Program Overview

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a comprehensive 50-hour online hybrid program designed to prepare students to work as pharmacy technicians in retail or other pharmacy settings. The program also prepares students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's (PTCB) exam.

Program Overview

The program combines asynchronous online curriculum, online Zoom lectures in live real-time, and five hands-on lab sessions held on campus. Students will learn various skills, including:

• Dosage calculations
• Drug classifications
• Top 200 drugs
• IV flow rates
• Sterile compounding
• Dose conversions
• Aseptic technique
• Handling of sterile products
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
• Dispensing of prescriptions
• Inventory control
• Billing and reimbursement

Program Details

Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam. The exam is separate from the program and costs an estimated $140. The program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.

Ideal Candidates

This program is ideal for:

• Individuals interested in working in the healthcare system
• Medical assistants
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)

Program Curriculum

In this program, students will learn:

• Medical terminology specific to the pharmacy
• Reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names
• Dosage calculations
• IV flow rates
• Drug compounding
• Dose conversions
• Dispensing of prescriptions
• Inventory control
• Billing and reimbursement

Program Completion

To complete the program, students must:

• Complete all sections and assignments

Schedule

All lecture dates are held online through Zoom. A complete program breakdown of dates and times is available.

Accreditation and State Authorization

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate.