The College of the Canyons (COC) is gearing up to launch its inaugural Pharmacy Technology program, which has opened its application period for a limited cohort of just 18 students, ending on June 30. This program will officially commence in the fall of 2025 and aims to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for entry-level pharmacy technician roles. The importance of certified pharmacy technicians in today’s healthcare landscape cannot be overstated, and this program seeks to fill that critical need within the community.
The Pharmacy Technology program is tailored to prepare students for diverse settings—ranging from inpatient and outpatient hospital pharmacies to retail, compounding, veterinary, and specialty pharmacies. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a simulation lab, participants will engage deeply with pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and both sterile and non-sterile compounding techniques.
Dr. Thea Sweo Alvarado, the interim assistant superintendent and vice president of instruction at COC, emphasizes the program’s responsiveness to community demands. “This program was created in response to the need for certified pharmacy technicians in our community,” she noted. Furthermore, part of the curriculum includes a required externship, allowing students to gain real-world experience—ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.
Looking beyond local dynamics, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shares an optimistic forecast regarding the employment landscape for pharmacy technicians, predicting a robust seven percent growth in job opportunities from 2023 to 2033. This statistic is particularly encouraging for prospective students considering a career in pharmacy, reinforcing the job security associated with this profession.
Completing the two-semester Pharmacy Technology program will open several doors for students. They will be eligible to apply for a California Pharmacy Technician license and can sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to earn the prestigious Certified Pharmacy Technician credential. These qualifications will provide graduates with a competitive edge in a tightening job market.
The curriculum is designed to comprehensively cover essential topics. Students will delve into various courses, including:
- Introduction to Pharmacy Technology: This course offers an overview of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians in various settings.
- Pharmacy Calculations: Mathematical skills are paramount for accurately preparing and dispensing medications, which this course will rigorously cover.
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Pharmacy Technicians: A detailed examination of drugs and their effects on the human body will equip students with fundamental pharmaceutical knowledge.
- Community Pharmacy Operations: This course will guide students in understanding the operational aspects of retail pharmacy practice.
- Community Pharmacy Lab: Students will gain hands-on experience in a simulated retail pharmacy setting.
- Institutional Pharmacy Practice: Here, students will explore the dynamics of pharmacy operations within hospitals and other institutional environments.
- Institutional Pharmacy and Sterile Compounding Lab: This advanced course focuses on preparing sterile medication forms, emphasizing adherence to safety standards.
- Pharmacy Clinical Experience I: This practical experience will allow students to apply their learned skills under professional supervision, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.
Additionally, the Pharmacy Technology program aims to attain national accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. This accreditation will further validate the program’s commitment to high educational standards and the preparation of competent pharmacy technicians.
For those intrigued by the program, COC will host an informative Zoom session where interested applicants can learn more. Scheduled for June 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., attendees must register by noon on that day to receive Zoom credentials. This session presents an invaluable opportunity for prospective students to gather critical information and have their questions answered.
The pharmacy field is evolving rapidly, necessitating well-trained professionals who can effectively support healthcare environments. Through its Pharmacy Technology program, COC is committed to producing skilled pharmacy technicians ready to meet these challenges.
For additional information about the COC Pharmacy Technology program, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the program’s webpage or reach out via email at PharmTech@canyons.edu.
In conclusion, the College of the Canyons is taking a significant step to address the growing demand for pharmacy technicians within its community. By preparing students for real-world challenges and certifying their competence, COC is positioning its graduates for success in a vital sector of healthcare. With an eye toward the future and a commitment to excellence, the Pharmacy Technology program is poised to be a cornerstone of local health services—highlighting the importance of education in shaping skilled professionals who will contribute meaningfully to their communities.
