Program Details

Registration
Find detailed registration information on our website. If possible, please register at least two weeks in advance to prevent class cancellations. No application is necessary to register.

Schedule
The Pharmacy Technician Training and Clinical Medical Assistant programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall.
The EKG Technician Certification program is offered in spring and fall.

Location
Courses are held at SDSU’s College of Extended Studies in the Gateway Center or the Extended Studies Center buildings located at 5250 Campanile Drive. You will receive the exact building and room number prior to the course start date, via email. Classroom location information is also posted daily on the electronic display boards throughout the Gateway Center and Extended Studies Center buildings.

Required Score
To pass the course and receive the Certificate of Completion, you must earn a final score of average (70%) or higher.

Grading Rubric

Excellent (100–90%)
Above Average (89–80%)
Average (79–70%)
Marginal (69–60%)
Unsatisfactory (≤ 59%)

Documentation of Course Completion

Letter of Completion
At the completion of the course, download a Letter of Completion using the CES Student Login portal. It will include the course title, start/completion dates, cost, and final score. You may provide a copy of this letter to your HR department for tuition reimbursement. For organizations that reimburse employees based on performance, the rubric above reflects scores equivalent to the traditional system of grades A–F.

Certificate of Completion
At the completion of the course, you must submit a Certificate Application to receive a Certificate of Completion. It includes your name, the program title, and the date of course completion. This certificate may be copied to include with a résumé when applying for jobs.

Certification

Pharmacy Technician Training and Test Prep Certification
After obtaining the suggested practical work experience, you may choose to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Exam fees are not included in SDSU’s program tuition, and SDSU does not proctor or administer the certification exam, but your instructor will provide you with testing information during the class.

EKG Technician Certification Certification
After obtaining the suggested practical work experience, you may choose to sit for the Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam through the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Inc. (ASPT). Exam fees are not included in the program tuition. SDSU CES proctors and administers the exam on campus. Arrangements to pay and take the EKG certification exam will be made with your instructor during the class.

Clinical Medical Assistant Certification
After obtaining the suggested practical work experience, you may choose to sit for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Exam fees are not included in SDSU’s program tuition, however, the exam is administered at CES. Arrangements to pay and take the CCMA exam will be made with your instructor during the class. The certification exam is usually scheduled one week after the course ends.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SDSU accredited?
Yes. SDSU is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Where can I find information to assist in my career planning?
The U.S. Department of Labor is a great place to start your research. Its Occupational Outlook handbook includes information about jobs, earnings, titles, job descriptions, job markets and potential new jobs. Note: The College of Extended Studies does not provide formal career services as part of the health care program. When employers occasionally contact us expressing interest in recruiting our students, we forward job postings to graduates. Additionally, students report valuable networking interactions with other professionals in their classes.

Is the certification exam included with the course?
Certification is not included, and exam fees are not included in the program tuition. See Certification section for more information.

Will this certificate enable me to get a job as a Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, or Clinical Medical Assistant?
This program is specifically designed to help you take and pass the national certification exam, and you will be given the information and tools needed to work as a Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, or Clinical Medical Assistant. However, we encourage you to do your own research on your profession of choice prior to taking the course. CES provides course training and does not assist with job placement.

Does the Pharmacy Technician Training and Test Prep course include an externship?
There is an 80-hour clinical externship at a local health-care service provider for students who qualify. You will be required to provide immunization records, PPD (TB) test results, a negative nine-panel drug screen, and background check at your own cost (approximately $300).

Does the EKG Technician Certification course include an externship?
While we do not offer externship opportunities for this course, we encourage students to seek externship opportunities on their own after they have completed our program.

Does the Clinical Medical Assistant course include an externship?
The course includes an optional 160-hour externship/clinical rotation for students who qualify, allowing them to solidify the skills discussed and practiced in class. To be eligible, students must successfully complete the 140-hour course and are required to provide immunization records, PPD (TB) test results, a negative nine-panel drug screen, and background check at your own cost. This externship is offered through a third-party organization. CES provides only the educational training portion of the program. Any questions or concerns about scheduling, requirements, policies, and procedures during the externship should be directed to the designated contact person, which will be provided at the start of class.

How do I register?

  1. From ces.sdsu.edu/healthcare, choose “Pharmacy Technician Training and Test Prep,” "EKG Technician Certification," or "Clinical Medical Assistant" and a detailed course description will drop down.
  2. Choose “Register” and a page with more details will appear — schedule number, term dates, registration deadline, class location, and more.
  3. Choose your registration method:
    • Online
      • Choose “Add to Cart.” (The cart will appear in the upper right corner.)
      • Choose “View Cart” or “Check Out.”
      • Log into your CES account. If this is your first time enrolling in SDSU-CES classes, click on “Create a New Account” and follow the instructions.
    • Phone (credit card only)
      • Call the CES Registration Office at (619) 594-5152.
      • Have all class details ready from step 2 above.
    • Mail or In Person (accepted forms of payment are listed on the form)
      • Download and print the registration form.
      • Complete the form with your information and course details from step 2 above.
      • Mail it to the address on the form or go to the CES Registration window on the Hardy Avenue side of the Gateway Center building, Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm.

Be sure to enroll no later than the registration deadline — usually the first day of class. Late registrations are granted only in special circumstances and will incur additional fees.

What is the difference between obtaining a professional certificate through SDSU and becoming a certified Pharmacy Technician, EKG Technician, or CMA?

Professional certificates are awarded by educational programs or institutions such as SDSU’s College of Extended Studies, and indicate completion of a course or series of courses with a specific focus. They are a valuable addition to the education portion of a résumé. Professional certificates are recognized by most employers as a significant academic accomplishment and can lead to new jobs as well as promotions. They are usually more relevant and focused than academic degrees and can be completed in a much shorter period of time. SDSU’s Health Care Career Programs will prepare you for certification exams. Please note that these are noncredit programs and do not offer transferable units to a degree program such a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Certifications are awarded by third-party, standard-setting organizations (see Certification section) and indicate mastery of skills measured against a set of standards usually by an application or an exam. Certification exams require test takers to meet specific educational and/or experience criteria, as well as to pass the written examination. We encourage you to research exam requirements for each industry organization.

For additional information, please email healthcare.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-0845.