In ACC's Pharmacy Technician Program, You'll Learn to:
Support Pharmacological Services
Administer Prescription Dosages
The pharmacy field is changing. With the expansion of retail pharmacies, the emergence of new medical technologies and advances in science offering a greater number of therapeutic breakthroughs, pharmacy is an exciting field to be in.
At American Career College, our Pharmacy Technician program focuses on preparing you with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary for positions related to the manufacturing, distribution or support of pharmacy products.
Choosing the right pharmacy technician school can be difficult. At ACC, we emphasize hands-on training and real-world preparation. Train to prepare and provide prescription medications so patients can receive optimal instruction and service.
Find a Pharmacy Technician program near you. Our program is available at our three Southern California campuses located in Los Angeles, Ontario and Orange County.
PICK UP THE PACE! Want to streamline your path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician? Our accelerated Pharmacy Technician program allows you to earn your college diploma in as little as 9 months.
This program is taught in a blended format, combining online classes with only 2 days a week of in-person instruction. Weekend classes are also available at the Los Angeles and Orange County campuses.
Learn more about what's in store for you in the Pharmacy Technician diploma program. For more on pharmacy technician courses, visit the college catalog.
Course Number |
Title |
Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT1 | Pharmacy Law ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
This module provides students with an understanding of the history of pharmacy. It explores laws that govern the field, and the legal duties and responsibilities of both the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician are discussed. Effective communication techniques, proper telephone techniques, competency, and ethics are also covered. Students are introduced to various drug reference books and learn to utilize certain resources effectively. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration and side effects. Students gain familiarity with regulatory agencies and their functions including DEA, NAPB, State Boards, FDA, TJC, ASHP, and CSHP. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| PT2 | Drug Fundamentals ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
This module presents a general overview of basic chemistry skills and students learn how to use the periodic table of the elements. The atomic structure, respiratory system, chemotherapy, and the gastrointestinal system are discussed. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, pharmaceutical compounding, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| PT3 | Pharmacology ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
This module presents an introduction to basic pharmacology including the various effects of drugs and the processes involved in pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of the nervous, cardiovascular, and the urinary systems are introduced. Common pathological conditions and diseases that affect each of the systems are discussed. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| PT4 | Drug Distribution ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
In this module, students are introduced to the language of pharmacy abbreviations. Students become adept at deciphering medication orders through daily lab exercises. They learn the mathematical conversions and dosage calculations necessary to correctly process drug orders in the hospital or inpatient pharmacy setting. The Unit Dose Drug Distribution System is introduced. Students apply hands-on procedures in cassette filling, unit dose prepackaging, and pharmaceutical compounding. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| PT5 | IV Preparation ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
This module provides the students with an understanding of the procedures, skills, and techniques used in the preparation of sterile products for both hospital and home healthcare pharmacies. Students learn the calculations involved in the preparation of intravenous solutions. Students apply hands-on procedures in the preparation of sterile products using aseptic technique. Students learn how to prepare large volume solutions, intravenous piggybacks, and total parenteral nutrition. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| PT6 | Retail Pharmacy ‡ | 80 | 0 | 6.0 | |
This module provides students with an understanding of the procedures employed in the retail-pharmacy setting. Such procedures include filling prescriptions accurately, drug procurement procedures, and third-party billing requirements. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |||||
| EXT-PT | Externship § | 320 | 300 | 12.0 | |
The externship course enables students to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills learned and practiced throughout the training program. Prior to students going on an extern site, they must complete 20 hours of work site professionalism curriculum. This content builds upon the students ability to work well with others, finalize their resume, improve interviewing skills, and manage their time on their externship site. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under the supervision of College staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel and the evaluations are placed in the student’s permanent record. Pharmacy Technician students must complete their externship training to fulfill graduation requirements. | |||||
Totals |
800 | 300 | 48.0 | ||
Course Number: PT1 |
|
|---|---|
This module provides students with an understanding of the history of pharmacy. It explores laws that govern the field, and the legal duties and responsibilities of both the Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician are discussed. Effective communication techniques, proper telephone techniques, competency, and ethics are also covered. Students are introduced to various drug reference books and learn to utilize certain resources effectively. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration and side effects. Students gain familiarity with regulatory agencies and their functions including DEA, NAPB, State Boards, FDA, TJC, ASHP, and CSHP. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | Pharmacy Law ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: PT2 |
|
This module presents a general overview of basic chemistry skills and students learn how to use the periodic table of the elements. The atomic structure, respiratory system, chemotherapy, and the gastrointestinal system are discussed. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, pharmaceutical compounding, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | Drug Fundamentals ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: PT3 |
|
This module presents an introduction to basic pharmacology including the various effects of drugs and the processes involved in pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of the nervous, cardiovascular, and the urinary systems are introduced. Common pathological conditions and diseases that affect each of the systems are discussed. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | Pharmacology ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: PT4 |
|
In this module, students are introduced to the language of pharmacy abbreviations. Students become adept at deciphering medication orders through daily lab exercises. They learn the mathematical conversions and dosage calculations necessary to correctly process drug orders in the hospital or inpatient pharmacy setting. The Unit Dose Drug Distribution System is introduced. Students apply hands-on procedures in cassette filling, unit dose prepackaging, and pharmaceutical compounding. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | Drug Distribution ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: PT5 |
|
This module provides the students with an understanding of the procedures, skills, and techniques used in the preparation of sterile products for both hospital and home healthcare pharmacies. Students learn the calculations involved in the preparation of intravenous solutions. Students apply hands-on procedures in the preparation of sterile products using aseptic technique. Students learn how to prepare large volume solutions, intravenous piggybacks, and total parenteral nutrition. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | IV Preparation ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: PT6 |
|
This module provides students with an understanding of the procedures employed in the retail-pharmacy setting. Such procedures include filling prescriptions accurately, drug procurement procedures, and third-party billing requirements. Selected drugs are introduced. Students learn trade and generic names, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration, and side effects. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab. | |
| Title | Retail Pharmacy ‡ |
| Clock Hours | 80 |
| Clinical Hours | 0 |
| Quarter Credits | 6.0 |
Course Number: EXT-PT |
|
The externship course enables students to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills learned and practiced throughout the training program. Prior to students going on an extern site, they must complete 20 hours of work site professionalism curriculum. This content builds upon the students ability to work well with others, finalize their resume, improve interviewing skills, and manage their time on their externship site. Externs work under the direct supervision of qualified personnel at the externship site and under the supervision of College staff. Externs are evaluated by supervisory personnel and the evaluations are placed in the student’s permanent record. Pharmacy Technician students must complete their externship training to fulfill graduation requirements. | |
| Title | Externship § |
| Clock Hours | 320 |
| Clinical Hours | 300 |
| Quarter Credits | 12.0 |
TOTALS |
|
| Clock Hours | 800 |
| Clinical Hours | 300 |
| Quarter Credits | 48.0 |
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 48.0
The American Career College Pharmacy Technician program is designed to train you to work with licensed pharmacists, performing responsibilities such as labeling and dispensing medication, updating patient information and rotating inventory.
Upon successful completion of pharmacy technician school, graduates may pursue entry-level positions and demonstrate many of the following skills:
American Career College's dynamic Pharmacy Technician program offers a curriculum that helps prepare you for the professional world by providing training in basic computer operations, such as data input procedures used in maintaining patients' medication records.
Our admissions and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you break down the pharmacy technician school cost and help you explore financial aid options.
To learn more about ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program cost, access our tuition info.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
The goal of our Pharmacy Technician program is to help you graduate with the confidence and qualifications to begin your career as a pharmacy technician.
Looking for more information about what ACC's Pharmacy Technician training program has to offer? Our brochure has important details about the program including:
Download the brochure to explore everything that ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program has to offer and take the next step toward your future in healthcare.
Pharmacy technicians are a pharmacist’s right hand. They take care of a variety of tasks to help a pharmacy run smoothly — from dispensing medication to tracking inventory.
Here are some things you may do as a pharmacy technician:
1California Employment Development Department Detailed Guide, Pharmacy Technicians in California
If you want a hands-on healthcare career but would rather not work with blood, our Pharmacy Technician program might be a good match for you.
Here are some of the top skills and attributes that make for a great pharmacy technician:
Active listening – Pharmacy technicians need to be able to communicate with both patients and pharmacists, understanding what is being said and asking the right questions.
Reading comprehension – From prescriptions to label information, pharmacy technicians consume written information in a variety of formats and need to be able to accurately interpret and process that information.
Speaking – Pharmacy technicians work directly with patients and pharmacists and need to be able to communicate important medication information effectively.
Monitoring – Pharmacy technicians perform essential tasks to keep a pharmacy running smoothly, including monitoring and tracking inventory.
Mathematics – Pharmacy technicians measure, mix, pour and record the amount and dosages of medication.
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings, including:
1California Employment Development Department OCC Guide, Pharmacy Technicians
Our pharmacy technician curriculum is divided into learning units called class modules. Standalone core class modules for the American Career College Pharmacy Technician program include:
Pharmacy Law – In these courses, you will be introduced to the legal duties and responsibilities of both the pharmacist and pharmacy technician. You will gain familiarity with regulatory agencies and their functions, including DEA, NAPB, State Boards, FDA, JACHO, ASHP and CSHP.
Drug Fundamentals – Coursework in this class module is designed to provide you with an understanding of trade and generic names, pharmaceutical compounding, drug classifications, indications, dosages, routes of administration and side effects. You will also receive a general overview of basic chemistry skills and learn how to use the Periodic Table of the Elements.
Pharmacology – These courses provide instruction in the various effects of drugs and the processes involved in pharmacokinetics. Common pathological conditions and diseases that affect each of the systems are discussed, and hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings will be practiced daily in the pharmacy lab.
Drug Distribution – Coursework in this class module is designed to provide you with an introduction to the language of pharmacy abbreviations. As you become adept at deciphering medication orders through daily lab exercises, you will learn the mathematical conversions and dosage calculations necessary to correctly process drug orders in the hospital or inpatient pharmacy setting.
IV Preparation – This course provides you with an understanding of the procedures, skills and techniques used in the preparation of sterile products for both hospital and home healthcare pharmacies. You will learn the calculations involved in the preparation of intravenous solutions and apply hands-on procedures in the preparation of sterile products using aseptic technique.
Retail Pharmacy – These courses are designed to provide you with training in such procedures as filling prescriptions accurately, drug procurement, and third-party billing. Hands-on pharmacy procedures used in various settings are practiced daily in the pharmacy lab.
Pharmacy Technician Externship – Under the direct supervision of qualified personnel, you will be given the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills presented and practiced throughout the school's program.
For a complete description of coursework in these modules, please refer to the ACC Catalog.
Students can earn their diploma to become a Pharmacy Technician in as little as 9 months. The program features blended learning with 2 days in class and the rest online. Weekend classes are also available at the Los Angeles and Orange County campuses.
Our admissions and financial aid advisors are here to support you. They can help you break down the pharmacy technician school cost and help you explore financial aid options.
To learn more about ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program cost, access our tuition info.
Yes, financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Yes! ACC's Pharmacy Technician program includes a 320-hour, in-person externship that gives students the opportunity to demonstrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills they acquired learning hands-on throughout the training program.
A pharmacist is a licensed healthcare professional with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, responsible for interpreting prescriptions, dispensing medications and providing patient counseling.1 A pharmacy technician works under the supervision of and supports pharmacists by assisting with administrative tasks like prescription verification, medication packaging, and inventory management.2
1California Department of Huyman Resources, Pharmacist
2California Department of Human Resources, Pharmacy Technician
Our classes are modeled after real-life situations, using the same medical equipment you'll come across in your first job. That way, you're prepared to jump in on your very first day.
"I found that pharmacy technician is a calling. And it's a calling that I have in my heart to help and protect others…Coming to American Career College has been one of the proudest moments of my entire life."
- Maureen S. ‘22
Pharmacy technicians play an integral role in keeping pharmacies running smoothly and helping patients access the medications they need.
You brochure is now downloading...
Ontario Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Readers Choice Awards.
LA Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 LA Daily News Readers Choice Awards.
OC Campus: Voted Best Career College in the 2024 San Gabriel Valley Tribune Readers Choice Awards.
