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Interested in starting a career as a pharmacy technician in Visalia, CA?
This guide covers the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Visalia, CA, providing detailed insights into each option, including duration, costs, and unique features.
Discover the best paths for your education and career growth.
College of the Sequoias – Pharmacy Technician Training Program
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program at the College of the Sequoias (COS) in Visalia, CA, offers a well-structured path for those aiming to enter the pharmacy field. This full-time, two-semester program begins in the fall and extends to the spring, featuring 24 students per year.
COS emphasizes real-world experience with an externship in the spring semester. This hands-on component allows you to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting, preparing you efficiently for workplace challenges.
Key aspects of the program:
- Duration: Two semesters (
- Units: 24 units (12 units each semester)
- Capacity: 24 students per year
- Certification: Certificate of Achievement upon completion
- Eligibility: Graduates are eligible to apply for the pharmacy technician license from the California State Board of Pharmacy and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam
- Partnership: Collaboration with PioneerRx to enhance learning
The curriculum encompasses drug distribution, prescription processing, and patient counseling. Your learning experience is further enriched through lab exercises, simulating real pharmacy operations.
For in-depth details, check out College of the Sequoias – Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – Pharmacy Technology Program
The San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) in Visalia, CA, offers a Pharmacy Technology Program focusing on equipping you with practical skills and theoretical knowledge. This accelerated program can be completed in as little as 9 months, making it an appealing option for those eager to start their careers quickly.
Key features of SJVC’s program include:
- Duration: 9 months
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Courses: Pharmacy Math and Computations, Clinical Applications, and Science and Applications
- Certification: Eligibility to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
- Hands-On: Emphasis on practical training and real-world application
The program covers pharmaceutical calculations, business operations in retail pharmacies, and lab-based training to ensure you’re job-ready. It’s a crucial step if you’re looking to transition promptly into the workforce.
SJVC is highly regarded for its practical approach to education and support for certification and employment, despite higher costs. To explore more, visit San Joaquin Valley College – Pharmacy Technology Program.
College of the Sequoias – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
The College of the Sequoias (COS) also offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program. Tailored to meet industry standards, this program prepares you for diverse pharmacy settings, with a hands-on and academic fusion.
Key attributes of this program:
- Practical Experience: Laboratory work and externships in various pharmacy settings
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes pharmacy law, ethics, professional standards, and calculations
- Certification: Certificate of Achievement upon completion
- Prerequisites: English and math (can be completed at COS or equivalent accredited colleges)
Experienced faculty guide you through courses focusing on drug distribution, inventory management, and patient counseling, ensuring you’re well-versed in legal and ethical practices.
With its robust program and key partnerships, COS offers significant value in pharmacy education. For more details, visit College of the Sequoias – Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – Pharmacy Technology Program
San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) offers another option for those seeking a fast-paced and thorough pharmacy technology curriculum. This accelerated program, completed in about 9 months, provides extensive training in multiple healthcare settings.
Program highlights:
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 9 months
- Focus: Processing billing claims, preparing patient medications, assisting with drug studies
- Clinical Rotations: Real-world experience with seasoned pharmacists
- Certification: Prepares you for the national certification exam
This program is ideal if you prefer an intensive, quick-transition approach to entering the workforce. SJVC’s focus on hands-on training ensures you’re well-prepared for the demands of the profession.
For more information on this program, visit San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) – Pharmacy Technology Program.
High Desert Medical College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Pharmacy Technician Program at High Desert Medical College in Visalia, CA, stands out for its comprehensive and flexible offering. This program is designed to provide you with essential skills through a combination of classroom lectures, lab procedures, and clinical externships.
Key features include:
- Duration: 10 modules
- Schedule: Day and evening classes available
- Curriculum: Covers pharmacy laws and ethics, pharmacology, prescription processing, and clinical externship.
- Tuition: $14,914 for residents, with additional costs for books and supplies estimated at $1,580.
The program’s externship experience is a significant benefit. It allows you to work in actual pharmacy settings, gaining hands-on experience that is critical for your future career. This program is particularly suited for those requiring flexibility, as it offers both day and evening classes.
Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, an interview with an admissions representative, and a valid photo ID. If you seek a program that combines robust academic learning with real-world experience, consider High Desert Medical College – Pharmacy Technician Program.
CALRegional – Pharmacy Technician Program
CALRegional offers a Pharmacy Technician Program in partnership with Visalia Adult School. Known for its flexible and affordable education, CALRegional caters to busy adults needing varied schedule options.
Key elements of the program:
- Duration: Flexible schedule with day, evening, and weekend classes
- Curriculum: Includes pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, medication safety, inventory management, and patient communication.
- Hands-On Training: Simulated pharmacy setting
CALRegional ensures a thorough preparation for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). With experienced instructors and a focus on individualized support, this program aims to give you the skills needed to excel in the field. The affordability and potential for financial aid make it accessible to a wide range of students.
For more details about scheduling and tuition, explore CALRegional – Pharmacy Technician Program.
How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program
Selecting the best Pharmacy Technician Program in Visalia, CA, requires careful consideration. Here’s what you should look for:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by recognized bodies such as the ACCJC or WASC. This guarantees you receive a high-quality education.
- Curriculum: Look for comprehensive coverage of essential skills including pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, and hands-on training opportunities such as externships or lab procedures.
- Cost: Evaluate the total cost and explore financial aid options to align with your budget.
- Duration: Consider how quickly you want to enter the workforce. Some programs can be completed in about 9 months.
- Employment Success: Research the program’s job placement rates and the support provided for certification exams like the PTCE.
- Learning Format: Day, evening, or weekend classes can significantly impact your ability to balance education with other responsibilities. Flexibility is important.
- Student Feedback: Consulting with current students or alumni can provide valuable insights into their experiences and satisfaction with the program.
To find the program that best fits your needs, compare factors such as costs, curriculum focus, scheduling flexibility, and hands-on training opportunities. A well-chosen program will prepare you for a successful career in pharmacy.
Conclusion: Begin Your Journey Today
A career as a pharmacy technician offers numerous benefits, including stability, growth opportunities, and the chance to make a positive impact on healthcare. Whether you opt for the comprehensive programs at College of the Sequoias, the quick-transition options at San Joaquin Valley College, the extensive externship opportunities at High Desert Medical College, or the flexible scheduling at CALRegional, you are taking a significant step towards a rewarding career.
Invest time in researching and choosing the program that aligns best with your goals and circumstances. Each program listed provides unique advantages, enhancing your opportunities to succeed in the pharmacy field. Take the first step towards your future by exploring these Pharmacy Technician Programs in Visalia, CA.
Get started now, and pave the way towards an enriching career in healthcare. Your journey as a pharmacy technician in Visalia, CA, begins with the right training program.