Pharmacy Career Training You Can Complete in 9 Months
Are you considering a career in the pharmacy field? Training to become a pharmacy technician can be a great first step into the healthcare field. One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?
Here's the quick answer: You can complete your pharmacy technician training program in as little as 9 months at American Career College (ACC). However, making the right program choice involves understanding various training options, certification requirements, and which credentials employers value most.
This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your pharmacy tech education.
Why Training Duration Matters
The length of your pharmacy technician program affects:
- How quickly you can enter the workforce
- The depth of skills you'll develop
- Your readiness for certification exams and state licensure
- Your competitiveness in the job market
ACC's streamlined 9-month Pharmacy Technician diploma program is specifically designed to help you jump-start your career while meeting all necessary state and national requirements.
Your Pharmacy Technician Education Options
ACC's Diploma Program
Duration: 9 months
Our blended-format program offers:
- Online learning combined with in-person instruction just two days per week
- Weekend class options
- 800 total clock hours, including 300+ hours of clinical externship
- Preparation for nationally recognized certification exams
- Available at three convenient campus locations: Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County
Alternative Education Paths
Online Self-Paced Programs
- Duration: 4 months to 1 year
- Benefits: Maximum flexibility, learn at your own pace
- Limitations: May lack hands-on training, might not satisfy California state requirements
Associate Degree Programs
- Duration: 2 years
- Benefits: More comprehensive academic foundation, potential advancement opportunities
- Offered primarily through community colleges
- Includes general education alongside pharmacy-specific training
Factors That Influence Program Length
Several variables can affect your overall training timeline:
- Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
- In-person, online, or hybrid learning formats
- Required externship or clinical hours
- Program accreditation standards
- Your state's licensing regulations
Your Path to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician: Timeline
| Step | Estimated Time |
| Complete high school diploma or GED | Prerequisite |
| Complete ACC's Pharmacy Technician program | Approximately 9 months |
| Prepare for certification exam (PTCE or ExCPT) | 1–4 weeks |
| Take exam and receive results | 2–3 weeks |
| Apply to California State Board of Pharmacy | 2–4 weeks |
What You'll Master in ACC's Program
Our hands-on curriculum includes 800 total clock hours with 300 hours of real-world externship experience. You'll train with actual pharmacy equipment and practice realistic scenarios to build professional confidence.
Core curriculum areas in our pharmacy technician training program include:
- Pharmacy Law and Regulations
- Pharmacology and Drug Fundamentals
- Drug Distribution Systems
- Retail and Inpatient Pharmacy Operations
- IV Medication Preparation
- Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
Are Ultra-Fast Programs Worth Considering?
While some programs advertise completion in 6-10 weeks, these accelerated options may not meet California's rigorous requirements for pharmacy technician education. The California State Board of Pharmacy mandates specific training standards, including externship hours and certification eligibility.
ACC's 9-month program strikes the optimal balance providing a streamlined education without sacrificing the quality and depth that employers expect.
Certification and Licensure Requirements
To practice as a pharmacy technician in California, you must:
- Complete a training program (like ACC's)
- Pass one of these national certification exams:
- PTCE (Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination)
- ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians)
- Register with the California State Board of Pharmacy.
The Critical Importance of Accreditation
ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), validating that our programs meet or exceed acceptable standards of educational quality.
Career Outlook and ROI
Completing your training in 9 months offers significant advantages:
- Enter the workforce more quickly
- Begin building professional experience sooner
- Start earning while continuing your professional development
Pharmacy technicians are in need across diverse settings1:
- Retail and community pharmacies
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Mail-order pharmacy operations
- Long-term care facilities
- Specialty pharmacies
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for qualified students. ACC's dedicated financial aid team can guide you through all available options to make your education accessible.
Ready to Begin Your Pharmacy Technician Career?
If you're eager to enter healthcare with a focused, practical education designed around industry expectations, ACC's 9-month pharmacy technician training program could be your ideal path forward.
Program Highlights:
- Graduate in approximately 9 months
- Flexible blended learning format (on campus just two days weekly)
- Over 300 hours of hands-on clinical experience
Your Next Steps
Visit our Pharmacy Technician program page to learn more, request additional information, or schedule a campus tour. Whether you're ready to apply now or still exploring options, our admissions team is here to support your career journey.
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Pharmacy Technicians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed May 19, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm.
