Pharmacy Technician

Certificate Program

This comprehensive 50-hour online hybrid program, offered by California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in partnership with Condensed Curriculum International (CCI), will prepare you to work as a pharmacy technician in a retail or other pharmacy setting and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Through online lectures and optional hands-on labs, you will learn dosage calculations, drug classifications, top 200 drugs, IV flow rates, sterile compounding, dose conversions, aseptic technique, the handling of sterile products, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement.

Upon completion of this program, students will be eligible to take the Pharmacy Technician Certified Board (PTCB) exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center.

This course is delivered on campus, or as a hybrid course that combines online lectures and optional hands-on labs on campus. Students enrolled in the hybrid course will have the opportunity to participate in online lectures with an instructor in real time.

Please Note:
This course will be offered online only in Summer 2020. Subject to health and safety regulations, this course will be offered in a hybrid format in Fall 2020 that combines online lectures and optional hands-on labs. Students who participate in the Summer 2020 program will be invited to return and participate in the hands-on lab environment, but are not required to do so in order to receive the certificate. The entire course can be completed online.

Email Denis Arsenault for more information or to start the registration process.

Please Note

Upon successful completion of this program, students would be eligible to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT) national examination or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.

This Program Is Ideal For

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

In This Program You'll 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

How to Complete the Program

Complete all courses.

"The program was very helpful in improving my math skills, and I enjoyed the hands-on practice that we did, drawing medication into a syringe. The instructor was kind and understanding when we had trouble grasping the concepts of some of the math, so we were able to practice in-class often as well. I miss the program already because I had a lot of fun learning!"

Jennifer Vong Pharmacy Technician

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student 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. Click here for more information about Accreditation and State Authorization.

Program Outline

Pharmacy and Healthcare Practice in Multiple Environments
Drug Regulation and Control
Pharmaceutical Terminology and Anatomy
Prescriptions
Pharmacy Calculations
Routes and Formulations
Parenterals
Compounding
Basic Biopharmaceutics
Factors Affecting Drug Activity
Information and Pharmacy Resources
Inventory Management
Lab Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the enrollment requirements for this program? Are there any prerequisites?

This is a non-credit, certificate program. There are no application requirements. You must have a high school diploma.

Do I have to be a CSULB student to take this program?

No, you do not need to be a matriculated student to register for the program.

Are there financial aid or payment plan options available?

Unfortunately, we do not offer financial aid or payment plans for this program. Full payment is due prior to the 1st day of class.

Does the registration fee include textbooks?

Yes. Textbooks are included with the tuition.

Is there an externship available with this program?

No, unfortunately there are no externship opportunities for this program.

Does this program provide assistance for any job placement opportunities?

We do not assist with job placement upon successful completion of the program. Although we will forward any job opportunities that are sent to us from various companies, we cannot secure or guarantee employment for our students.

How often is this program offered?

We offer this program during the Spring, Summer and Fall semesters.

Is my high school diploma from another country valid?

Yes, we accept high school diplomas from countries outside the U.S.

Is there a required dress code?

No, there is no required dress code.

Are all of the CPIE non-credit courses approved by WASC?

All courses offered through CPIE are approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).