1.  How do I get started?  What are the pre-requisites for the program?

To enroll in the Pharmacy Technology program, students are not required to take any entrance examinations or complete any prerequisite courses. Fluency in (written and verbal) English and basic Math skills are necessary for successful program completion.  For complete information on prerequisites, click here.

There is no separate admission procedure for the Pharmacy Technology program.  Interested students should first apply for admission to Santa Ana College.  Once their applications have been processed, students will be assigned a registration date.  On their registration date, students can enroll in the individual Pharmacy Technology classes that they wish to take.   To apply for Admission, click here.  To register for classes, click here.

Beginning students should enroll in one or more of the following entry level courses during the first semester: 

        ·         Introduction to Pharmacy Technology  (PHAR 048)

·         Body Systems I  (PHAR 051)* - Spring or Summer

·         Body Systems II  (PHAR 052)* - Fall

·         Pharmacy Calculations  (PHAR 054)

 *Either PHAR 051 or PHAR 052 may be taken first

 2.  How soon can I start the program?

Students may begin the Pharmacy Technology program in either the Fall semester (late August) or the Spring semester (early February).   Entry-level courses are also offered during the Summer session.   (Note that summer classes cover material very quickly!) 
 

3.  What is the total cost by the time I'm done?

Community college tuition for in-state residents is $20 per unit and is subject to change by the state legislature.  Currently the tuition cost for the Basic and Advanced Certificate options ranges from $310-$470.  Click here for complete information. 
 

4.  Are the courses transferable to another program? Can I transfer other courses to the program?

No.  This is a high quality, ASHP –accredited, unique educational program that will prepare the students for the work force using a tiered approach.  Successful completion of the entry-level classes will prepare the students for the lab (application-level) classes, which will then prepare the students for externships at affiliated pharmacies.  With experience and confidence gained from externship, the students are competent to work.
 

 5.  Do you help students find a job at program completion? 

We have a strong network of affiliation with local hospital pharmacies and pharmacy chains.  We frequently post job openings to alert students to various job opportunities.  Click here for additional information on job placement and salary.
 

 6.  Do you accept international students?

Yes.  However, fluency in English is essential for successful program completion.  International students should click here for more information.
 

 7.  How long does it take to complete the program?

Depending on the time commitments (families, work, etc),  the student can choose to take the classes on a part-time or full time basis.  The Basic Certificate can be earned in approximately one year.  If you have limited time available for classes and studying, we suggest you take one class at a time.  Students with limited availability should start the program with PHAR 048: Introduction to Pharmacy Technology and PHAR 054: Pharmacy Calculations.  These two courses are offered back-to-back, in a four-hour segment once each week (twice a week during the summer).
 

8. Are classes available in the evening, day time, on-line? 

Daytime and evening classes are available during the Fall and Spring.  Summer classes are offered in the evenings only.  Hybrid classes (combined on-line and on-campus training) are offered during the Fall and the Spring.  Hybrid classes typically meet on campus every other week, using on-line training during the alternate weeks. 

Click here for Class Schedule information.  Entry level classes typically meet once a week for 16 weeks during the Fall and Spring semesters.   During the summer, the entry-level classes meet twice each week for eight weeks.
 

 9. What is the time commitment once enrolled in the program?

In general, you should allow a minimum of two hours of out-of-class studying time for each unit of class credit.  Be sure to allow enough study time for the courses you plan to enroll in!
 

10.  How do I get a license? 

California does NOT have an examination process for pharmacy technicians.  In order to obtain a pharmacy technician license, students must meet the qualification requirements of the California State Board of Pharmacy.  One requirement is the documentation of education or training, which can be met by completing any of the three training options at Santa Ana College.  Click here for information on the training options.  Click here for more information on licensing requirements.

Certified technicians (CPhT's) are also qualified to apply for the California State Board license. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (not related to the Board of Pharmacy) administers the national board exam for pharmacy technicians who wished to become certified.   Click here for information on the certification process.

To ensure the safety of the public (patients),  the  American Society of Health-System Pharmacists strongly recommends BOTH the completion of a formal training program and completion of the certification process for pharmacy technicians.  Note that most employers will only consider candidates who have completed a formal training program.

Also note that the Pharmacy Technology Department holds periodic
PROGRAM INFORMATION MEETINGS for persons interested in attending the program. 
The next meeting is scheduled for:

Thursday, December 4th, 2008   
 5PM to 6PM

Hammond Hall, Room 210 

Hammond Hall is labeled as "H" on the Santa Ana College campus map.