Pharmacy Technician Programs in Daly City CA

Ever wondered which Pharmacy Technician Programs in Daly City, CA, are right for you?

This guide breaks down the best local programs, highlighting their unique features, costs, and training opportunities.

Discover the programs that align with your career goals and get started on a rewarding path in healthcare.

V-Tecs – Pharmacy Technician Program

V-Tecs Pharmacy Technician Program in Daly City, CA, is meticulously designed to fulfill the educational requirements mandated by the State Board of Pharmacy for pharmacy technicians. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical classroom education and practical, hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings such as retail, hospital, long-term care, and compounding pharmacies.

Curriculum Highlights

• Drug identification: Learn to identify and categorize different medications.
• Pharmaceutical mathematics: Develop proficiency in pharmaceutical calculations.
• Pharmacy law and ethics: Study the legal and ethical considerations in a pharmacy setting.
• Drug management procedures: Master methods for managing medication inventories and records.
• Prescription filling procedures: Gain expertise in accurate prescription preparation.
• Professional relations: Enhance interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with healthcare providers and patients.
• Insurance procedures: Understand how to handle insurance claims and navigate reimbursement processes.

Program Cost and Requirements

The total program cost is $8,995, which includes tuition, registration, malpractice insurance, books, handouts, and uniforms. To enroll, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Have a valid government-issued ID and social security number.
• Demonstrate effective English communication skills.
• Maintain a clean criminal record free of felony convictions.

V-Tecs aims to equip students with a comprehensive skill set, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers as pharmacy technicians. Graduates will be ready to take the State Board Exam, essential for obtaining their license and starting their professional journey.

Northern California Nursing Academy – Certified Pharmacy Technician Program

The Northern California Nursing Academy (NCNA) Certified Pharmacy Technician Program in Daly City, CA, offers an advanced curriculum designed by experienced educators. This hybrid program features a combination of online theory classes and in-person practical training, providing flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.

Curriculum Highlights

• Drug classifications: Study the various categories of medications and their uses.
• Pharmacy calculations: Learn to perform essential calculations for dosage and preparation.
• Pharmacy law and regulations: Understand the legal framework governing pharmacy practice.
• Practical skills training: Focus on receiving and verifying prescriptions and preparing patient medications.

Externship Opportunities and Certification

Upon completing the theoretical component, students undertake a 160-hour externship with institutions like Walgreens, The Pill Club, and UCSF. This experience ensures they apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply for a license with the California State Board of Pharmacy. NCNA is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), allowing graduates to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

The six-month program costs $3,736.50, covering registration, tuition, materials, supplies, uniforms, and CPR certification. The program is crafted to offer accessible training, ensuring a smooth transition to a career in pharmacy technology.

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Provide proof of high school education or GED.
• Submit an Enrollment Agreement and the full registration fee.

Established in 2010, NCNA is committed to providing quality education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future roles in pharmacy technology.

Northern California Nursing Academy – Pharmacy Technician Program

The Northern California Nursing Academy (NCNA) Pharmacy Technician Program in Daly City, CA, offers a comprehensive curriculum similar to its certified counterpart, focusing on essential pharmacy knowledge and practical skills.

Curriculum Highlights

• Drug classifications: Understand different medication categories and their uses.
• Pharmacy calculations: Learn to perform critical calculations required for medication preparation.
• Pharmacy law and regulations: Study the legal standards and ethical considerations in pharmacy practice.

Externship Opportunities

After completing the theoretical part, students undergo a 160-hour externship at institutions like Walgreens, The Pill Club, and UCSF. These externships provide practical experience and the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Program Cost and Duration

The six-month program costs $3,736.50, covering registration, tuition, materials, supplies, uniforms, and CPR certification. Successful graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are eligible to apply for a license with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, NCNA’s recognition by the PTCB allows graduates to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).

Enrollment Requirements

To enroll, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Provide proof of high school education or GED.
• Submit an Enrollment Agreement and the full registration fee.

NCNA has built a reputation for providing quality education since its establishment in 2010, ensuring that students are fully prepared for their careers as pharmacy technicians.

City College of San Francisco – Pharmacy Technician Program

City College of San Francisco offers a comprehensive Pharmacy Technician Program designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in various pharmacy settings. Spread over two semesters, this program ensures you get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, which are crucial components to start your career effectively.

Curriculum Highlights

• Pharmacy theory: Theoretical knowledge that forms the basis of your understanding.
• Clinical practice: Hands-on experience in a real-world pharmacy setting.
• Medical chemistry: Learn about chemical compositions and interactions.
• Human anatomy and physiology: Gain insights into human body systems.
• Intercultural communication: Develop skills to communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• General psychology: Understand the behavioral aspects that influence patient care.

Hands-On Experience

One of the program’s unique features is its focus on hands-on practical experience. This includes working in a retail or hospital pharmacy setting under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. This practical exposure is invaluable, preparing you to handle real-world scenarios with confidence.

Program Cost and Requirements

Prospective candidates must be at least 18 years old and provide an official high school transcript or GED. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is recommended. An orientation session is mandatory. Additionally, a physical examination, negative TB test, and proof of immunity for specified communicable diseases are required before clinical placement. Each course must be completed with a final grade of “C” or higher.

The program offers an Associate of Science degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician, meeting the California State Board of Pharmacy requirements.

How to Choose the Best Pharmacy Technician Program

Selecting the right Pharmacy Technician Program is critical to your success in healthcare. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by relevant bodies such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Accreditation guarantees the program meets industry standards.
2. Curriculum: Look for programs that cover essential subjects including pharmacy laws, ethics, drug classifications, pharmaceutical calculations, and hands-on training. Programs with externship opportunities offer valuable real-world experience.
3. Costs: Examine the total cost, including tuition, registration, materials, uniforms, and other fees. Some programs may offer payment plans or financial aid options to make education more affordable.
4. Location: Proximity can reduce commute times and overall costs. However, online programs with hybrid models offer flexibility and can be a convenient alternative.
5. Job Placement Rates: Opt for programs with high job placement rates. Such programs often have robust relationships with healthcare institutions and can help you find employment quickly after graduation.
6. Duration: Consider how program length fits into your timeline and career goals. Program durations can vary from a few months to over a year.
7. Reputation: Research the program’s reputation through reviews and testimonials from previous students. Established programs typically offer better training and stronger industry connections.

Choosing the right program will ensure you are prepared with the necessary education, skills, and credentials to thrive as a pharmacy technician.

Final Thoughts on Pharmacy Technician Programs in Daly City CA

Choosing the right Pharmacy Technician Program in Daly City, CA, is essential for starting a successful career in healthcare. Each of the programs highlighted offers robust training and diverse opportunities to equip you for the field. Assess your personal and professional goals, and take the first step towards your rewarding career by enrolling in a suitable program today.