Pharmacy Technician at IVC

IVC now offers a Pharmacy Technician Program as Certificate and Associate Degree.  Students wishing to complete either option are encouraged to meet with a counselor at IVC to make sure of the classes required.  Both options allow the student to take the State Certification exam upon completing all classes. A minimum of 240 hours of pharmacy technician classes is required to take the State certificate.  IVC's program offers 315 hours.    

The duties of a pharmacy technician include providing medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. They also perform administrative duties, such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers.  Competitive hourly wages range from $12 to $17 per hour or more pending location of employment.

The recommended courses are:

The required courses are below and should be completed in sequence:

Classes are offered by semester below:

To enroll, students register through Webstar.  An application to the program is not required.  First-time students must apply to IVC first using the IVC Student Portal at www.imperial.edu 

Costs include $26 per unit (may change), $20 for parking per semester, a $14 student health services fee plus a $1 student representation fee per semester, and $100-150 in textbooks.  A lab fee may be charged.  State certification requires a fee along with one set of electronic fingerprints.  More information on State certification and regulations for pharmacy technicians can be found on the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Pharmacy website at www.pharmacy.ca.gov; or by calling 1-916-574-7900 or clicking on the link below: http://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/applicants/apply_for_a_license.shtml#pharmacy_technician

Students can contact the IVC Health & Public Safety Division Office at 760-355-6348 for more information.