2024 Best Online Pharmacy Technician Certification [CPhT] Programs

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Getting a pharmacy technician certification online could be a vital step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Pharmacy techs play an essential role in ensuring that people have the prescriptions they need.

Best Online Pharmacy Technician Certification [CPHT] Programs

By going through a certificate program, you could prepare for the responsibilities ahead and better market yourself to employers.

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Within less than a year of starting online classes, you might be able to complete your studies and obtain licensure as a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Online Programs

Woman taking online certified pharmacy technician program

Pharmacy technicians play key roles in today’s healthcare system. These professionals handle many of the daily responsibilities in pharmacy settings. It’s an important job that requires knowledge, skill, and professionalism.

If you’re interested in taking on the role of a pharmacy tech, a first step is to gain education in the field. While not all states require people to be formally trained before beginning this career, education could still be beneficial, helping you advance your qualifications and skill sets.

In a pharmacy technician certificate program, you can learn the ins and outs of this field. Your classes may cover:

  • Business math
  • Chemistry
  • Customer service
  • Health law
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Immunizations
  • Inventory practices
  • Records management

Certificate programs often last less than 1 year. Many programs include an externship at the end of the coursework. During that time, you might get the opportunity to work in a local pharmacy alongside techs and pharmacists. The time you invest in your internship or externship experience might count toward certification or licensure requirements. The rules about professional standards for pharmacy techs vary from state to state.

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In a number of states, you’re required to complete formal education or a training program, apply for national board certification, and get licensed in order to work in this field. Some states don’t regulate pharmacy technicians. Even if licensure isn’t required where you live, you may still want to pursue national certification. Certification can demonstrate your preparedness to potential employers.

Certification programs are available through the National Healthcareer Association and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Pharmacy technicians can work in community pharmacies, such as drugstores. Their responsibilities might include order preparation and customer service. Other potential employers include hospitals and mail-order pharmacies.

Pharmacy Technician Careers & Salaries

Pharmacy Technician Careers & Salaries

Pharmacy technician is the top job option for people in pharmacy tech certificate programs. Pharm techs often work in drugstores and hospitals.

While this college program is designed to prepare people for pharmacy tech careers, the things you learn may translate to other jobs too. For example, pharmacy techs also maintain records and use office technology. For that reason, some graduates may pursue positions as office clerks.

Your ability to work with customers might make you a good candidate for public-facing jobs. Some people become customer service representatives or receptionists. Because of your healthcare background, you may also choose to look for jobs in medical reception.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for healthcare support careers is $29,880.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Medical Records Specialists $46,660
Community Health Workers $46,590
Pharmacy Technicians — Hospitals $38,270
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $37,450
Medical Assistants $37,190
Customer Service Representatives $36,920
Pharmacy Technicians — Food and Beverage Stores $36,090
Pharmacy Technicians — Pharmacies and Drug Stores $35,940
Pharmacy Aides $29,930
Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,430

Some alternative careers for pharmacy technicians may require additional schooling or certificates. For instance, your healthcare experience might help you work toward becoming a health technician, a medical transcriptionist, a medical assistant, or a dental assistant. Specific training for your chosen line of work will probably be required.

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You might need an associate degree for some positions as well. Community health worker is another job to consider. Professionals in this role may work alongside health educators or social service directors. The things you’ve learned about medication might also help you get a job with a pharmaceutical company. Being a purchasing agent is a potential example.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Curriculum & Courses

Professor and students taking Pharmacy Technician Certificate

During a pharmacy program, you’ll take a series of courses to prepare you for employment and responsibilities in pharmacies. Here are some example courses:

  • Business and Pharmacy Math: You may review basic math concepts and then move on to more advanced math concepts that are needed in pharmacy settings.
  • Computer Fundamentals: This course will introduce you to the computer skills that are needed for working in modern pharmacies.
  • Customer Relations: You may study how to work with people, resolve conflicts, and provide exceptional customer service.
  • Health Data Systems: You’ll get to know pharmacy technology as you learn about software for entering, organizing, and retrieving customer data.
  • Inventory Management: In this class, you’ll study strategies for keeping track of pharmacy inventories and restocking as needed.
  • Pharmacy Chemistry: By learning more about chemistry, you can gain a better understanding of how pharmaceuticals work.
  • Pharmacy Regulations: Before graduation, it’s important to ensure that you’re familiar with the legal requirements for pharmacy professionals.
  • Physiology and Pharmaceuticals: There may be multiple classes that cover the human body and how various medications work to reduce symptoms or clear infections.
  • Professional Duties: During your time in this class, you’ll study what’s involved in working as a pharmacy tech, including common responsibilities and ethical standards.
  • Rescue and Assistance: In this class, you’ll learn essential first aid and CPR skills that you may need as a healthcare worker.

There may be classes that involve clinical experiences in which you can learn hands-on skills. You may have the opportunity to complete an externship as well.

Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Admissions Requirements

Man preparing requirements for Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Your journey to becoming a certified pharmacy technician begins with applying to schools. When you apply to pharmacy tech or on-campus or online pre pharmacy programs, you may be required to turn in:

  • Completed application form and a small processing fee
  • High school transcripts or proof of GED completion
  • SAT or ACT score (optional for many pharmacy tech programs)
  • Transcripts from any colleges you’ve been to

You may also be required to take placement exams before beginning classes. Some schools also have applicants speak with an admissions counselor during the enrollment process.

Online Pharmacy Technician Programs Accreditation

University offering Pharmacy Technician Certificate

When you search for pharmacy tech certificate programs, it’s beneficial to concentrate your search on regionally accredited colleges.

Those are schools that have proved their worth. An independent agency has verified their ability to educate students well. Regionally accredited coursework is more likely to transfer between schools. Some of the classes you take may be able to count toward associate or bachelor’s degree programs.

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The accreditation status of your education may also determine whether you’re qualified for certification exams. Plus, employers may prefer candidates who attended an accredited college. Your eligibility for financial aid may depend on the accreditation status of your college as well.

Pharmacy Technician Licensure and Certifications

how to become a pharmacy tech (CPhT checking meds)

In many states, all pharmacy techs must be certified and licensed. There are a few nationally recognized credentials available.

If you become nationally certified in this field, you can be known as a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Earning that credential requires formal education or professional experience in the field. It’s required for you to pass a test, too. Exams are available through the National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Your state may require licensure as well. State requirements may include:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Formal education or training program
  • Exam
  • Background check

Licensure may be in addition to your national certification or independent of it.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pharmacy Technician Certificate financial aid

Financial aid is available for college students who qualify, including those in certificate and vocational programs.

To see whether you are eligible for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may able to take out low-interest student loans. Some students also qualify for grant money or for work-study programs.

In addition to federal assistance, you may receive similar funding from your state. You don’t have to stop with government aid only. You can look into scholarship programs as well. Many schools give scholarships directly to qualifying applicants.

College students can also apply for outside scholarships. You may even find scholarship programs that are specifically for pharmacy students. If you’re currently working, your employer might also help pay for your pharmacy tech online program.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy Technician checking on medicine supplies

A pharmacy technician is a professional who works alongside pharmacists. Pharmacy techs carry out many of the day-to-day responsibilities in a pharmacy. For example, they may speak to doctors’ offices on the phone, prepare orders, and ring up customers.

They are healthcare workers, clerical employees, and customer service representatives all at the same time. A pharmacy tech may have earned recognition from a national certification board. In that case, the tech may be able to use the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). Through training and study, certified techs have demonstrated their commitment to excellence in this profession.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?

Pharmacy Technician discussing medicine inventory with the surgeon

Pharmacy technicians perform a range of duties in pharmacy settings. Their responsibilities may include counting pills and packaging them for customers. Sometimes, they may need to contact doctor’s offices or insurance companies to discuss prescriptions. Pharmacy techs may also do clerical jobs, like keeping track of inventory and placing orders.

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Many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies. They often serve as the face of the pharmacy. As such, they also act as customer service representatives and cashiers. They may take phone calls, answer questions, and ring up customers. Some pharmacy technicians are able to take on additional responsibilities, such as giving shots.

Do You Need a Degree to Be a Pharmacy Technician?

Pharmacy Technician assessing medical supplies

The requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician vary from state to state. Some states require formal education or training and licensure. Other states may allow on-the-job training. No matter what your state requires, getting an education in this field could help you advance your qualifications for pharmacy jobs.

You can choose between a shorter certificate program and a longer, more in-depth degree program. Either path could help prepare you for the role, but an associate degree would also cover general education topics. That might give you a more well-rounded college experience, but you’d also be committing more time and money to school.

What Can You Do with a Pharmacy Tech Certificate?

Store's Pharmacy Technician discussing with a customer

Most people who earn a certificate in this field go on to work as pharmacy technicians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about half of all pharmacy techs work in pharmacies and drugstores. Most of the others work in other retail shops or in hospitals.

Your training in this field may also be applicable for working as an office clerk, a receptionist, or a customer service representative. Being a community health worker might be another possibility. You could also look into becoming a medical assistant or a medical records specialist, though these positions may require additional schooling.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacy Technician?

Woman pursuing certification from online pharmacy tech school

How long it takes you to become a pharmacy technician may depend on the educational route you take:

  • Certificate program. With a pharmacy technician certification program, you may be able to complete pharmacy technician schooling in about 4 to 9 months. During that time, you’ll take courses covering math, data management, and customer service. You’d also study healthcare and medication. An externship in a local pharmacy might be part of the experience, too.
  • Associate degree program. This route typically takes around 2 years to complete. Some online pharmacy programs offer year-round courses and short terms so that students can complete their studies more quickly.

The path you take may also depend on your state’s regulations for pharmacy techs.

How Much Does a Pharmacy Technician Make?

Pharmacy Technician receiving a prescription from the customer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most pharmacy technicians make between $28,740 and $47,580 each year. The median salary in this field is $36,740. The highest wages are usually associated with hospital positions.

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Pharm techs in hospitals have a median annual salary of $38,270. Similarly, the median wage for pharmacy techs in drug stores and pharmacies is $35,940. Some related jobs have similar salaries. For example, medical assistants have a median salary of $37,190. In general, receptionists make a median of $29,950, but those who work in healthcare may have slightly higher earnings.

What’s the Difference Between a Pharmacy Technician Certification vs. Certificate?

As you look for online programs, you’ll come across different options. Here are some of the differences between a pharmacy technician certification and a pharmacy tech certificate.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Pharmacy Technician Certification
  • Academic credential
  • Issued by a college
  • Requires college classes and, often, an externship
  • Professional credential
  • Issued by an industry organization
  • Requires education or experience as well as an exam

After earning a college certificate in pharmacy, you could choose to pursue professional certification from a national board.

What’s the Difference Between a Pharmacy Technician vs. Pharmacist?

Before you begin a pharmacy career, it helps to consider what role is best for you. Do you want to work as a pharmacy tech or a pharmacist?

Pharmacy Technician Pharmacist
  • Generally takes 1 year or less of education
  • May require postsecondary education
  • Requires licensure in most states
  • Involves many clerical duties in a pharmacy
  • Tends to take 6 to 8 years of college
  • Requires a professional doctorate
  • Requires licensure in all states
  • Involves many managerial duties in a pharmacy

Pharmacy techs and pharmacists work closely together, but pharmacists carry more responsibilities. Due to their extensive education and level of expertise, pharmacists also tend to have salaries that are well above the national average. Pharmacists must have earned an in-class or online Doctor of Pharmacy degree to be able to work in all states.

Is an Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Worth It?

Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician reviewing medicine orders

Yes, an online pharmacy technician certificate is worth it for many students. This certificate program could provide a quick pathway to certification and a fulfilling healthcare career. Through pharmacy work, you could have the opportunity to help people with acute or chronic conditions.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for pharmacy technicians is keeping pace with the national average. A growth rate of 5% is predicted over the next ten years. As pharmacies’ influence and responsibilities expand, techs will play an increasingly important role in people’s care.

Universities Offering Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California State University – Long Beach

California State University Long Beach

California State University—Long Beach offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate. The program is fully online and self-paced. There’s also a hybrid version available. The program usually takes 50 hours to complete. Rolling enrollment allows students to start anytime, but they must finish within 4 months. Students may then take licensing exams.

CSU – Long Beach is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate through a completely online program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The program requires the completion of 29.5 credit hours, which can potentially be done in 30 weeks. To earn the certificate, students must also complete a clinical internship.

Colorado Mountain College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Louisiana State University – Eunice

Louisiana State University Eunica

Students at Louisiana State University—Eunice can complete a Pharmacy Technician course to prepare for certification through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The program is available completely online, and accepted students can enroll anytime. Students may be able to complete the program in just 1 year but must also complete a pharmacy externship.

Louisiana State University at Eunice is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate that can be earned entirely online. The program can potentially be completed in just 9 months and is designed to prepare students for licensing exams. Students can choose between a real-world or a virtual practicum. Some courses have synchronous components. Illinois students may be able to apply their credits toward an associate degree.

Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University offers a self-paced Pharmacy Technician course. It is offered entirely online and is also available in a hybrid format. Students have 6 months to complete the course. It also includes an 80 hour clinical externship. The course is designed to prepare students for state licensing exams. There are no application requirements.

San Francisco State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

The City College of New York

City College of New York

The City College of New York offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification course that can be completed entirely online. The program typically takes 75 hours to complete and is designed to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination (PTCE). Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify.

The City College of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Towson University

Towson University

Towson University offers an online Pharmacy Technician course that is designed to prepare students for licensing exams. The program consists of 8 modules and a 100 hour clinical externship. Students must also complete a virtual externship. Students can start the program at any time and are given 12 months to complete it. Topics of study include pharmacy law and ethics.

Towson University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College

Tyler Junior College offers a Pharmacy Technician Certification program. The program is taken completely online, and all modules are asynchronous. The program seeks to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam. Course topics include pharmacy calculations, medical terminology, and reading and interpreting prescriptions.

Tyler Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Georgia

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate. The program seeks to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam. The program is entirely online except for an externship at a pharmacy. It requires 400 hours, and students can earn 40 CEUs. Accepted students may begin anytime.

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Washington Technical Institute

Washington Technical Institute

Washington Technical Institute offers a Pharmacy Technician Certificate. The program is fully online and requires the completion of 5 credits, or 210 clock hours. Accepted students can begin the program at any time and must complete it within 5 months. Students living in Washington must take the program on campus.

Washington Technical Institute is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Getting Your Pharmacy Technician Certificate Online

Man enrolled to a pharmacy technician school online

Going to pharmacy tech training school could have a number of benefits. You could develop a strong knowledge foundation for a pharmacy career. Also, you may gain hands-on experience and develop valuable industry connections.

Upon completing the program, you’ll hold a certificate that shows you’re ready for the next step, whether that’s licensure, national certification, or employment. You can choose an online certificate program for your pharmacy technician studies. At a regionally accredited college, you can get a reputable education that helps prepare you for a job in this field.

You can start exploring accredited schools today to find the online pharmacy certificate program that’s right for you.

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Jordan Meeks
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Jordan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and her Bachelor's in Business Administration. Jordan's research focuses on adults returning to college and online degree programs.