Pharmacy Technician
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. When is the next Pharmacy Tech course?
The next Pharmacy Tech course is August 2025
2. How long is the course?
The course is a semester long during the day time and a year during the evening.
3. Is the Pharmacy Tech program full-time or part-time?
Day time is full-time and Evening is part-time
4. What are the pre-requisites for the class?
Enrollment in the course requires a 10.0 reading and 8.0 math level.
5. Do I have to be 18 years old to enroll?
Yes, students must be 18 years of age to participate in the Pharmacy Tech program.
6. Must I be of legal status to participate in the Pharmacy Tech program?
While NVOC does not require its students to confirm their legal status,
for the purpose of clinical rotations and employment after the training, students
must provide proof of a valid social security or right to work documentation.
7. Does this career require a drug test and background check?
Yes, at NVOC drug testing and background screenings are required.
8. Do I have to be COVID-19 vaccinated?
Yes, you will need to have your immunizations up to date, including COVID-19 vaccine and booster.
Brief Description of Pharmacy Tech
This comprehensive program prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as pharmacy technicians in retail or other pharmacy settings.
The program curriculum combines theory and practical experience in the knowledge areas critical to the pharmacy practice including dosage calculations,
laws and regulations, medication safety, quality assurance, order entry and fill process, inventory management, and patient care.
The pharmacy technician program curriculum is aligned with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the California State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) requirements for pharmacy technician training.
The program aims to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
Process to enroll student into the Pharmacy Tech program
• After discussing the program with the student, schedule student for CTE STEP Orientation
• Pre-requisite enrollment requires a 10.0 Reading and 8.0 Math Grade level
• Enter CASAS scores into DACESIS
• Review Assessment Results with student in-person (CASAS goals scores)
• Email follow-up: send a confirmation email summarizing the assessment results
• If student met the required reading level, enter students' contact information on CTE Priority list
• If student did not meet the required reading level, encourage the student to take the reading class
• Send reminder one month before class starts
• Confirm student's interest in the program and invite to Orientation meeting on Zoom
• Register student for class and send to bookstore to pay class fees
Approximate Cost of Pharmacy Tech Program
Programs are tution-free, students will be responsible for buying materials