Pharmacy Technician Schools in California

The duties of a pharmacy technician in California involve working primarily with pharmacies to ensure the smooth running of an establishment and facilitating the health and safety of patients. These professionals are required to locate, pack, and label prescription medications.

To begin a career as a pharmacy technician, candidates must understand several important considerations, including the work environment, higher education requirements, licensing and certification considerations, and more. Thankfully, we discuss all of these in detail below.

We also provide a list of top training programs and possible salary categories.

How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California

These are the most important steps to become a pharmacy technician in California.

Educational Options

Aspiring pharmacy technicians in California may choose between post-secondary education and on-the-job training, or combine both options.

Post-secondary Programs

Attending a post-secondary program is the most popular way to become a pharmacy technician. This approach allows candidates to receive a very structured educational experience while also making strong connections and having the opportunity to pursue more advanced education.

Pharmacy technician training programs can typically be completed in a couple of years, but those who want a more robust learning experience can also choose programs that last longer.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training allows candidates to learn everything they will need to know to become pharmacy technicians in an actual work environment. This approach is very immersive, but candidates need to be able to learn quickly and adapt fast.

Of course, no law says candidates can’t combine post-secondary programs and on-the-job training. Students can choose an online program and simultaneously complete an academic program while possibly working as an associate in the real world.

Employment Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians can work in dedicated retail stores, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and even dental offices. They can also take advantage of career advancement opportunities to enter pharmacy management and pharmaceutical representation or to become full-blown pharmacists.

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Along with being an excellent way to improve employability and credibility, becoming certified as a pharmacy technician opens up opportunities for better positions with higher salaries. However, you must also receive the necessary state license from the California State Board of Pharmacy.

While pursuing a license, professionals must be prepared to submit fingerprints and pass a background check. They must also pay a $195 application fee.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is one of the most prominent certifying organizations for professionals in this field nationwide. The board offers the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential, which requires graduation from a training program or 500 hours of work experience.

The National Healthcareer Association also offers its credentials and strong reputation. Applicants must be prepared to pass the certification examination before they can become certified.

Top Pharmacy Technician Schools in California

The following programs are the most prominent options for aspiring pharmacy technicians in California.

Explore pharmacy technician schools in California by city:

• Pharmacy technician schools in Los Angeles

Salary & Career Outlook

When they are settled into the job, pharmacy technicians in California tend to make an annual average salary of $62,356. This puts them among the top 10% in the entire state.

However, professionals usually start much lower at the beginning of their careers. At this point, they may manage an annual average salary of $32,864, putting them among the bottom 10%, or an annual average salary of $45,269, which makes them part of the median earners.

Those who are among the top 10% usually achieve this by focusing on important factors like experience, location, professional credentials, establishment of employment, and more.

When it comes to prominent locations to work as a pharmacy tech in California for high salaries, the top three are Fresno, Riverside, and Redding, with annual average salaries of $52,707, $51,578, and $45,241, respectively.