The El Monte-Rosemead Adult School (EMRAS) Pharmacy Technician program was in the spotlight at this week’s El Monte Union High School District board meeting. Assistant Principal Oscar Gomez and instructor Teresa Aitchison presented a report on the program’s success, joined by three students—Matthew Santiago, Maria Del Carmen Perez and Susanti K. Lie—who shared how the training has opened doors to future careers in healthcare.
Preparing students for in-demand careers
The Pharmacy Technician program is part of EMRAS’s Career Technical Education Medical Occupations pathway. Designed to provide both classroom and hands-on training, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills to support pharmacists in preparing prescription medications, managing inventory, and assisting patients.
Students progress through a structured career sequence that includes courses such as Pharmacy Principles, Pharmacy Math, Pharmacology, CPR, and a Pharmacy Lab. The program also includes a Pharmacy Technician externship, providing direct experience in workplace settings. According to school officials, the sequence is completed in 28 weeks, totaling 679 hours of instruction.
Upon completion, students are prepared to take the ExCPT national certification exam, which is required to become a licensed pharmacy technician in California. A high school diploma or equivalent is necessary to sit for the exam.
Student voices at the board meeting
During the presentation, Santiago, Perez, and Lie each described their positive experiences at EMRAS. They noted that the program has not only taught them technical skills but also built confidence and introduced them to career opportunities they had not previously considered. Their testimonials underscored the school’s mission of helping adult learners advance professionally while contributing to the community’s healthcare needs.
Admissions and prerequisites
Enrollment in the Pharmacy Technician cohort requires students to complete several prerequisite courses, including Computer Literacy, Medical Terminology, and Introduction to the Human Body. These classes ensure that students have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-paced and detail-oriented training environment.
Students are also encouraged to complete the Essential Medical Job Skills course, which focuses on workplace professionalism and communication. Program costs start at approximately $60, though additional expenses for books, uniforms, and licensing fees apply.
Building pathways in healthcare
The Pharmacy Technician program is one of several healthcare career pathways offered at EMRAS, which also includes Medical Assisting and Medical Billing and Coding. Each cohort is designed to be completed within a set timeframe and provides preparation for industry-recognized certifications.
District leaders praised the program for aligning with labor market needs and for providing local residents with affordable, accessible training that leads to meaningful careers. With healthcare employers across the San Gabriel Valley continuing to seek skilled pharmacy technicians, EMRAS graduates are well positioned to enter the workforce.
For more information about enrollment and upcoming courses, visit El Monte-Rosemead Adult School’s Medical Career Training page.
