Prepare to Become a Pharmacy Technician
This 100% online course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. An exam voucher is included.
You will learn how to assist pharmacists with preparing and distributing medications and gain practical experience with retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module.
Training also covers pharmacy ethics, prescription medications, patient care and communication, billing, and reimbursement. Eligible students may also participate in an optional 100-hour clinical experience.
Clinical experience requirements vary by state. Review the Prerequisites and Certification Requirements section below for additional information.
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 6% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 44,900 openings are projected each year over that period.
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $40,300 in May 2023, with the highest 10% earning more than $57,000 annually.
Course Objectives
Upon completing this course, you should be able to:
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy technician.
- Demonstrate the professional and communication skills needed to work in a pharmacy.
- Explain pharmacy regulations and standards established by regulatory agencies and professional associations.
- Apply procedures that support patient safety, quality care, and proper medication handling.
- Identify medication orders and accurately read prescription forms.
- Explain medication-processing and handling procedures.
- Describe medication-storage guidelines and pharmacy quality-assurance procedures.
- Demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail and effective communication.
- Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
Students who pass the certification exam and satisfy all other PTCB requirements may earn the Certified Pharmacy Technician credential.
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
Students must be at least 18 years old to register for this course.
Before enrolling, students should:
- Type approximately 35 words per minute.
- Have a basic understanding of word-processing software. Microsoft Word is recommended.
- Have a working knowledge of English grammar and punctuation.
- Understand basic high school mathematics.
Students must also have access to a video camera, either on a phone or another device, and be able to upload videos as MP4 files.
During the course, students must record and upload required competency activities for instructor review and feedback. These activities must be completed to pass the course.
PTCB Certification Requirements
To qualify for Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certification, candidates must: 
- Reside in the United States or one of its territories.
- Complete a PTCB-recognized education or training program or satisfy the applicable work-experience pathway.
- Fully disclose any criminal matters or state Board of Pharmacy registration or licensure actions.
- Comply with all applicable PTCB certification policies.
- Earn a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.
State Requirements
Pharmacy technician requirements vary by state. Before enrolling, confirm that this course meets the requirements of the state in which you intend to work.
Students can review state requirements through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or contact their state Board of Pharmacy for current regulations.
Review Pharmacy Technician State Requirements
This course does not meet state requirements for students intending to work in North Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington or West Virginia.
PTCB credentials are intended for use in the United States, and PTCB examinations are generally administered only within the United States. Active members of the U.S. military and their spouses may be eligible to test outside the country.
Optional Clinical Experience
Eligible students may participate in an optional clinical experience through participating pharmacies.
The clinical experience provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience assisting pharmacists with prescriptions, patient questions, and administrative responsibilities.
To qualify, students may be required to:
- Pass a drug screening.
- Obtain professional liability insurance.
- Complete a background check and employment verification.
- Meet current immunization requirements.
- Satisfy applicable state requirements, such as registration, fingerprinting or licensing.
- Complete any additional documentation required by the participating pharmacy.
Clinical experience placement is not guaranteed and may take up to 12 weeks to secure.
Students should begin applying for any required pharmacy technician trainee license approximately two weeks before taking the course’s final exam.
Pharmacy Technician FAQs
What is a pharmacy technician?
Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide information to patients.
They may perform many of the same tasks as pharmacists. However, a pharmacist must review and approve their work before medication can be dispensed.
Do pharmacy technicians need certification?
Requirements vary by state, but many states require pharmacy technicians to obtain certification, registration or licensure.
Certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board is an industry-recognized credential that meets the certification requirements of many states.
How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician course?
Pharmacy technician training can typically be completed in one year or less. This does not include time spent completing a clinical experience, preparing for certification or satisfying state licensure requirements.
Is a pharmacy technician a good career?
As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic health conditions increases, pharmacies may need additional pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy technicians may also take on expanded responsibilities within the pharmacy setting.
Instructors
This course is taught by a team of experienced instructors:
- Carline Dalgleish
- Sharon L. Blackford
- Stacey O’Brien
- Leahnata Davis
- Kate Moura Dos Santos
- Alexis M. Ramirez
- Mary Mould
- Melissa Dunworth
- Betty Stahl
- Lorraine Zentz
Instructor Interaction
Students can interact with instructors through the course’s moderated online discussion area. Instructors are available to share their expertise and answer questions about the course content.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online, and students may begin at any time.