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What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A pharmacy technician is responsible for assisting pharmacists in the workplace. Certified or licensed pharmacy technicians will take prescriptions, count tablets, bottle medication and serve customers under the supervision of a pharmacist. Requirements for becoming a pharmacy technician vary by state, but even in those states that do not require it is advised to pursue certification as it provides the training necessary to work and provides an advantage over other potential employees.Pharmacy technicians provide a solid backbone for a pharmacy and pharmacist, being legally allowed to perform many of the tasks that may otherwise diminish a pharmacists ability to assist customers and patients.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
398,390Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Pharmacy Technician Training
At the Pharmacy Technician degree at Career College of Northern Nevada, students receive in-depth and hands-on training that they need to reach success in the growing, innovative pharmaceutical industry. Students who complete this college diploma gain the knowledge and develop the skills required to excel in this high-demand field. Students are required to complete a Pharmacy Technician Externship which is proven to be beneficial for them since they gain real-world work experience. As soon as they graduate, they will be eligible to sit for the national PTCB certification examination.
Acceptance Rate
100
Tuition
$25,325 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
At Concorde Career Institute – Miramar a student can earn a diploma in Pharmacy Technnology. The program is compressed to allow students to complete the entire diploma program in seven months of full-time study. CCI administrators structured the diploma program to aptly prepare students for work in a variety of retail pharmacy settings. Essential job duties include hands-on training of order processing, medication storage, inventory management, drug use review, and medication preparation. The team at CCI offer trained staff to help shape the conversation about the pharmacy world in real terms to set up each student for success.
Acceptance Rate
88.35
Tuition
$43,552 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
36:1
After completing the top ranked Pharmacy Technician degree offered at Galaxy Medical College, graduates are awarded a diploma. By this time, they will surely be able to define differences between the hospital and retail, private and chain pharmacy settings. They have learned and practiced to always demonstrate ethical conduct in all duties performed. The program has helped them gain a deeper understanding of the laws that govern pharmacy, whether federal or state mandated.
Acceptance Rate
100
Tuition
$14,700 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
At Concorde Career Institute – Orlando, you can achieve a diploma in Pharmacy Technician in as few as 7 months. This program prepares students to learn skills such as distribution and storage, drug-use review, medication preparation, and medication orders and reviews through hands-on training and theory. They provide trained facilities and educators who have years of practical experience working in healthcare. All of their efforts result in effective preparation for a career as a Pharmacy Technician, as soon as the students complete the program, they are ready for the consumer care role in a pharmacy setting.
Acceptance Rate
84.8
Tuition
$17,005 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
45:1
The Health Care Career Training programs offered by Midwest Institute are plentiful. One of these programs is their program in Pharmacy Technician that offers a career focused curriculum with hands-on learning. They make sure to provide an environment that permits students to gain real world experience. Right from the beginning of classes, students will work closely with faculty as they experience the different stages of building their career.
Acceptance Rate
76.47
Tuition
$14,680 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
At Concorde Career Institute – Tampa offers a competitive Pharmacy Technician diploma program that can be completed in under eight months. CCI has structured the program to help students learn the essentials of the role as a Pharm Tech. Elements the faculty work through include processing medical orders, storage, drug usages, medication preparation, and reviews via hands-on training. CCI bring trained teachers to the table with ample real-world experience in the healthcare arena.
Acceptance Rate
91.67
Tuition
$16,395 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
40:1
At Concorde Career Institute – Memphis, students have the ability to earn a Pharmacy Tech diploma in under a year. The academic program at CCI prepares undergraduate students to manage work-related responsibilities such as medication preparation, distribution and storage, drug-use review, and processing medication orders. Students learn by doing under the tutelage of trained facility who bring years of industry experience to the table. The combination of the theories, lectures and labs help effectively prepare students for a future as a Pharmacy Technician.
Acceptance Rate
93.38
Tuition
$15,840 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
35:1
Bidwell Training Center Inc offers an 8-month Pharmacy Technician Training in Pittsburgh, PA. This program helps their students gain a strong understanding of pharmacological skills which will help them step into their new career. It is designed to teach students how to assist pharmacists by helping organize, collect and evaluate information for medication use review, patient care and departmental management. Students are guaranteed to get the skills to screen medication orders and prescriptions, implement proper preparation and packaging, and verify measurements.
Acceptance Rate
88.52
Tuition
$12,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education is a two-year private school that offers high quality education and training for its students located in and around Piscatway. Students may select from many areas of study, including:
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business and Marketing Studies
Over 180 students have completed their schooling in the last few years based on published graduation information with a graduation rate of more than 83%. Over ten different programs are offered at American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education. The more popular enrolled programs are shown below:
- Phlebotomy
- Medical Assistant
- Ultrasound Technician
- Electrocardiograph Technology
- Medical Insurance Coding
To help support students, American Institute of Medical Sciences & Education may provide student services like those listed below:
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employment search assistance
This school has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools since 2006. Please visit aimseducation.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$32,250 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
A Pharmacy Technology Administration degree program is offered at Los Angeles ORT College – Los Angeles Campus. This AAS program in Pharmacy Technician is designed to meet the needs of individuals that are seeking work in the pharmacy or pharmaceutical industry. This program will provide students with the chance to learn the role of the computer in institutional as well as in retail pharmacy settings. This also includes preparation for the PTCB licensing examination, but is an optional certification.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$23,700 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
CBD College, located in Los Angeles, California, offers vocational and career programs in the medical field. The school employs qualified professionals to educate and train students in order to prepare them for their chosen career. CBD provides a pleasant learning environment, encourages camaraderie and personal growth, and assists its students through their personal educational needs.
Academics
CDB College offers five programs for its students to choose from. Each program has its own length and certificate/degree awarded. All programs prepare individuals to enter the work force as skilled and qualified individuals.
Programs offered:
- Vocational Nursing
- Associate of Applied Science in Vocational Nursing
- Surgical Technology
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Massage Therapy/Physical Therapy Assistant
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete and submit an application, have an interview with an admissions officer and have a passing score on the ACT exam. Tuition varies based on program and the financial aid office will help eligible students determine the best financial aid options for him or her.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$38,635 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Pharmacy Technician degree at Laurel Business Institute is a well-rounded mix of classroom work, practical experience and laboratory hours. This program is designed to be self-paced that covers everything that the students will need in order to become a Pharmacy Technician. They guarantee to provide teachers that are seasoned professionals that bring a strong blend of skill, real-world experience and insight to their work. Students are given the opportunity to get their foot in the door by working with one of their many partner organizations that hire their Pharmacy Technician graduates or serve as internship sites.
Acceptance Rate
91.45
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$36,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
34:1
The Pharmacy Technician program at LBI ((Laurel Technical Institute) is designed to be a balanced academic program. The faculty at LBI melds lab hours with classroom lectures with hands-on, practical experience. Future Pharmacy Techs can self-pace themselves in this program to work around busy schedules outside school. Faculty at LBI bring to the table real-world experience, technical skills, and industry insights to enrolled students. Conversely, the students are provided the opportunity to learn essential elements of Pharm Techs and partner with regional employers to intern or work in the future.
Acceptance Rate
91.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Professional Clinical Massage Therapy The Professional Clinical Massage Therapy program provides instruction in therapeutic massage with advanced training in the treatment of soft tissue ailments, postural distortions, and degenerative process of the body. The program prepares students for employment in medical based facilities such as physicians' offices and rehabilitation centers, while also training students in the arts associated with a spa setting. Students receive training in massage law, basic massage theory techniques, allied modalities, and neuromuscular clinical massage theory techniques. The program includes 90 hours of practical clinical experience. Upon successful completion of this program, the student will receive a Certificate in Professional Clinical Massage Therapy. **Charlotte has 40 hours of clinical and is only a 6 month program. Columbia, Charleston, and Nashville have 90 hours of clinical and are an 8 month program. Medical Assisting Medical Assisting prepares you for a career that plays an integral role on the physician's healthcare team. You will train to give injections, administer electrocardiograms, handle insurance claims, maintain patient records, take vital signs, and assist in minor surgical procedures. Your education at Southeastern Institute will teach you how to fulfill all these roles and become a multifaceted healthcare professional. Medical Billing and Coding This program will prepare you to gain employment in medical billing and health information management. You will develop a through knowledge of medical terminology, health records management, insurance procedures, billing software, and medical coding. Medical billing and coding graduates are employed in virtually any location where healthcare services are provided including hospitals, insurance companies, private practice offices, assisted living facilities, and laboratories. Pharmacy Technology The Pharmacy Technology program provides instruction in how to assist the pharmacist in the packing and distribution of medication and basic health care skills. Students will study the professional and technical skills necessary for an entry-level position as a pharmacy technician. A certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of this program. Disclosure link at https://www.sec.edu/about/heoa/
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,019 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Interested in a career-focused college with a wide range of technical programs and a convenient campus near you? Then Institute of Technology is the perfect educational experience for you. We'll help you launch a new future of real opportunities.
Since 2004, we have been fulfilling our vision to be the premier provider of postsecondary education in the western U.S., measured by student satisfaction and focused educations that lead to valued careers. Our exciting list of career training programs includes education for the fields of allied health, network technology, computer technology, computerized accounting, web/graphic design, culinary arts, and more. Our class schedules are flexible, and our instructors provide classroom instruction balanced with ample hands-on training.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$31,935 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
American College of Health Care now has two campuses in California – Riverside and Huntington Park. ACHC was founded in 1993 and in 2009 came under new ownership. The school offers 6 career training programs in the health care field:
- Medical Assistant and Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Billing and Coding,
- Pharmacy Technician
- Surgical Technology
- Physical Therapy Aide/Massage Therapist.
The Surgical Technology program and the Pharmacy Technician program can lead to certification status. The Surgical program can be completed in 17 months, earning the successful graduate a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist). The Pharmacy program can be completed in 12 months. While licensing of Pharmacy Technicians is not mandatory, the ACHC program prepares participants for a voluntary nationally administered certification exam -- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) examination.
The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) has accredited the Surgical Technology Program and the American College of Health Care has earned institutional accreditation for its non-degree programs.
Tuition and fees for the Surgical Technology Program as of January 10, 2013 were approximately$32,600. ACH reported a 73% placement rate for program graduates. Cost of the Pharmacy Technician Program was about $16,500 with a 75% placement rate. The other programs had placement rates ranging from the 80% range to 100% for the Medical Administrative Assistant Program.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$16,095 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Pennco Tech - Bristol is a 2-year private career school, which provides training and education opportunities for its students. Over the past several years Pennco Tech - Bristol has granted degrees to over 810 students with a graduation rate of more than 83%. Pennco Tech campus in Bristol offers several programs to pick from. The more popular programs are shown below:
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Electrician
- Auto Mechanic
- Medical Administration
- Counseling assistance
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assisting students to find work
- Child care
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$18,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$21,092 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$36,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
37:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$46,493 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
21:1
Florida Education Institute is a career college that offers a rewarding education for its students in Miami and surrounding areas. Over the previous several years Florida Education Institute has granted degrees to over 450 students with a graduation rate of more than 77%. Florida Education Institute offers several programs to choose from. Listed below are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Massage Therapy
- Nursing Assistant
To help students and recent graduates, Florida Education Institute may provide support services including:
- Classes offered on nights and weekends
- Counseling assistance
- Assistance to find work
The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Council on Occupational Education. Please visit fei.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$16,525 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Institute of Medical Careers began as Academy for Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and was eventually called Pittsburgh School of Pain Management. This school started the Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy program, a one-of-a-kind program in the United States. To qualify for admission, applicants 18 years old and above must be a high school graduate or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) certified and they must also pass the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. This school is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau for Health Education Schools (ABHES) and is authorized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools. IMC fosters an environment conducive to learning through the provision of essential facilities and equipment. Moreover, to ensure the delivery of high quality education, classes are led by highly qualified educators. Students of IMC are given academic opportunities in any of the following programs: Career in Dental Assisting, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy and Phlebotomy. These programs are designed to develop students' occupational skills essential for starting a career in a globally competitive industry. Upon finishing a course, students are assisted in finding a career in the Pittsburgh area or in any area they prefer. To learn more about admissions and degree pathways at IMC, simply visit the school site or request information via this page.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,100 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Whether you're looking to upgrade your skills, reenter the job market or begin a new career, TechSkills of California has the comprehensive, hands-on program offerings to get your career moving in the right direction. You can choose from several in-demand fields. These fields include:
- IT and Computer Training
- Health Services
- Business Skills
With so many program choices, flexible schedules and convenient locations, there's never been a better time to change your life. There's never been a better time to choose TechSkills of California!
TechSkills of California is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit: https://student.techskills-ca.com/login.asp
*Not all programs are available at TecSkills of Sacramento.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$27,708 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Intellitec College - Grand Junction is a 2-year private institution that offers career oriented education for its students located in and around Grand Junction. Over the past several years Intellitec College - Grand Junction has awarded degrees to more than 828 students with a graduation rate of about 57%. Intellitec College - Grand Junction offers several programs to choose from. Listed below are the programs with more popularity among students:
- Automotive Technician
- Business Office Administrative & Accounting
- Cosmetologist
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Refrigeration & HVAC
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Helping students find work after graduation
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$17,899 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
22:1
How To Become a Pharmacy Technician
In order to become a pharmacy technician, you will need to maintain a mentality of a lifelong learner and complete a series of steps detailed below. The five steps you will need to adhere to in order to become a pharmacy technician are:
- Obtain a Professional Certificate: Earning a professional certificate like the CPhT or an associates degree from an ASHP accredited college or university is the first step in your quest to become a pharmacy technician. Although not required, hiring managers and pharmacy owners look favorably upon applicants that invest in their education to learn the foundational elements of their craft. With formalized classes like pharmacology, pharmacy technology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy law, and pharmacy operations, students will quickly learn the trade from 6-12 months depending on the number of classes taken in the certificate program and 24 months for the associate degree program.
- Get Trained: The next step in the process is to acquire valuable OJT or on-the-job-training. Getting trained through a series of clinical practicum through the college or university plus hands-on learning at a retail pharmacy outlet, drugstore, or medical facility.
- Board Certification: The third step in the process is to become board certified by the National Healthcare Center (NHC) or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). While some states require a pharmacy technician to become board certified and others do not yet mandate a board certification, many employers will only hire a board-certified pharmacy tech.
- Specialize: After earning your professional certificate, gaining essential training, and earning your board certification, you should consider specializing in your craft. From working at an insurance carrier to a community pharmacy, specializing will provide deep insight into a specific organization versus being a generalist with a little knowledge about a few entities.
- Continuing Education: The fifth and final step in the process is about maintaining a mentality of being a lifelong learner. By creating a growth mindset and committing to never stop learning will make the required twenty hours of continuing education a piece of cake.
Best Pharmacy Technician Programs
The best pharmacy technician programs are the ones that fit you: your goals, your aspirations, your learning style, and your priorities. Key elements of a solid pharmacy technician program are the schools accreditation, certification prep, and learning modalities.
- Accreditation: Both the COC and ASHP are independent, third-party accrediting bodies that assess and audit pharmacy technician programs around the country. By enrolling in a nationally accredited pharmacy technician program, you are signaling to prospective employers your understanding of the industry and commitment to becoming a professional in pharmacy.
- Certification Prep: The next consideration is to understand what help the school provides students prepare for the PTCB certification examination or the NHA certification exam. Whether in class or online, the school should offer clinical experience and externships to provide students with an optimal number of hands-on learning opportunities prior to sitting for a certification exam.
- Learning Modalities: Most students prefer to blend classroom learning with hands-on learning. During your application process with the school, take the time to understand what partnerships the school has with hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the community that extend learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Popular Job Titles of a Pharmacy Technician
The job of a pharmacy technician can be found across the entire country from large metro areas on the coastal regions to rural communities in Americas heartland. As such, you will find a number of titles used to describe the job of a pharmacy technician depending on the employer and scope of job responsibilities for a given job. We have assembled a list of commonly used job titles for a pharmacy technician below for your future reference:
- Lead Pharmacy Tech, Certified Pharmacy Technician
- Accredited Pharmacy Technician
- Senior Pharmacy Technician
- Technician, Inventory Specialist
- Lead Pharmacy Technician
- Billing and Quality Technician
- Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
- Compounding Technician
- Lead Pharmacy Tech
- Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Tech
Job Responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician
In a recent survey of Pharmacy Technicians completed by the U.S. Department of Labor, professional from around the country provided unique insight into their jobs. The survey gathered fascinating information about a pharmacy techs job duties and responsibilities. The top 5 job responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include the following:
- Be a customer resource to address basic concerns, finding products, and relaying information to the pharmacist of record
- Process refill requests and written prescription to verify information is accurate and complete
- Answer telephones, responding to customer and vender requests
- Complete orders by filling bottles with defined types of medications and properly affix label
- Manage storage and security of prescription drugs
Educational Requirements for Pharmacy Techs
Programs for pharmacy technicians take between six months and two years. A program for becoming a pharmacy technician will provide students with a basic education and understanding in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and customer service. Students will learn the basic operations of a pharmacy, and depending on the state, the various tasks that they may perform in a pharmacy setting. Additionally students will study basic business, accounting and law classes for a better understanding of some of the non-pharmaceutical aspects of the business. As a result, students of such programs will have a well rounded understanding of how pharmacies operate by the time a program is completed.
A curriculum in a pharmacy technician program may include:
- Pharmacology
- Chemistry for Pharmacy
- Business Office Machines
- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacy Law
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:
Employment Opportunities for Pharmacy Techs
Pharmacy technicians will find work within the numerous pharmacies located throughout the United States. These include those found in hospitals, supermarkets, large pharmacy chains and privately owned pharmacies. The role of a pharmacy technician is to assist a licensed pharmacist in customer care and preparation, though pharmacy technicians are typically unqualified to answer questions regarding treatment or medication. Pharmacy technicians provide assistance in the daily operations of the pharmacy. Some individuals may pursue a career as pharmacy technician then pursue the education necessary to become a pharmacist alongside their work. PharmD programs often choose pharmacy technicians due to their experience and knowledge making them better candidates as pharmacists.
States with the Highest Employment of Pharmacists
- California 34,870
- Texas 33,030
- Florida 27,660
- Illinois 19,330
- New York 17,660
Top Paying States for a Pharmacist
- Washington $42,170
- California $39,760
- Alaska $39,600
- North Dakota $38,510
- Oregon $37,990
Largest Employers of Pharmacists
- Health & Personal Care Stores 207,480
- Medical and Surgical Hospitals 61,530
- Grocery Stores 31,300
- General Merchandise Stores 30,270
- Department Stores 12,770
Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook
The job market for pharmacy technicians is expanding as the population gets older at a projected rate of 9% through 2024 which will add approximately 34,700 jobs during this reporting period. The demand for pharmacists is expected to increase in the coming years and in turn the demand for technicians is also expected to increase. Currently there is a shortage of pharmacists, as there are not enough programs producing pharmacists to meet the demands of populace.
This gap is expected to grow as healthcare becomes more readily available to the populace, and the average age of the citizenry of the United States increases. As a result, the growth of positions for pharmacy technicians is expected to increase to offset the lack of pharmacists available as a whole, and increasing opportunities for technicians as a whole. As the market increases, so do the responsibilities of the technician which over the years have seen the inclusion of clerical work, mixing, and intake quickly becoming part of the technician's job. Though there is little room for advancement, in larger pharmacies or stores it is possible for experience technicians to obtain supervisory positions.
Though it is possible to work in a pharmacy without certification or licensure, ones income will dramatically increase if they choose to do so. The average income of a pharmacy technician is approximately $30,920. One should see an increase in income with certification. Individuals who maintain long term employment or garner significant experience may also see increases in pay over the course of their career. Those who work in larger pharmacies and obtain supervisory positions will be among the highest earners.
Additional Resources for Pharmacy Students
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
- American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL)
- American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
- Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA)
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
- College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP)
- American Society of Pharmacognosy
- American Institute of the History of Pharmacy
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- American Society for Automation in Pharmacy (ASAP)
- American Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (ASCPT)
Those seeking a career as a pharmacy technician may also want to consider a career as aphysical therapy assistant,occupational therapist assistant, ormedical assistant. For additional information on pharmacy, check out our Pharmacy Career Guide on our blog.