Pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts on drugs and their use in diagnosing, curing, preventing or easing the symptoms of disease. They advise physicians and nurses about the appropriate, safe and effective use of medications. Pharmacists must remain aware of the latest developments for the treatments of all diseases. It is vital that they understand the chemical makeup and potential side effects of the thousands of medications available. Pharmacy Technicians work under the supervision of a Pharmacist. They fill prescriptions, assist in inventory control and purchasing, prepare medications for delivery and work alongside the pharmacist making sure that prescriptions are filled accurately. 

Diverse and exciting opportunities exist for those considering a career in pharmacy. You can work in a hospital, outpatient clinic, drugstore or in pharmaceutical companies involved in research for new medications.

Education

Two career paths for a career in pharmacy are available:

Pharmacist - 2-4 years undergraduate work completing prerequisites required by the college of pharmacy followed by enrollment in a pharmacy program (taking 3-4 years) leading to a doctorate in pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician – There are a variety of programs that enable a student to become a pharmacy technician. The Board of Pharmacy for the State of California requires that a program minimally provide 240 hours of classes. Some programs exceed this limit and provide up to two years of training. Pharmacy technician programs can be found in ROP programs, private adult schools and community colleges, which range in training time from 9 months to two years. The American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists has an accreditation program that not all schools seek. In order to be accredited through this organization, the pharmacy technician program must require 640 hours for a certificate as a pharmacy technician to be granted. This accreditation is not necessary for schools for pharmacy technicians to have, but is becoming more widely recognized. (This may differ in different states)

Upon completion of the educational program a student must pass a state licensing exam to become eligible to work as a pharmacist.  Upon graduation, a pharmacy technician student must submit their school information to the California Board of Pharmacy in order to practice in the state of California. Once the Board is satisfied that the student met the requirements to become registered as a pharmacy technician in the state of California, the student can practice their chosen career.

Average Starting Salary
(in Southern California, dependent on specialty & location of practice)

     Pharmacist – $72,000 – $82,000 annually

     Pharmacy Technician – $24,000 annually

For More Information Log on to:

  American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy click on Students for career details and information on colleges of pharmacy in the US

California Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists – click on Technicians & Students

California State Board of Pharmacy

American Association of Pharmacy Technicians

Rancho Santiago College Pharmacy Technician Program

University of Southern California School of Pharmacy