Pharmacy Technician

• Admission to Modesto Junior College
• Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
• Must possess a High School Diploma or a GED Certificate
• Must possess a Social Security Number
• Pass the Pharmaceutical Calculations Math Exam
• Upon acceptance into the program students must provide clean Background Check and Drug Screening
• Upon acceptance into the program students will be required to provide proof of immunization and health clearance prior to starting externships.
• You must provide documentation with your application that you have met the reading requirement. This can be done as follows: 
  1. Previously taken the MJC Reading Accuplacer test and place at English 100 or higher, OR 
  2. Have taken MJC English 100 or higher AND passed with a grade of C or better, OR
  3. Have an AA degree or higher from a U.S. college/university OR 
  4. Take the MJC Guided Self Placement Test for English and receive a score of 4 or higher.  Please note:  You must have a current MJC student ID # (W#) and MJC email address to take this test.  If you do not have a current MJC student ID # (w#) apply and receive an MJC student ID#.  Once you have received an ID# you will need to activate your MJC email address.

The Modesto Junior College Pharmacy Technician Math Entrance Exam allows potential applicants to demonstrate fundamental math skills needed to be successful in learning pharmacy calculations throughout the program. Taking and passing the Pharmacy Technician Math Entrance Exam is required before applying to the program.
The Math Entrance Exam will require that students demonstrate proficiency in the following problem solving topics.
• Decimals (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
• Fractions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
• Converting decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals
• Logic: See example below
Example Question: A large tank contains 5,000 liters of water. How many 250-liter containers can be filled from the tank?
Steps to solve: Determine the number of smaller containers that can be filled: Divide the total volume of the large tank by the volume of one smaller container.
Determine the number of smaller containers: Number of containers=5,000 liters
250 liters per container=20 containers 
Number of containers=250 liters per container 5,000 liters=20 containers
So, 20 containers of 250 liters each can be filled from the large tank.
You can complete this step as soon as exam date(s) are available. You need to pass the exam with a 70% or higher. Perspective students are allowed one retake as many times as they can schedule (please note exam dates are limited).

Are You Ready? Once you are ready to take the Math Entrance Exam scroll down to the Math Exam Date section on this page to RSVP for the next Exam.

When taking the actual Math Entrance Exam, you will need to provide a photo ID
The exam has 30 math problems. You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam.
You may bring a calculator but not the one found on your phone or electronic device. Textbooks, dictionaries or notes are NOT allowed

RSVP for the next Math Entrance Exam as soon as possible to ensure that you can retake the test if necessary. No individual re-takes will be scheduled.

Sign up Here

Applicants must pass math entrance exam with a score of 70% or greater. 

May 28, 2025 @10am and 6 pm 
June 4, 2025 @10am and 6 pm 
June 11, 2025 @10am and 6 pm 
June 25, 2025 @10am and 6 pm

Upon closing of the application submission timeframe, the selection committee will review completed applications and grant an interview to candidates that meet program requirements and have submitted completed applications. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  The final student roster will be selected from the interviews.

PLEASE NOTE:  This training program requires that you have a clean background check and pass a drug screening to be accepted into the program. Please refer to Pre-Acceptance Agreement on application page.  Upon provisional acceptance to the Program, the MJC Pharmacy Technician Program will provide you with instructions on where to complete both the background check and drug screening.  Applicants who do not complete background check and drug screening on time will forfeit their acceptance into the program.

An estimated cost for the program (fees, textbooks, uniforms, and examination)
1st Semester Estimated Program Fees = $345.00
• Clinical Uniform – Top and pants (x2) $70.00
• Misc. Supplies binders, calculator, paper, flashcards, etc $40.00
• Cengage unlimited Access - Required textbooks (price reflects MJC Bookstore) $179.00
• Health Fee - This fee goes directly to health services and is paid each semester $26.00
• Student Center Fee - $10.00 per semester
• Student Activity Fee - $20.00 *This is optional*
2nd Semester Estimated Program Fees= $491.00
• Health Fee - This fee goes directly to health services and is paid each semester $26.00
• Student Center Fee - $10.00 per semester
• Student Activity Fee - $20.00 *This is optional*
• Health Clearance Process Charge, Drug Screen, Physical, Shots and Titers. When completed at Health Services cost will vary depending on student need and can be up to $345.00 without insurance.
o If done outside of Health Services, there is a $10 fee for processing your do
• BLS – class (approximate cost) $90.00
3rd Semester Estimated Program Fees = $740
• Health Fee - This fee goes directly to health services and is paid each semester $26.00
• Student Center Fee - $10.00 per semester
• Student Activity Fee - $20.00 *This is optional*
• Drug screening and Background check $94
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Exam - This covers the cost of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination $130.00
• Externship onboarding fees – up to $60 depending on site
• California State Board of Pharmacy License application + document fees (approximate cost) $400
Estimated Total $1,572.00
Upon successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certificate course with at least a ‘C’ grade, the student is eligible to apply for licensure as a Pharmacy Technician with the California State Board of Pharmacy. 
A Social Security number and fingerprinting are required by State certification/licensure agencies

Accepted applicants will receive a letter with information regarding

• Health Clearance
  • A medical history and physical examination completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within six months prior to program start date. The physical must state that the applicant does not have any health conditions that would create a hazard to self, employees, or patients.
  • Documentation of required immunizations.
  • A negative PPD skin test must be obtained. If a positive reaction is obtained, or has previously been obtained, a chest x-ray must be taken unless medically contraindicated.
• Background Check: all students will be participating in clinical assignments and are required by acute care hospitals to complete a background check and be cleared by the clinical facility in order to participate in the clinical experience.
• Drug Screen: All students participating in clinical assignments will be required to pass a drug screen.

Number of Exams Passed: 9
Number of Exams Administered: 10
Percentage Passed: 90%
National Average Pass Rate: 70%

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam performance listed in percentage of questions answered correctly by knowledge domain:

• Federal Requirements – MJC Average: 74 %, National Average: 70%

• Medications – MJC Average: 66 %, National Average: 62%

• Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – MJC Average: 79 %, National Average: 72%

• Order Entry and Processing – MJC Average: 78%, National Average: 69%

Please Note: These results are based on self-reported information. All data was gathered from candidates who identified MJC as their educator.

Number of Exams Passed: 10
Number of Exams Administered: 14
Percentage Passed: 71%
National Average Pass Rate: 69%

Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam performance listed in percentage of questions answered correctly by knowledge domain:

• Federal Requirements – MJC Average: 74 %, National Average: 69%

• Medications – MJC Average: 60 %, National Average: 61%

• Patient Safety and Quality Assurance – MJC Average: 69 %, National Average: 69%

• Order Entry and Processing – MJC Average: 77%, National Average: 71%

Please Note: These results are based on self-reported information. All data was gathered from candidates who identified MJC as their educator.