Pharmacy Technology

Carrington’s Pharmacy Technology program provides both theory and practical training, which enables technicians, upon licensure*, to function as a competent entry-level assistant to a licensed pharmacist. 

Our pharmacy technician programs offer courses that cover topics including knowledge of pharmacy calculations, drug distribution systems, characteristics of drugs, and how to prepare sterile dosage forms.

The online degree program, which is only offered to graduates of the Certificate of Achievement program within the State of California, 

 includes a broad base of general education course offerings focusing on:

• Computer literacy
• English writing and composition
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social sciences

*States vary in terms of certification, licensure and scope of practice for pharmacy technicians. Generally, students must register with their state’s Board to become a pharmacy technician in-training. Timeframes for completion vary by state, but all states require that pharmacy technicians attain licensure.

Graduates of the Spokane pharmacy technician school program are approved to practice in the State of Washington.

Pharmacy technicians receive and fill prescriptions under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. Duties related to the daily operation of the pharmacy are often parts of the job, such as answering phones, creating prescription labels, maintaining patient profiles and prescription histories, completing cash register transactions, preparing insurance claim forms and inventory tasks. 

Upon completion of the Pharmacy Technology program, graduates will be able to: 

• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to function as a competent entry-level assistant to a licensed pharmacist  
• Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and professionalism

Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology certificate program is available at 13 campuses in 6 states. To learn more about each location, explore their campus pages.

Albuquerque, NM

Boise, ID

Citrus Heights, CA

Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

Pleasant Hill, CA

Portland, OR

Sacramento, CA

San Jose, CA

San Leandro, CA

Spokane, WA

Stockton, CA

Tucson, AZ

We know college is a big step. But education can be the first step in building a better future. Your instructors, administrators and fellow students are there to help if you ever hit a bump in the road along the way. Carrington College offers a lot of great student support services designed to help you succeed.

Student Finance

From scholarships and grants to loans, we will help you understand how to search and apply for financial aid for our pharmacy technician school.¹

Tutoring and Study Groups

For help with schoolwork, your instructors and Student Success Center staff are often available for tutoring or you can join in an open student study group.

Fixed Tuition Promise

How would you like to know what you’re going to pay, right from the beginning? We promise your tuition won’t change through the length of your program. It’s our commitment to you.²

Externships, Clinical Rotations and Fieldwork

Most programs include an opportunity to learn in the real world before you even graduate! You’ll earn impressive experience that looks great on your resume.

Career Services

After graduation, we’ll help you with your career search with everything from resume writing help to job search support to interview tips.

Pharmacy technicians fill prescription medications and dispense it to customers or health professionals. Between 2019 and 2029 employment for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 4% nationally, as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.³

The national media salary for a pharmacy technician was $35,100 per year or $16.87 per hour in May 2019.³ For detailed regional information please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292052.htm#st.

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies in grocery stores or hospitals. Most work full time, while others work part time to help fill in for holidays and busy seasons.

Your Prescription for Success is at Carrington College.

Education is a major investment, but it’s an investment in your future. Every student comes to Carrington with unique financial needs. Carrington College is committed to helping you achieve your education goals by offering financial aid for our pharmacy technician programs. We participate in most financial assistance programs, both federal and state, as well as private financing. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Student loans, grants, and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog. 

The best way for us to understand your financial needs is to meet in person. Call (602) 492-1086 to set an appointment with our Student Finance Department so we can help you develop your personalized financial plan to achieve your educational goals.

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC/WASC), 10 Commercial Blvd., Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, 415 506 0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the US Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

The Spokane campus Pharmacy Technology program is approved by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507 – 1099, 360 236 4700, hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.

For comprehensive information on Carrington’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation.