# Pharmacy Technology Advanced Option (Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted))

Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Pharmacy Technology

Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34297/34898/36145/34943/35865

Program Code: SAC.PHARA.CA

Program Control Number: 21789

The Pharmacy Technology Advanced Certificate Option includes the full-spectrum training required for employment in all pharmacy practice settings. Upon completion of the Advanced Certificate, graduates will meet the academic training requirements for licensing with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Graduates will also be well prepared for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam.

The major course requirements for the Advanced Certificate consists of the same 20.0 units of coursework listed in the Basic Certificate option, including the one unit outpatient externship rotation. In addition to completing two additional academic courses (PHAR 057 and PHAR 060), students choosing the Advanced Certificate option must perform 200 additional hours (3 additional units) of externship, involving rotations in inpatient and sterile products pharmacy services. Students will be placed in the hospital and/or home infusion setting to complete these rotations. Background checks, health screenings, and/or drug testing will be required prior to lab classes. Any required investigations are done at the student’s expense. Students are expected to understand and agree to abide by the Program Guidelines, which include technician standards and essential functions for pharmacy technicians.

The Advanced Certificate option is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Students must complete each required course with a grade of “C” or better (0.5 unit of PHAR 060L or other L-series lab classes and externship with a grade of “P”) to qualify for the Advanced Certificate.

All courses are required to be completed within a 3-year period to be eligible for Pharmacy Technology program enrollment and certificate/degree.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Develop a polished resume for Pharmacy Technician job interviews, highlighting your advanced technical skills.
2.  Apply and complete Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam successfully.
3.  Apply for the California Board of Pharmacy application for licensing as a Pharmacy Technician in a timely manner.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Courses:** | | 24-30 |
| PHAR 048 | Introduction to Pharmacy Technology | 2 |
| PHAR 055 | Pharmacy Calculations | 2 |
| PHAR 051 | Body Systems I | 3.5 |
| PHAR 052 | Body Systems II | 3.5 |
| PHAR 056 | Pharmacy Operations | 4.5 |
| PHAR 057 | Inpatient Pharmacy Services | 2 |
| PHAR 060 | Sterile Products | 4.5 |
| PHAR 056L | Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab | 0.5-1 |
| or PHAR 057L | Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab | 0.5-1 |
| or PHAR 060L | Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab | 0.5-1 |
| PHAR 072L-1 | Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab | 0.5-1 |
| or PHAR 072L-2 | Pharmacy Technology Skills Lab | 0.5-1 |
| PHAR 072A | Pharmacy Technology Externship Outpatient | 0.5-2 |
| PHAR 072B | Pharmacy Technology Externship Inpatient | 0.5-1.5 |
| PHAR 072C | Pharmacy Technology Externship Sterile Products | 0.5-1.5 |
| **Recommended electives** | | 0 |
| BA 115 | Computer Keyboarding Speed and Accuracy Development | 0.5 |
| BIOL 149 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| CHEM 109 | Chemistry in the Community | 4 |
| CMPR 100 | The Computer and Society | 3 |
| **Total** | | **24-30** |