students in the pharmacy technician program rotate through various clinical sites within Sonoma, Marin, Lake, Solano and Mendocino counties. In the Fall semester, Pharm 154 A, clinical rotations are scheduled during one day per week for 8 weeks. Location varies. In the spring semester, Pharm 154B, clinical rotation is one day per week for 17 weeks. Locations may vary.
7. Will I be trained for the inpatient environment in aseptic technique?
Yes, Pharm 157 and 157L which are both required for the program will prepare you for the inpatient environment.
8. Is there a recommended course sequence?
Links on this page will take you to revised course sequencing documents.
Pending new information
9. What are the estimated program costs?
Check the SRJC Fees Schedule for current tuition and fees. The approximate cost for program-related expenses including tuition, background and drug screenings, skills kits, parking fees, books, health services fees, and supplies is $600-$900 per semester. This estimate does not include the elective course Pharmacy 157 and Pharmacy 157 L ~ Inpatient IV Training and Clinical Rotations Elective.
Costs (estimates as of 08/2023):
ID Badges (two) $8.00
Pharmacy Program Background One time: $39.00
Drug Screening: $39.00 to $60.00
Immunization Tracking: $35.00
Estimated costs for books and supplies: $300-$600
Enrollment cost at 19.5 units ($46.00 a unit and other fees) approx. $ 1037.00
Total Estimate for California Resident: $1779.00
This information is provided to prospective students to help them make a better, more informed decision about this certificate program. The following is the CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) Code and accompanying description for this certificate program:
CIP Code: 51.0805
CIP Program Description: Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
The following lists the ONET Code and ONET Title (SOC) for occupations related to this program
25-1071.00 - Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
29-2052.00 - Pharmacy Technicians
Note: These program costs may change - the information on this page is updated annually with the most currently available information. The estimate for costs of books and supplies is not specific for each program, but instead includes the per semester financial aid budget for books and supplies for all SRJC full-time students.
Non-residents of California and international students will have higher enrollment fees.
Completion Time:
Normal (i.e. minimal) time to completion (in months): 10
This timeline is typically based on full-time attendance, but may vary by program according to course offerings.