School and Ranking Information
Most of the schools around San Jose, CA, that provide pharmacy technician studies are for-profit institutions. Based on school distinctions, school type and student population, the following college is considered a top school for aspiring pharmacy technicians in the San Jose, CA, area:
- Winner: Foothill College is located about 11 miles northwest of San Jose in Los Altos Hills. It is the only public college within 25 miles of San Jose with pharmacy technician programs. The school awards both a certificate and associate's degree in this field of study.
School Info Chart
| Category | Foothill College |
|---|---|
| Distinction | First community college in California to offer online classes* |
| Location | Los Altos Hills, California |
| School Type | 2-year, public |
| Tuition & Fees (2013-2014) | Undergrad: $1,536 (in-state); $8,016 (out-of-state)** |
| Pharmacy Technician Levels Offered | Certificate and associate's degree |
| Pharmacy Technician Certificates and Degrees Awarded in 2012-2013 | 18** |
| Most Popular Pharmacy Technician Level in 2012-2013 | Associate's degree (11 awarded)** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2010 Entering Class | 62%** |
| Noteworthy | Pharmacy technician program accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and recognized by the California State Board of Pharmacy |
Sources: *Foothill College; **NCES College Navigator
Foothill College
- Dedicated pharmacy technician classrooms and labs
- Clinical internships at hospital and retail pharmacies
- Programs prepare students to sit for the California State Board of Pharmacy exam
Home to more than 14,000 students, Foothill College is a 2-year community college that sits on 122 acres. It offers more than 105 certificate and 75 associate's degree programs. Foothill College also offers more than 500 online courses. The school's pharmacy technician programs are offered through the Biological and Health Sciences Division, and classes are held at the Middlefield Campus in nearby Palo Alto. Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, including biology and algebra coursework, is required for admission.
Foothill College's Pharmacy Technician Certificate program lasts nine months, with instruction beginning only in the fall semester. Students learn how to calculate drug dosages, maintain aseptic conditions and dispense medications. They also study pharmacology, as well as learn about inpatient and ambulatory settings. Like the certificate program, the 2-year Associate in Science program prepares students to become registered pharmacy technicians. All the core coursework for the pharmacy technician certificate program is also included in the associate's degree program; students gain skills in compounding and dispensing medications, preparing intravenous equipment aseptically and calculating dosages, as well as take courses in pharmacology, home healthcare supplies and IV preparations. Associate's degree candidates complete additionally general education courses.
