Pharmacy Technician

Certificate Program

Delivered in Self-Paced Online and Hybrid On-Campus Formats 

Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies, and other healthcare settings. The high demand for pharmacy technicians is the result of a multitude of factors including the constant availability of new drugs, the national shortage of registered pharmacists, the establishment of certified pharmacy technicians, and an aging population.

This comprehensive course will prepare learners to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. Content includes pharmacy medical terminology, reading and interpreting prescriptions, defining generic and brand-name drugs, and much more. This program will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to pursue certification including the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam.

This program is presented in partnership with a third-party provider and is not taught by California State University, Long Beach faculty. The course is not offered for academic credit and is not degree-eligible.

California State University programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate.

Choose one of the programs below to get started:

The hybrid format of this program combines the online curriculum with live Zoom lectures along with in-person lab sessions. This format will follow a set schedule that can be found on the program webpage.

The self-paced online format of this program does not meet live or in person. You will be given access to the materials online, and you can complete the program at your own pace and on your own schedule.

  • Differences between retail and hospital pharmacy settings
  • Ethical conduct in all duties performed
  • Federal and state laws that govern pharmacy
  • How to interpret physician orders and prescriptions
  • Preparing and explaining the administration of medications
  • Medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations
  • Pharmacology of medications in relation to anatomy
  • Pharmaceutical calculations and inventory control
  • Effective communication with patients and medical professionals
  • Confidentiality of all patient information
  • Processing insurance billing and collect payments
  • Requirements and career options for pharmacy technicians

This program is offered in two separate delivery formats. The hybrid on-campus format has live online Zoom lectures with an instructor in real time, five in-person lab sessions that are held on campus, and asynchronous online curriculum. The self-paced online format does not meet live or in person, but a program coordinator is available to answer any questions you may have. 

Review the comparison below and select the option that best fits your schedule and learning style.

Comparison of Hybrid On-Campus and Self-Paced Online Program Formats
Hybrid On-Campus Self-Paced Online
Best For Students who want live instruction + hands-on lab experience Independent learners who need scheduling flexibility 
Schedule 50-hour set schedule in Spring, Summer & Fall semesters Open enrollment can start anytime
Location On-campus + online content Online video lessons
Support Live instructor/program coordinator, externship opportunities, laptops available 24/7 support + externship opportunities available
Lectures Live instructor-led Zoom sessions, recordings, and digital materials Asynchronous online curriculum only
Lab Sessions 5 in-person hands-on lab sessions on the CSULB campus None (no in-person meetings)
Outcome Certificate of Completion + national certification opportunity Certificate of Completion

Pharmacy Technician Program