Programs
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Program Overview
HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online classroom theory with hands-on training in on-campus labs and real-world experience through a clinical externship.
Program Length
- 32 weeks – morning/afternoon
- 42 weeks – evening
Program Details
- 620 classroom/lab hours
- 160 clinical externship hours
- 780 total clock hours
- 35 semester credits
Morning/afternoon and evening schedules are available depending on campus and class availability.
High Desert Medical College offers its Pharmacy Technician program at its Bakersfield, Lancaster, and Temecula, California campuses. Students’ complete hybrid classroom instruction along with hands-on training at their selected HDMC campus.
See Which Campus Is Closest to You
The Pharmacy Technician curriculum combines medication knowledge, pharmacy operations and administrative skills with hands-on training to prepare students to support pharmacists in a variety of pharmacy environments.
Coursework and training include:
- Introduction to Pharmacy
- Drug Fundamentals
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacy Operations
- Pharmacology
- Dosage Calculations
- IV Preparation
- Pharmacy Practice Management
- Career Development
- Clinical Externship
Students also learn pharmacy law and ethics, prescription processing, insurance procedures, inventory management and computer applications used in pharmacy operations.
Graduates of HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program are eligible to apply for California Pharmacy Technician licensure through the California State Board of Pharmacy and are prepared to test for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Applicants must meet HDMC’s admissions requirements, including having a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
Don’t have your high school diploma yet? HDMC offers high school completion options that may help eligible students get started.
An Admissions Representative can review the requirements with you and help determine your next steps.
For the most current Pharmacy Technician tuition and fee information, refer to the HDMC School Catalog or speak with an Admissions Representative.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you understand available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
High Desert Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET).
HDMC is also approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).
What you’ll learn
HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program combines pharmacy theory with hands-on training to help you develop the skills used to safely prepare medications and support pharmacy operations.
Is a Career as a Pharmacy Technician Right for You?
Take the HDMC Healthcare Career Readiness Quiz.
This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and will give you a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
Support beyond the classroom
HDMC supports students beyond the classroom with career-focused guidance, professional development resources, and personalized support designed to help graduates feel confident entering the healthcare field.
Resume &
Interview Support
Career
Preparation
Professional
Development
Student
Support Resources
What you walk away with
Build your skills and prepare for certification.
Pharmacy Tech Certificate
Graduate with a Certificate of Completion in Pharmacy Technician training from HDMC.
Hands-On
Training
Develop practical skills in prescription processing, medication preparation, pharmacy software, dosage calculations and IV preparation.
Real-World
Experience
Complete a 160-hour clinical externship where you can apply your pharmacy skills in a professional environment.
Where you could work
Pharmacy Technicians work across a variety of healthcare and pharmacy settings. Picture yourself working in:
Hospitals
Support hospital medication services
Retail Pharmacies
Support everyday pharmacy operations
Long-Term Care Facilities
Support resident medication services
Medical Clinics
Assist with pharmacy operations
Mail-Order Pharmacies
Process prescriptions for delivery
Pharmaceutical Companies
Support pharmacy-related operations
Potential Careers
A Pharmacy Technician certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Assistant
Retail Pharmacy Technician
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
Potential Careers
A Pharmacy Technician certification could lead to jobs with titles like:
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy Assistant
Retail Pharmacy Technician
Hospital Pharmacy Technician
Compounding Pharmacy Technician
Real Students.
Real Stories.
Shalisa S.
Pharmacy Technician
“I chose to attend HDMC for the four words that I read on its welcome page: Your Path to Purpose. I was looking for my path, and through HDMC’s site, I found just that when I saw classes for Pharmacy Technician, which I was always curious about. So, I decided to take that leap of faith, and months later, while working towards my completion, I am glad that I did.”
Alaiza R.
Pharmacy Technician
“I had never heard about this school until my brother started attending the same program a couple of years ago. If I’m being honest, I was never interested in pharmacy or the medical field in general, but I’m glad I decided to try it out. Thanks to my excellent teacher, I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the pharmaceutical field much more. I am incredibly grateful for my experience at this school.”
Ruby W.
Pharmacy Technician
“The main reason I chose High Desert Medical College is that it was an affordable option, and the classes lined up with my work schedule. As soon as I joined as a student, I soon realized that it was the best option I could have ever made in my life. I am extremely grateful for my teacher, this experience, and being able to learn at HDMC. They taught me to have a goal and keep going forward.”
Questions?
Here are a few things everyone asks. If you don’t see your question, reach out to see whether our Pharmacy Technician program is right for you.
Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists to help prepare medications and support everyday pharmacy operations. Responsibilities may include measuring, counting and labeling medications, processing prescriptions, maintaining patient records, managing inventory and assisting with insurance procedures.
HDMC’s Pharmacy Technician program can be completed in as few as 34 weeks with the morning/afternoon schedule or 42 weeks with the evening schedule. The program includes 780 total clock hours and 35 semester credits, including a 160-hour clinical externship.
The program is offered in a hybrid format. Students complete classroom theory online while gaining hands-on experience in on-campus labs. The program also includes a clinical externship where students can apply their skills in a professional pharmacy environment.
No prior pharmacy or healthcare experience is required. The program is designed to teach students the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to prepare for entry-level Pharmacy Technician opportunities.
Financial aid, grants, scholarships and student loans may be available to those who qualify. HDMC’s Financial Aid team can help you review available options and determine what you may be eligible for.
Additional Resources
to help you build confidence before entering the workforce
