Pharmacy Technology
Come with a dream, leave with a future. Earn a Pharmacy Technology certificate or degree and prepare for a vital healthcare role assisting pharmacists and supporting quality patient care.
Become a Pharmacy Technician
Looking for a meaningful career in healthcare? With a Pharmacy Technology certificate or degree from San Bernardino Valley College, you can step into a vital role assisting pharmacists and delivering quality patient care.
Our program combines hands-on training, industry-relevant practice, and a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you for success.
Download Program Brochure (PDF)Pharmacy Technician Profession
Pharmacy Technicians are key members of the healthcare team, assisting licensed pharmacists and helping ensure medications are prepared safely and accurately. They count, measure and mix medications, label and package prescriptions, manage inventory, and perform other essential responsibilities. They cannot verify prescriptions, counsel patients, or make clinical decisions.
Pharmacy Technicians work in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacy settings. The role is active and may involve standing, bending, and light lifting.
The field offers steady employment demand and a median California hourly wage of $23.47*, with opportunities for higher earnings through specialty training and leadership roles.
*From COE, 2025
Career Preparation
Licensure Qualification
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for a Pharmacy Technician License through the California State Board of Pharmacy.*
*Subject to meeting all state licensure requirements.
Certification Eligibility
Throughout the program, students are prepared to sit for the national certification exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), earning a respected industry credential valued by employers.
PharmTech to PharmD Pathway
Design your associate degree to meet pharmacy school requirements and move confidently toward your PharmD through partnerships with affiliated pharmacy schools.
Program Courses
First Semester*
- PHT060 - Pharmacy Systems I (3 units)**
- PHT062 - Pharmacology I (3 units)
- PHT064 - Pharmacy Calculations (3 units)
*No prerequisites for First Semester courses.
**Students are required to attend an Orientation Session for petition clearance to
enroll in PHT 060. See Program website for additional details.
Second Semester*
- PHT070 - Pharmacy Systems II (3 units)
- PHT071 - Pharmacology II (3 units)
- PHT072 - Clinical Externship (3 units)**
- PHT074 - Pharmacy Seminar (2 units)
*Complete the first semester with a grade of C or better, then contact Program Director
for second semester enrollment steps and petition clearance for PHT 072 and PHT 074.
**Additional clearance documentation is required.
Projected Expenses
Certificate of Achievement
- Tuition and other fees: $1,200+
- e-Books: $400
- Uniform: $100+
- Externship fees: $250+
- State licensing fees: $280+
- Certification exam: $130+
Total estimated program costs: $2,400. Costs are subject to change at any time. Financial aid may be available.
Contact Us
Next Steps
- Start Here: Visit our website for upcoming Program Overview Virtual Sessions.
- Enroll as a student at SBVC: Apply and complete the enrollment steps.
- Choose Your Path: Select a Certificate or Degree option and plan a flexible course sequence.
- Meet With a Counselor: Get additional guidance if pursuing the Pharmacy School pathway.
- Register for Classes: Attend an orientation session and begin your Pharmacy Technician training.
