Frequently asked questions
Does this program meet the requirements for me to become registered with the state?
Yes. The California Board of Pharmacy requires pharmacy technician candidates to have a minimum of 240 hours of formal instruction from a training program. The Downey Adult School Pharmacy Technician program is composed of a 500 hours of classroom instruction and 200 hours of on-site externship, totaling to 700 hours of required hours for students to complete.
Does this program meet the requirements for me to become nationally certified?
Yes. As of present, the minimum requirement for all candidates testing for national certification is a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, national certification (CPhT) is not required in the state of California but preferred by most employers. The Downey Adult School Pharmacy Technician Program curriculum is aligned with all nine (9) areas of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). We highly encourage all students to acquire their national certification for a wider array of employment opportunities and viability in the field. For more information about national certification, please refer to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website, www.ptcb.org.