College of the Canyons Launches Pharmacy Technology Program
Santa Clarita, CA — The College of the Canyons (COC) is set to launch its inaugural Pharmacy Technology program in Fall 2025, with applications for its first 18-student cohort open until June 30. This program is designed to prepare students for various entry-level pharmacy technician positions, including roles in hospital, retail, veterinary, and specialty pharmacies.
Participants will learn essential skills and knowledge in pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, and both sterile and non-sterile compounding through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a simulation lab. “This program was created in response to the need for certified pharmacy technicians in our community,” stated Dr. Thea Sweo Alvarado, interim assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction at COC. As part of the curriculum, students will also complete a required externship to ensure they are job-ready upon program completion.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for pharmacy technicians is projected to grow by seven percent from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. Graduates of the two-semester program will be eligible to apply for a California Pharmacy Technician license and sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to obtain certification.
Key courses include “Introduction to Pharmacy Technology,” “Pharmacy Calculations,” “Pharmacology and Therapeutics,” and specialized labs focusing on both retail and institutional pharmacy practices. The program aims to achieve national accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
An information session will be held on June 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom for potential applicants. Interested individuals must register by noon on the same day. For more information on the program, visit the COC Pharmacy Technology webpage or email PharmTech@canyons.edu.
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