HOW TO BECOME A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN IN CALIFORNIA
Becoming a pharmacy technician in California allows you to start a rewarding career in the healthcare field.
You’ll work under the direction of a pharmacist, and you’ll learn to do a variety of important tasks needed to prepare medication. This will include mixing, counting, recording, and labeling prescriptions.
See all pharm tech schools in California
Pharmacy technicians are also called pharmacy techs or compounding technicians.
You’ll find that once you start working in this field in California, your skills will be in very high demand. [Leer en español]
REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED as the first step toward becoming a pharmacy technician. Career training can be obtained in several ways including:
- Earn an associate’s degree in Pharmacy technology.
- Complete a minimum of 240 hours of training at a board-approved program.
- Obtain training at a program accredited by the American Society Health-System team Pharmacists (AHSP).
- Complete pharm tech training through a military branch.
- Graduate from a school of pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Obtain certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION BOARD (PTCB)
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is a national organization that provides certification to pharmacy technicians. You can become certified by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
You must have a high school diploma or GED to sit for the PTCE.
CALIFORNIA STATE BOARD OF PHARMACY
After you have completed an accredited pharmacy technician program and obtained national certification, you must apply for state licensure through the California State Board of Pharmacy (CSBP).
You will need to submit the following:
- A completed application form.
- Official transcripts from your pharmacy technician program.
- Proof of certification from the PTCB or ICPT.
- A criminal background check.
The CSBP will issue you a license once they have determined that you meet all of the requirements.
You will need to renew your license every two years, and there is a $50 fee for each renewal.
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS
Once you are licensed as a pharmacy technician in California, you will need to complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years to renew your license.
The CE must be board-approved and related to pharmacy technician practice.
You can find approved CE courses through the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA).
The CPhA offers both live and online courses to meet your CE needs.
PHARMACY TECH SCHOOLS IN CALIFORNIA
| Programme | City | PTCB credential | ASHP accredited | Federal programme data | Programme hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerritos College | Norwalk | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 320/8 units experiential |
| City College of San Francisco | San Francisco | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Cosumnes River College | Sacramento | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 351 hrs / 6 units experiential |
| Foothill College | Los Altos | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 1008 total, 288 experiential |
| North-West College – Glendale | Glendale | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 240 experiential |
| North-West College – Pomona | Pomona | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 240 experiential |
| North-West College – Van Nuys | Van Nuys | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 240 experiential |
| North-West College – West Covina | West Covina | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 240 experiential |
| San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Santa Ana College | Santa Ana | CPhT | Yes | Listed in federal programme data | 320/4 units experiential |
| San Francisco State University | San Francisco | CPhT | Yes | Not listed under pharmacy technician (non-credit programmes are not covered by federal reporting) | Not published |
| Asher College – Sacramento | Sacramento | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| El Monte Union High School District- El Monte Rosemead Adult School | El Monte | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | Not published |
| Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – East Los Angeles Occupational Center | Los Angeles | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 600 total, 6 weeks (240 hours) experiential |
| Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – North Valley Occupational Center | Los Angeles | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 600 total, 6 weeks (240 hours) experiential |
| Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) – West Valley Occupational Center | Los Angeles | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 600 total, 6 weeks (240 hours) experiential |
| Losrios Community College District – Cosumnes River College | Sacramento | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 351 hrs / 6 units experiential |
| North Orange Continuing Education | Anaheim | CPhT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 320 experiential |
| Yosemite Community College District – Modesto Junior College | Modesto | CPhT, CSPT | Yes | Not matched to a federal institution record | 340 experiential |
| Contra Costa Medical Career College | Napa | CPhT | No | 28 graduates in 2023–24 | Not published |
| American Career College – Anaheim | Anaheim | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| American Career College – Los Angeles | Los Angeles | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| American Career College – Ontario | Ontario | CPhT, CSPT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Antelope Valley Adult Education | Lancaster | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Baldwin Park Unified School District Adult and Community Education | Baldwin Park | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Carrington College – Citrus Heights | Citrus Heights | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Carrington College – Ontario | Ontario | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Carrington College – Pleasant Hill | Pleasant Hill | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
| Carrington College – San Jose | San Jose | CPhT | No | Listed in federal programme data | Not published |
There are many choices of pharmacy technician schools in California where you can obtain training to become a pharmacy tech to give you the skills you need to start your career.
These are a few examples of the many pharmacy tech education programs in California:
Carrington College
With campuses in multiple locations including Sacramento, San Jose, and Citrus Heights, this college offers programs that provide both theory and practical knowledge. Choose between a nine-month certificate program or earning an associate’s degree in less than two years.
American Career College
Fast-track your way to career success in only nine months in Los Angeles or Orange County by earning your diploma at this college. Training includes an externship so you can obtain the skill set to be ready to assume the duties of a pharmacy tech.
City College of San Francisco
In this two-semester program, you’ll learn to be prepared to work under a pharmacist after obtaining classroom training and practical experience in a retail or hospital pharmacy practice setting.
Learn about pharmacy technician program costs here.
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION IN CALIFORNIA
Once you’ve completed your pharmacy tech training, you can apply to obtain certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board.
You must get a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which is a two-hour multiple-choice exam with 90 questions.
After passing the certification exam, you are a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Certified pharmacy technicians in California must be recertified every two years.
CAREER OUTLOOK AND SALARY EXPECTATIONS
You can expect better-than-average employment opportunities as a pharmacy technician.
Pharmacy technician employment in California is projected to grow 8% between 2024 and 2034, from about 40,200 jobs to 43,500 (Projections Central state projections). That is roughly 4,130 openings a year, a figure that counts people leaving the occupation as well as new posts, so it is the better guide to how often jobs come up.
Nationally the occupation is projected to grow 6.4% over the same period (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), so California is growing faster than the country as a whole.
Higher rates of chronic diseases and an aging population will lead to increased demand for prescription medications.
The median pharmacy technician in California earns $55,110 a year (May 2025, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn between $46,430 and $65,590; the lowest tenth earn under $42,850 and the top tenth above $81,190. California employs about 39,860 pharmacy technicians.
What that is worth where you live. Prices in California run at 110.7% of the national average (2024, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities), so $55,110 here buys what $49,774 would buy in an average-cost part of the country. Measured that way California ranks 12 of 51 states for pharmacy technician pay, which is lower than its headline wage suggests because living costs are above average.
WORKING AS A PHARMACY TECH IN CALIFORNIA
There are a lot of different settings where you’ll be able to work as a pharmacy tech in California.
Your skills will be in demand in hospitals, pharmacies, drugstores, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
Most healthcare facilities and some pharmacies are open long hours or around the clock, so you may be working days, nights, and weekends.
Pharmacists are taking on new responsibilities such as giving flu shots, which means pharmacy techs may need to pick up some of the work formerly done by pharmacists.
Throughout the state of California, the job outlook for pharmacy techs appears very strong.
FAQS
What are the best pharmacy technician schools in California?
- City College of San Francisco
- Carrington College, Sacramento, San Jose, and Citrus Heights
- American Career College, Los Angeles, and Orange County
- Cerrito College, California
- Penn Foster Career College, Online
How do you become a pharmacy technician in California?
- Earn an Associate’s Degree in Pharmacy Technology, or
- Complete 240 hours of Board-approved training, or
- Complete an ASHP-certified course, or
- Pass the PTCE exam and apply to the California Board of Pharmacy
How much do pharmacy technicians make in California?
Latest California Posts from the Blog
- What’s the Best School for Pharmacy Technician Training in Sacramento?
- What’s the Best School for Pharmacy Technician Training in Los Angeles?
- What’s the Best School for Pharmacy Technician Training in Anaheim, CA?
College Listings
| School | Type | Tuition and fees per year | Net price per year | Pharmacy Technician programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ABC Adult SchoolCerritos, CA(562) 229-796012254 Cuesta DriveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
American Career College-AnaheimAnaheim, CA(949) 783-48001200 N. Magnolia Ave.Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $25,481 to $30,528by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
American Career College-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA(949) 783-48004021 Rosewood AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $26,493 to $31,335by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
American Career College-OntarioOntario, CA(949) 783-48003130 East Sedona CourtAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $28,649 to $33,442by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
American College of Healthcare and TechnologyRiverside, CA(951) 729-532011801 Pierce St., Suite 100Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $14,297 to $20,386by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
American College of Healthcare and TechnologyHuntington Park, CA(323) 585-90006330 Pacific Blvd Ste 201Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $11,105 to $17,964by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
American University of Health SciencesSignal Hill, CA(562) 988-22781600 East Hill StAccredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission |
Private for-profit | $24,5752023-24 | not published |
|
Asher CollegeSacramento, CA(916) 649-96001215 Howe AveAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | not published |
|
California Nurses Educational InstituteRancho Mirage, CA(760) 416-595572769 Dinah Shore Dr.Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Private for-profit | not published | $18,290 to $23,281by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Carrington College-Pleasant Hill CampusPleasant Hill, CA(925) 273-3922380 Civic Drive, Suite 300Accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $29,834 to $34,912by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Carrington College-SacramentoSacramento, CA(916) 361-16608909 Folsom Blvd.Accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $36,748 to $40,588by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Carrington College-San JoseSan Jose, CA(408) 337-35345883 Rue Ferrari #125 |
Private for-profit | not published | $30,127 to $35,002by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Carrington College-San Leandro CampusSan Leandro, CA(510) 964-308515555 East 14th StreetAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $31,871 to $36,387by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Carrington College-StocktonStockton, CA(209) 676-33411313 West Robinhood Drive BAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $28,534 to $34,107by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA(562) 860-245111110 Alondra BlvdAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,3642024-25 | $670 to $6,728by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Chaffey CollegeRancho Cucamonga, CA(909) 652-60005885 Haven AveAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,1842024-25 | $5,001 to $9,816by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Charles A Jones Career and Education CenterSacramento, CA(916) 395-58005451 Lemon Hill AvenueAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $11,697 to $16,913by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
City College of San FranciscoSan Francisco, CA(415) 239-300050 Frida Kahlo DriveAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,6962024-25 | $6,097 to $13,263by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
College of the DesertPalm Desert, CA(760) 346-804143-500 Monterey AveAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,3262024-25 | $10,791 to $18,265by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
College of the SequoiasVisalia, CA(559) 730-3700915 S. Mooney BlvdAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,3942024-25 | $1,785 to $4,987by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Concorde Career College-Garden GroveGarden Grove, CA(714) 703-190012951 Euclid Street, Suite 101Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $21,949 to $26,303by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Contra Costa Medical Career CollegeAntioch, CA(925) 757-29004041 Lone Tree Way Suite 101Accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | not published |
|
Cosumnes River CollegeSacramento, CA(916) 688-73448401 Center ParkwayAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,2882024-25 | $3,368 to $8,646by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
East Los Angeles CollegeMonterey Park, CA(323) 265-86501301 Avenida Cesar ChavezAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,2382024-25 | $9,023 to $14,408by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Foothill CollegeLos Altos Hills, CA(650) 949-777712345 El Monte RdAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,5652024-25 | $6,428 to $14,191by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Glendale Career College-North-West College-BakersfieldBakersfield, CA(661) 404-75753000 Ming AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $49,199 to $51,088by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Hacienda La Puente Adult EducationLa Puente, CA(626) 934-280114101 E. Nelson AveAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $3,533 to $5,656by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
High Desert Medical CollegeLancaster, CA(661) 940-9300701 West Avenue K suite 123Accredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $27,248 to $30,608by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Institute of TechnologyClovis, CA(559) 297-4500564 W HerndonAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $21,673 to $28,320by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Los Angeles Mission CollegeSylmar, CA(818) 364-760013356 Eldridge AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,2382024-25 | $11,171 to $16,156by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
North-West College-San DiegoSan Diego, CA(858) 715-11236106 Arosa StAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $42,677 to $45,854by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pima Medical Institute-Chula VistaChula Vista, CA(619) 425-3200780 Bay Blvd, Suite101Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $19,841 to $24,906by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Pima Medical Institute-San MarcosSan Marcos, CA(760) 299-4500111 Campus WayAccredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools |
Private for-profit | not published | $29,548 to $33,477by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Riverside County Office of Education-School of Career EducationRiverside, CA(951) 826-66952100 E. Alessandro Blvd.Accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | $11,206 to $18,934by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Bernardino Valley CollegeSan Bernardino, CA(909) 384-4400701 South Mount Vernon AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,1962024-25 | $7,949 to $13,367by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-BakersfieldBakersfield, CA(559) 734-9000201 New Stine RoadAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $20,445 to $28,139by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-FresnoFresno, CA(559) 734-9000295 East Sierra AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $22,458 to $27,937by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-HesperiaHesperia, CA(559) 734-90009331 Mariposa Road |
Private for-profit | not published | $23,119 to $28,644by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-LancasterLancaster, CA(559) 734-900042135 10th Street West |
Private for-profit | not published | $23,516 to $28,474by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-ModestoSalida, CA(559) 734-90005380 Pirrone RoadAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $23,312 to $27,429by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-OntarioOntario, CA(559) 734-90004580 Ontario Mills ParkwayAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $24,707 to $29,491by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho MirageRancho Mirage, CA(559) 734-900034275 Monterey AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $21,757 to $24,480by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
San Joaquin Valley College-Santa MariaSanta Maria, CA(559) 734-9000303 Plaza Drive |
Private for-profit | not published | $19,811 to $25,709by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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San Joaquin Valley College-TemeculaTemecula, CA(559) 734-900027270 Madison AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $25,726 to $30,108by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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San Joaquin Valley College-VisaliaVisalia, CA(559) 734-90008344 W Mineral King AveAccredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission |
Private for-profit | not published | $28,648 to $32,763by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
Santa Ana CollegeSanta Ana, CA(714) 564-60001530 W. 17th StreetAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,1802024-25 | $3,151 to $9,191by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Santa Rosa Junior CollegeSanta Rosa, CA(707) 527-40111501 Mendocino AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,3182024-25 | $4,623 to $8,767by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
UEI College-BakersfieldBakersfield, CA(661) 427-43003737 Rosedale HighwayAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $27,533 to $33,646by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
UEI College-FresnoFresno, CA(559) 456-06233602 N. Blackstone, Suite 0268Accredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $28,091 to $34,009by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
UEI College-GardenaGardena, CA(424) 246-3000661 West Redondo Beach BoulevardAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $26,303 to $31,863by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
|
UEI College-OceansideOceanside, CA(760) 690-52002027 Mission AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $25,377 to $31,171by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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UEI College-ResedaReseda, CA(818) 380-590018040 Sherman WayAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $25,542 to $30,293by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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UEI College-RiversideRiverside, CA(951) 300-55001860 University AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
Private for-profit | not published | $24,973 to $30,410by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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UEI College-West CovinaWest Covina, CA(626) 927-9000339 N. Azusa AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training |
Private for-profit | not published | $25,452 to $30,303by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Ventura Adult and Continuing EducationVentura, CA(805) 289-17445200 Valentine RdAccredited by Council on Occupational Education |
Public | not published | not published |
|
West Los Angeles CollegeCulver City, CA(310) 287-42009000 Overland AvenueAccredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Public | $1,2382024-25 | $6,739 to $10,477by family income, 2022-23. Calculate your own net price |
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Tuition and fees are from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) for the year shown. Net price is the range of the average net prices each school published for different family incomes, from CareerSpy; it covers first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, so yours may differ. Schools that have closed are not listed. Programs shown without a link were added from federal completions data: the school awarded this program in 2022-23 or 2023-24. We have not yet recorded its own page for the program.
OUT-OF-STATE OPTIONS
Students may also wish to review their options in Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon.