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Looking to jumpstart your career in healthcare?
Discover the top Pharmacy Technician Programs in Inglewood, CA.
This article reviews standout programs, detailing their unique features, duration, costs, and career opportunities, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Explore your options and find the best pathway to becoming a certified pharmacy technician in Inglewood.
Cal State LA Downtown – Pharmacy Technician Program
The Cal State LA Downtown Pharmacy Technician Program is a 10-week accelerated course that equips you with essential skills to excel in varied pharmacy environments, including retail, mail-order, home infusion, hospitals, and clinics.
Key features of this program include:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering pharmacology, laws and regulations, medication safety, and inventory management, this program addresses all core areas needed for a competent pharmacy technician.
- Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by professionals with extensive industry experience, emphasizing practical knowledge alongside academic theory.
- Certification Alignment: The program aligns with the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) Blueprint, ensuring you are well-prepared for certification.
- Flexible Learning: Virtual live synchronous Zoom sessions offer flexibility and accessibility.
- Job Training Assistance: Qualified students can access job training programs; contact your local American Job Center to see if you qualify.
Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Certificate of Completion, although the program itself is not accredited and does not include the certification exam. The entire course costs $1,399, excluding the Mosby Pharmacy Technician Exam Review Book required for the program.
This dynamic, industry-focused program at Cal State LA Downtown is known for providing the skills and knowledge you need to launch a successful career as a pharmacy technician.
American Career College – Pharmacy Technician Program
The American Career College in Los Angeles offers a structured Pharmacy Technician Program that can be completed within nine months. The program is delivered in a blended format, combining in-class and online learning for an adaptable educational experience.
Key benefits of this program include:
- Industry Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), ensuring a recognized and respected qualification.
- Experienced Faculty: Led by Kelly Burns-Santos, a certified pharmacy technician with nearly three decades of experience across various pharmacy settings.
- Practical Training: A 300-hour externship gives you valuable hands-on experience, essential for mastering practical skills.
- Modern Facilities: State-of-the-art labs and equipment reflect current industry standards, preparing you for real-world scenarios.
- Career Support: Offers financial aid and scholarships for eligible students and extensive externship opportunities due to its prime location near hospitals and pharmacies.
While the college’s program does not guarantee employment, its high-quality training, supportive faculty, and extensive resources make it a top choice for aspiring pharmacy technicians.
West Los Angeles College – Pharmacy Technician Program
West Los Angeles College offers a Pharmacy Technician Program that stands out for its thorough preparation and opportunities for earning a State of California Pharmacy Technician license.
Key components of this program are:
- Licensure Pathway: Successful completion enables you to obtain a State of California Pharmacy Technician license.
- Multiple Educational Routes: Choose between Basic and Advanced Certificates of Achievement or an Associate of Science Degree, depending on your career goals.
- Clinical Training: Includes 80 hours of clinical practice, essential for gaining experience in hospital and skilled nursing facility settings.
- Job Earnings Potential: Full-time pharmacy technicians can expect annual earnings ranging from $31,000 to $44,000, with potential to earn up to $76,000 in clinical settings.
- Flexible Learning: The program offers comprehensive training within a manageable timeframe and financial aid for those who qualify.
The curriculum meets the standards of the Association of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) and ensures you are well-prepared to pass the California State Board of Pharmacy (CSPB) examination.
West Los Angeles College provides a robust educational experience with comprehensive support, paving the way for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical field.
Cerritos College – Pharmacy Technology Program
The Cerritos College Pharmacy Technology Program in Inglewood, CA, is well-known for its rigorous curriculum and commitment to student success.
Key Benefits of the Program
- Expert Instructors: This program is led by registered pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians, ensuring you receive quality education from experienced professionals.
- Flexible Schedules: The program offers both day and evening classes, catering to different schedules and commitments.
- Hands-On Training: You’ll gain practical experience that’s critical for a career in pharmacy technology. The curriculum covers areas like community pharmacy, home health, pharmaceutical sales, and more.
- Certification Preparation: Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement in Pharmacy Technician, and the program also offers an Associate in Arts Degree for those who want to pursue further education.
Admissions Requirements
- Educational Background: Applicants must be high school graduates.
- Physical Fitness & Immunization: You’ll need to meet specific health and immunization requirements.
- Legal Clearances: A criminal background check and drug testing are necessary to meet employment criteria in the pharmacy sector.
Program Technology and Online Features
- Integrated Technology: With technology deeply woven into the curriculum, students use online platforms like Canvas for coursework.
- Attendance and Academic Performance: Maintaining consistent attendance and a grade of “C” or higher is crucial for successful completion.
Cerritos College offers a robust program designed to prepare you for the State of California Pharmacy Technician licensure, providing a solid educational foundation and flexible class options.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pharmacy Technician Program
Choosing the right pharmacy technician program is crucial to your future career success. Here are essential factors to consider:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program you select is accredited by reputable bodies like the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or meets the Association of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) standards.
- Curriculum: Review the program syllabus to ensure it covers pharmacology, medication safety, pharmacy laws, and practical skills like prescription preparation.
- Costs: Understand the total cost including tuition, fees, textbooks, and certification exam fees. Explore financial aid and scholarship options to ease the financial burden.
- Duration: Assess program lengths and formats (full-time, part-time, online, in-person) and choose one that suits your schedule.
- Location: Consider proximity to home for convenience and potential externship opportunities nearby.
- Job Placement Rates: Research job placement rates and career services offered to understand employment support post-graduation.
- Externship Opportunities: Look for programs that offer hands-on externship placements to gain real-world experience.
- Faculty Expertise: Learn about the faculty’s experience. Programs with instructors who are practicing pharmacists or certified pharmacy technicians are beneficial.
- Student Support Services: Explore the availability of academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring to support your educational journey.
Final Thoughts on Pharmacy Technician Programs in Inglewood CA
Inglewood, CA, provides several excellent pharmacy technician programs, each offering unique benefits and extensive training. From Cal State LA Downtown’s accelerated curriculum to Cerritos College’s detailed program structure, there are plenty of options to suit diverse needs and schedules.
Whether you prioritize the flexible learning schedule at Cal State LA Downtown, the comprehensive training at American Career College, the licensure opportunities at West Los Angeles College, or the flexible class options at Cerritos College, it’s vital to consider all factors to find the best fit for your career goals.
Invest your time in researching these programs thoroughly, considering factors like accreditation, cost, externship opportunities, job placement rates, and faculty expertise. Making an informed choice will set you on a rewarding career path as a pharmacy technician in Inglewood, CA.