Pharmacy Technician Schools in Temecula, CA

In California, a pharmacy technician is an integral part of any pharmacy team, whether in a retail setting, a hospital, or a long-term care facility. A pharmacy technician's job is complicated, specialized, and sometimes hectic, but it is also very personally and professionally rewarding, particularly for those who have graduated from one of the pharmacy technician schools in Temecula, CA.

However, since California is one of the states that requires pharmacy technicians to be certified by the PTCB, completing an accredited pharmacy technician training course is an essential career step.

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Pharmacy Technician Salary in Temecula, CA

Since schooling for pharmacy techs is required in California and will require a substantial financial and time commitment on the part of the student, it is critical to consider what that investment will produce in terms of salary and potential job opportunities.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage paid to a pharmacy technician in Temecula is $38,910 annually, which translates to $18.71 per hour. This was less than the state average of $43,280/$20.81 but more than the national average of $33,950/$16.32.

Salaries vary according to employer and experience level of course. According to the same figures the lowest 10% of workers earned, on average, $27,220 or less, around $13.09 an hour. For the most experienced techs however, the 90th percentile of earners, the average salary annually was $57,820 or more, or $27.80 per hour.

The job outlook for pharmacy technicians in California is also promising. The most recent BLS estimates projected growth of 13% between 2020 and 2028, but that number is now anticipated to be higher as pharmacies play an increasingly significant role in basic healthcare and COVID-19 pandemic management.

Pharmacy Technician Schools in Temecula, CA

As previously stated, California, unlike some other states, requires eligible pharmacy technicians to acquire both certification and a state license, and the PTCB - Pharmacy Technician Certification Board - is the only certification that they accept.

Students must have a high school diploma or GED, be over 18, pass drug and criminal background checks, and demonstrate they are up to date with mandatory vaccines to receive a license – or even just to take the PTCE. They now must complete a PTCB-approved training course to do that, as required by the PTCB themselves.

Several schools in Temecula, California now offer PTCB-approved pharmacy technician programs. And all each of these pharmacy technician schools has something unique to offer, learning a little more about them all will help you make a more educated decision:

Vista Adult School

? 510 Sunset Drive, Vista CA 92081 ? 760-758-7122

Vista Adult School is a vocational training center that offers a range of practically focused certificate programs to working adults and parents. It is a division of the Vista Unified School District and open only to residents of that school district. Their Pharmacy Technician Certificate is available to those who can meet state licensing requirements. Those without a high school diploma have the option to earn one prior to entrance to the pharmacy tech program. The program is offered in two six-week blocks. Much of the coursework can be completed online, but lab modules, and an outside job shadowing assignment are completed in person. At the end of the program students should have all the knowledge needed to pass the PTCE and become licensed as a pharmacy technician. The cost of the program is $175 per module, with fees to be paid upon registration.

HealthStaff Training Institute

? 27645 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 116 Temecula, CA 92590 ? (951) 694-4784

HealthStaff Training Institute is a private vocational school offering a variety of medically focused certificate programs. Their Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a 27-week offering completed as a hybrid offering, with much of the classwork completed online, but with lab classes and a 50-hour minimum externship to be completed in person. Before graduation students are also offered additional in person PTCE test prep. To be admitted to the program students must meet California licensing standards for pharmacy technicians and pass a basic English skills test set by the school. The cost of the program is set at $6,395 for California residents. Traditional financial aid is not available, but students may be able to obtain a loan from a private lender such as Sallie Mae, and the school does offer a payment program.

San Joaquin Valley College

? 27270 Madison Avenue, Suite 103, Temecula, CA 92590 ? (951) 296-6015

San Joaquin Valley College, more commonly known as SJVC, is a private college with campuses located across California, including one in Temecula. Their Pharmacy Technician Certificate program is a 9-month campus-based program available to anyone who meets the PTCB and State of California standards for pharmacy technicians. Students will receive a thorough overview of pharmacy technology as well as expert preparation for the PTCE during the course of the program. In addition, they participate in an externship at a local pharmacy to obtain real-world experience. Those who pass the PTCE can continue their education for an additional seven months to obtain an Associate Degree in Pharmacy Technology. The cost of the program varies depending on the age, residence, and income of the student. To calculate individual costs, the school recommends consulting with an admissions representative. 95 percent of enrolled students depend on federal and state financial aid to pay for their education.

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Murrieta Valley Adult School

? 24150 Hayes Ave Murrieta, CA 92562 ? (951) 696-3805

Murrieta Valley Adult School is a vocational learning institution that offers a range of career focused certificate program. Their Pharmacy Technician Certificate is offered in conjunction with Boston Reed College and is offered as a hybrid online, on-campus program to those who meet California license standards for pharmacy technicians. While the focus of the program is to help students become prepared to take and pass their PTCE certification exam, students are also given additional training in customer service and the legal responsibilities that come with the job. They are also offered the chance to complete an externship with a local employer but doing so is not a requirement for graduation. The cost of the program for CA residents is set at $1,299.00. Traditional financial aid is not available to cover these costs - which do include books and fees - but students may be able to obtain a private student loan from a lender such as Sallie Mae to finance their education.

High Desert Medical College

? 31625 De Portola Rd Temecula, CA 92592 ? (888) 633-4362

High Desert Medical College is a private vocational school focused on hands-on certificate courses in a variety of medical fields. Their Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program is a campus-based offering that can be completed in 34 weeks (about 8 months) if students attend day classes, or in 40 weeks (about 9 months) if they opt for evening classes. Entrance is limited to those who can meet California licensing requirements for pharmacy technicians. In addition to receiving a comprehensive overview of the knowledge and skills needed to pass the PTCE students participate in hands-on lab training as well as complete an externship with a local employer. The cost of the program varies according to a student's personal circumstances, income, and eligibility for state grants. The school provides a net price calculator to help determine individual costs. According to the school the vast majority of students pay for their education via traditional financial aid and state workforce grants.

References:

1. National Healthcare Association: Pharmacy Technician https://www.nhanow.com/certifications/pharmacy-technician

2. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2019-2029 employment projections. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

3. California State Board of Pharmacy: https://www.pharmacy.ca.gov/

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