Pharmacy Technician Certification: Learn How to Become a Pharmacy Tech
Updated April 18, 2023 · 5 Min Read
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Pharmacy technicians play a vital role in healthcare. Learn how to become a pharmacy technician to join the healthcare workforce today.
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Pharmacy technicians help fill prescriptions safely, manage medical records and payments, and ensure that pharmacies function smoothly. If you want to work in healthcare but do not want to have to earn a degree, becoming a pharmacy technician may be the right career for you.
Learn more below about how to become a pharmacy technician.
What Is a Pharmacy Technician?
The legal requirements of how to become a pharmacy tech vary by state. Check your state regulations before committing to a program. Some states have no requirements and allow workers to become pharmacy techs with only on-the-job training, while others require some form of education for credentialing.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
The first step in becoming a pharmacy technician is graduating from high school or earning a GED certificate.
Most states require one year of specialized education. Community colleges are the most common providers of pharmacy technology programs, but some large pharmacy chains also offer qualified training. Techs need to be comfortable on computers and using fairly complex programs.
Most pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, but you can also find employment opportunities in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Pharmacy technicians always work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. You can start as a pharmacy assistant to get experience, then enter a technician program.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) offers a certification course for pharmacy technicians. All states accept this certification.
Featured Online Pharmacy Technician Diplomas
Pharmacy Technician Education
There are several pathways to become a pharmacy tech. The right one for you depends on your goals and background. Like many other healthcare careers, becoming a pharmacy tech does not require a college degree, but attending college may improve your job or salary prospects.
Non-Degree Postsecondary Program
Non-degree programs are often an affordable and fast path to becoming a pharmacy tech. If you attend a program at a school that also offers a pharmacy tech associate degree, you may be able to transfer credits to the degree down the road.
High school diploma or GED certificate and clean criminal background check
Pharmacology concepts and skills, safety precautions and standards, legal requirements and issues
2-6 months
Safely dispensing medications, working with medical records and insurance companies, communications, and compounding skills.
Associate Degree
You can also become a pharmacy technician by earning an associate of applied science (AAS) degree, either before you enter the field or after you complete a non-degree course. This takes longer, but can offer an advantage in finding a job or negotiating a salary. Many programs include an externship that helps students gain experience.
High school diploma or GED certificate and clean criminal background check
Pharmacology concepts and skills, safety precautions and standards, legal requirements and issues, how healthcare works
1-2 years
Understanding prescriptions, safely dispensing medications, managing and updating patient records, communicating with insurance companies and prescribers and compounding skills.
Pharmacy Technician Licensure and Certification
Requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician vary by state. While not legally required, many employers prefer certification by the PTCB, and all states accept certification as a credential to practice.
To be eligible for the PTCB examination, you need either to complete an approved program or have a minimum of 500 hours work as a pharmacy technician. You must also pass a criminal background check and explain any professional disciplinary actions taken against you.
Working as a Pharmacy Technician
Most pharmacy technicians work in either standalone pharmacies or a pharmacy that is part of a retailer, such as Target, Costco, or Walmart. They also work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings that provide medications. Depending on the workplace, pharmacy techs may work evenings and weekends.
Pharmacy technician salaries are lower than most other healthcare salaries, but comparable to other roles that do not require a degree or extensive training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $36,740.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
It can take between two months and two years to become a pharmacy technician, though in some states, you can learn entirely on the job. Degree programs often take one to two years.
The quickest way to become a pharmacy tech depends on the state where you plan to work. In some states, you can learn entirely on the job. In most states, becoming a pharmacy technician requires some level of formal education.You can also start as pharmacy assistant, then enter a program.
Becoming a pharmacy tech does not require a degree, although it can help you find a job or earn a promotion on the job.
Pharmacy technician salaries reflect the fact that becoming a pharmacy tech does not require a degree or extensive formal education. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $36,740. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $28,740, and the highest-paid 10% earn more than $47,580.
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