Welcome to Montebello Community Adult School
Enrollment starts August 3rd
Fall Cohorts begin August 17th
Pharmacy Technician Program
Dates
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Cohorts will start August 17, 2026
Carefully review the Pharmacy Technician Program Guide (link). The guide provides important information about program expectations, admission requirements, costs, and student responsibilities to help you make an informed decision before enrolling.
Pharmacy Technician
Note: All pharmacy technician classes are blended. Attendance is required for all scheduled class sessions.
Program Overview
The Pharmacy Technician Training Program is a 410-hour noncredit certificate designed to prepare students for entry level employment in a range of pharmacy settings. The program combines classroom instruction, simulation based learning, and supervised clinical experience to develop technical skills, professional conduct, and regulatory awareness.
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All instruction is aligned with the scope of pharmacy technician practice. Students build competence in medication handling, workflow processes, and safety standards while learning to function effectively within a healthcare team. A required externship provides structured, real-world experience under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
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Externship participation requires successful completion of coursework and site-specific clearance requirements to ensure student readiness and compliance with clinical partner expectations.
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Graduates are prepared to support safe and efficient pharmacy operations across multiple practice environments. Upon completion, students meet the educational requirements for state registration and may pursue national certification.
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Before enrolling, we strongly encourage you to attend an Information Session or carefully review the Pharmacy Technician Program Guide (below). These resources provide important information about program expectations, admission requirements, costs, and student responsibilities to help you make an informed decision before enrolling.
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After reviewing the Program Guide, please complete the Pharmacy Technician Program Application using the application link provided in the guide. Students who submit a completed application will receive instructions for registering for the mandatory in-person orientation.
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Program Details
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Class Fee:
At this time, Montebello Adult School does not charge tuition or registration fees for the Pharmacy Technician Program.
Students should plan to pay approximately $450 for required textbooks, immunizations, background screening, drug testing, and other clinical externship onboarding requirements. Actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances and the requirements of the assigned clinical site.
Pharmacy Technician Program Estimated Student Costs
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Required book: PENDING
Additional books may be required by instructor
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Location:
The classes will be delivered in a blended learning format using Canvas and Google Meet.
Labs will be held in person at:
MCAS @ BGI
(Formally known as Montebello Adult Center Technical Institute)
5840 E. Florence Avenue
Bell Gardens, CA 90201
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Before enrolling, we strongly encourage you to attend an Information Session or carefully review the Pharmacy Technician Program Guide. These resources provide important information about program expectations, admission requirements, costs, and student responsibilities to help you make an informed decision before enrolling.
​
After reviewing the Program Guide, please complete the Pharmacy Technician Program Application using the application link provided in the guide. Students who submit a completed application will receive instructions for registering for the mandatory in-person orientation.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
1 / How long is the program?
The Pharmacy Technician Program is 20 weeks long and includes approximately 410 hours of classroom instruction, laboratory training, and clinical experience.
2 / Are the classes online or in-person?
The program is offered in a hybrid format that combines asynchronous online coursework, live synchronous online instruction, and required in-person classes. Students complete online coursework through Canvas, participate in live online instruction using Google Meet, and attend in-person classes Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Students also complete a required hands-on clinical externship at an affiliated pharmacy. Externship schedules and hours vary depending on the assigned clinical site.
3 / Do I need to take all courses to complete the program?
Yes. Students must successfully complete all required courses, laboratory courses, and the clinical externship to earn the Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion.
4 / Are there prerequisites?
No. There are no course prerequisites. However, applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to be eligible for the program. Please refer to the Pharmacy Technician Program Guide for complete admission requirements.
5 / What technology do I need?
Students should have access to:
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A reliable computer or laptop (recommended)
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High-speed internet access
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A webcam and microphone
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email account
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Access to Canvas and Google Meet
Students should also be comfortable using email, accessing online course materials, uploading assignments, and participating in live online meetings. If you need to improve your computer skills, Montebello Adult School offers computer courses to help students develop the technology skills needed for success in the program.
6 / When are classes held?
Required in-person classes are held Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students should also plan time outside of class to complete online coursework, assignments, and studying. Clinical externship schedules vary depending on the assigned pharmacy site.
7 / Will I complete an externship?
Yes. The program includes approximately 130 hours of supervised clinical experience in an affiliated pharmacy. Students gain hands-on experience applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and laboratory. Clinical externship schedules and hours vary depending on the assigned pharmacy site and may include Fridays, depending on the site's operating schedule.
8 / Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Students receive a certificate of completion for each successfully completed course. Upon successful completion of all required coursework, laboratory training, and the clinical externship, students are awarded the Pharmacy Technician Certificate of Completion.
9 / Can I become a licensed pharmacy technician after completing the program?
Graduates who successfully complete the program may be eligible to apply for California pharmacy technician registration and to sit for the national pharmacy technician certification examination, provided they meet all applicable state and national eligibility requirements.