Article originally appeared in the Inland Empire/Desert Regional Consortium Health Newsletter November-December 2024 Issue
The Inland Empire faces a growing demand for Pharmacy Technicians, with an annual shortage of 232 professionals as Chris Cruzcosa of the Inland Empire Centers of Excellence (COE) reported. To address this need, community colleges in the region are offering affordable and accessible programs, including both for-credit and noncredit options, enabling students to enter this in-demand field. Over thirty representatives from community colleges and high schools met with employers to discuss employment trends, labor market data, and curriculum updates via Zoom on November 18th.
Kryzia Adlaon, an San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) graduate and current 1st year student at Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy, highlighted the program’s effectiveness in supporting students from Pharmacy Technician to Pharmacist in the advisory.
SBVC also provides a for-credit Pharmacy Technician program designed to prepare students for the PTCE. The program includes pathways to advanced pharmacy education through affiliations with Loma Linda University’s School of Pharmacy and the KGI School of Pharmacy in Claremont.
Graduates of these programs gain a competitive advantage by becoming eligible for California licensure and often achieving higher earning potential. Additionally, programs offering connections to advanced educational opportunities open doors for students to progress to Pharmacist roles, further addressing regional workforce needs and promoting
career growth.
