Pharmacy Technician

The program concentrates on American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) advanced-level standards and prepares students for practice as Advanced-level pharmacy technicians in a broad range of advanced roles in a variety of settings (e.g., outpatient, hospital, home care, long-term care etc.) and has students acquire additional knowledge, skills, behaviors, and abilities necessary for such advanced practice. The Pharmacy Technician program provides a combination of classroom, online and work experience hours. The unique nature of our program allows students to learn in state-of-the-art hands-on labs, then use experiential learning as they work in a variety of practice settings. Upon successful completion of the entire Advanced-level Pharmacy Technician program students will be eligible for licensure as a Pharmacy Technician by the California State Board of Pharmacy. In addition, students will be prepared to take and pass the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Interest List

Please complete the Pharmacy Technician Program Interest List Form to receive an invitation for the orientation and learn more about the application process for our Fall 2025 Program

Program Overview in the 2025-2026 Catalog

Pharmacy tech students work in the lab.

Career Opportunities

Advanced pharmacy technicians have access to a range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings. These include hospitals, retail pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and specialized clinics. With the growing demand for healthcare services, advanced pharmacy technicians often take on expanded roles, such as managing inventory, assisting in compounding medications, and supporting pharmacists in clinical tasks. This makes the profession both dynamic and rewarding.

Pharmacy technicians earn competitive rates. The average hourly wage for pharmacy technicians in the Central Valley is approximately $24.90, which is about 25% above the national average. Advanced roles and national certifications can lead to even higher earnings, with some positions offering over $28 per hour to start. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also play a significant role in determining pay.

The career outlook for advanced pharmacy technicians is promising, with opportunities for growth and specialization. Employers in the region, such as hospitals and healthcare systems, often seek technicians with advanced skills to support their operations. Working in the healthcare systems most employers also offer great benefits packages.

Requrements

Program Eligibility
- Admission to Modesto Junior College
- Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
- Must possess a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
- Must possess a Social Security Number
- Pass the Pharmaceutical Calculations Math Exam
- Meet the Reading Requirement
- Upon acceptance into the program students must provide clean Background Check and Drug Screening
- Upon acceptance into the program students will be required to provide proof of immunization and health clearance prior to starting externships.
Program Requirements
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
- Must possess a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
- Must possess a Social Security Number
- Pass the Pharmaceutical Calculations Math Exam
- Meet the Reading Requirement
- Have a clean Background Check and Drug Screening
- Students will be required to provide proof of immunization and health clearance prior to starting externships.
Additional Requirements for Accepted Applicants Only
Accepted applicants will receive a letter with information regarding
- Health Clearance
  - A medical history and physical examination completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within six months prior to program start date. The physical must state that the applicant does not have any health conditions that would create a hazard to self, employees, or patients.
  - Documentation of required immunizations.
  - A negative PPD skin test must be obtained. If a positive reaction is obtained, or has previously been obtained, a chest x-ray must be taken unless medically contraindicated.
- Background Check: all students will be participating in clinical assignments and are required by acute care hospitals to complete a background check and be cleared by the clinical facility in order to participate in the clinical experience.
- Drug Screen: All students participating in clinical assignments will be required to pass a drug screen.

State licensing and National Certification

Licensure with the California State Board of Pharmacy is required to work as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of California. Completion of our ASHP Advanced Level Pharmacy Technician Program satisfies the California Board of Pharmacy requirements as outlined by Business and Professions Code section 4202.
Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board demonstrates advanced level knowledge and is widely recognized across the United States. With the CPhT credential, technicians demonstrate their knowledge and commitment in medication safety and effective patient care across pharmacy settings. Employers prefer, and some require, their pharmacy technicians to be PTCB certified.

Accreditation

The Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) is a collaboration between ASHP and ACPE and serves both boards of directors as the accrediting review committee for pharmacy technician education and training programs. Since 1982, ASHP has served the role of accreditor of such programs and was advised through the work of its Commission on Credentialing. The need for standardized, quality, accredited training of technicians continues to be recognized by employers and pharmacists in all pharmacy settings. The ASHP and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) are the only collaboration that is nationally recognized and non-governmental that accredits pharmacy education and training programs in the United States.

Our Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is recognized and accredited by ASHP as an Advanced-Level program, going above and beyond the standard training requirements.

Modesto Junior College's Pharmacy Technician Program is an ASHP Advanced-Level accredited program that utilizes PioneerRx, the top pharmacy software, to provide students with a hands-on experience with pharmacy processes and workflow utilizing today's most innovative pharmacy technology! Learn more about PioneerRx.

Pass Rate Summary Report

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Educator Pass Rate Summary Report for Yosemite Community College District – Modesto Junior College (MJC)

For Pharmacy Technician Certification Exams administered between 5/3/2021 and 7/3/2022
Number of Exams Passed: 9
Number of Exams Administered: 10
Percentage Passed: 90%
National Average Pass Rate: 70%

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam performance listed in percentage of questions answered correctly by knowledge domain:
- Federal Requirements – MJC Average: 74 %, National Average: 70%
- Medications – MJC Average: 66 %, National Average: 62%
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – MJC Average: 79 %, National Average: 72%
- Order Entry and Processing – MJC Average: 78%, National Average: 69%
Please Note: These results are based on self-reported information. All data was gathered from candidates who identified MJC as their educator.
For Pharmacy Technician Certification Exams administered between 1/6/2023 and 12/5/2023
Number of Exams Passed: 10
Number of Exams Administered: 14
Percentage Passed: 71%
National Average Pass Rate: 69%

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam performance listed in percentage of questions answered correctly by knowledge domain:
- Federal Requirements – MJC Average: 74 %, National Average: 69%
- Medications – MJC Average: 60 %, National Average: 61%
- Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – MJC Average: 69 %, National Average: 69%
- Order Entry and Processing – MJC Average: 77%, National Average: 71%
Please Note: These results are based on self-reported information. All data was gathered from candidates who identified MJC as their educator.