How To Become A Certified Pharmacy Technician
Step-by-Step Guide
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician can help you advance your career and make a difference in the lives of others. But how do you get started? Here’s our step-by-step guide to becoming certified:
Step 1: Earn Your Pharmacy Technician Certification
To become a certified pharmacy technician, you’ll need to earn your certification from an accredited school. In order to be eligible to take the test, however, you’ll need to meet certain requirements—including holding at least an associate’s degree in science or health care related studies; passing an online exam; and having two years of work experience as a pharmacy technician. If you’re currently working as a pharmacy technician but don’t have formal training or certification yet, speak with your employer about getting them involved in helping you meet these criteria so that when it comes time for testing they’ll be able to verify your experience on their end too!
Step 2: Complete Your Certification Requirements
The next step involves completing all required coursework (which varies depending on which program you choose) and passing an exam at the end of each term before moving onto the next one until graduation day arrives!
How To Become Certified Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for handling all aspects of the prescription fulfillment process and assisting the pharmacist with day-to-day operations. Aspiring pharmacy techs can complete a one-year diploma or certification program at a pharmacy technician school or a two-year associate degree program. This career guide provides in-depth information about pharmacy technician training, careers and job opportunities in this fast-growing field. Once they’re on the job, pharmacy technicians earn a median annual salary of $35,100 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS)
This career guide provides in-depth information about how to become a pharmacy technician, from going through the initial training to the job outlook over the next decade.
How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Step 1
Complete a postsecondary education program (Optional)
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is the accrediting body for pharmacy technician programs. ASHP-certified programs are available at many community colleges and vocational schools. Most certificate programs can be completed within a year or less, while associate degree programs typically take two years to complete. Coursework covers technical and practical training in the following areas:
- Pharmacy law
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacy ethics
- Anatomy
- Healthcare systems
- Physiology
- Medical terminology
- Pharmaceutical calculations
Step 2
Complete pharmacy technician on-the-job training
Most programs allow students to gain clinical experience during their training. Depending on state laws, students may also choose to gain on-the-job training without enrolling in a postsecondary education program. Clinical experience may take the form of a structured training program at a retail drugstore that has partnered with the school. Another option is to complete hands-on training at an approved pharmacy or medical center.
Step 3
Become a certified pharmacy technician
Some states require pharmacy technicians to become certified. Even in states where certification is not required, most employers will only hire pharmacy techs who are certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Step 4
Become a specialized pharmacy technician
Some pharmacy technicians choose to work exclusively for a retail drugstore chain and will complete specialized training to serve as a general pharmacy technician, community pharmacy technician or central pharmacy operations technician, or in a similar role.
Step 5
Maintain the pharmacy technician certification
Pharmacy techs need to pass a recertification exam, administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or National Healthcare Association (NHA) every two years. You need to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education before sitting for the exam. Approved continuing education activities can include seminars, workshops, conferences, college courses, and service to the credentialing agencies. As a technician you will have to document your continuing education and submit it online for verification. There’s also a biennial fee associated with recertification.
Pharmacy Tech Salary and Jobs Outlook
Becoming a pharmacy technician can be a gateway to a career as a pharmacist, nursing assistant or other medical professional. Demand for pharmacy technicians is expected to remain high for the next decade, making this career path potentially rewarding for those who wish to work in a pharmacy setting.
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians in 2020 was $35,100, although this varies by state. The bottom 10% of earners make less than $25,400 per year, while the highest 10% earn more than $50,430.
Pharmacy technicians in California, Alaska, Washington, District of Columbia, and Oregon are the highest earners, on average. The BLS reports that the highest-paying positions are available with outpatient care centers, the federal government, and colleges and universities. Pharmacy techs that work in food and beverage stores and health and personal care stores typically make lower annual wages.
Pharmacy Technician Job Growth Per State
Job growth for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow 4 percent from 2019 through 2029, roughly the same as all occupations, according to the BLS. Demand for experienced and skilled pharmacy technicians is expected to stay strong as consumers live longer and increasingly turn to pharmacists for prescription medication to manage chronic diseases and take care of aging-related health issues.
The following states are projected to expand their pharmacy tech job openings the most by 2028:
1. Arizona
25%
2. Georgia
22%
3. Colorado
19%
4. Texas
19%
5. Utah
18%
6. Maryland
15%
7. Nevada
15%
8. D.C.
14%
9. California
13%
10. Idaho
12%Select a State: Alabama Alaska Arizona California Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Washington State West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Pharmacy TechniciansAlabamaEmployment 2010Employment 202001k2k3k4k5k6k7k8k9k
2.33%
Avg Annual Growth
285
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy Technician Jobs: The Basics
Pharmacy technicians work under the direction of a licensed pharmacist to dispense medication and provide information to customers. Pharmacy technicians typically work behind a pharmacy counter at a drugstore, grocery store, hospital, nursing home or other medical facility. This position involves working with pharmacists, patients and occasionally with pharmaceutical reps.Show More
FAQs on Becoming a Pharmacy Technician
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Types of Pharmacy Technician Programs
Diploma and Certificate Programs
A pharmacy technician diploma or certificate program can be completed in one year or less and provides the basic education and training needed to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician exam. These programs introduce students to basic concepts in pharmaceutical technology, record keeping, pharmacy law and ethics, and pharmacology. They typically include a combination of classroom learning and lab training so that students learn how to dispense medication, prepare sterile products, and manage prescription orders.
Graduates of a one-year program can apply for entry-level positions at drugstores, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or with mail-order pharmacy companies. Pharmacy tech certification programs typically require students to complete an externship at an approved pharmaceutical facility, hospital or retail pharmacy.
Examples of courses available in pharmacy technician diploma and certificate programs include:
Introduction to Pharmacy
This course introduces students to pharmacy practices and terminology.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Pharmacy and medical termsBasic pharmacy operations
Dosage Forms and Routes of Administration
Students gain an understanding of how medications interact in the body after administration and how to use basic mathematic principles for dosing.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Administration of medicationBasic measurement systems and best practicesMathematical techniques and methodologies used in pharmacies
Science of Pharmacology
This class covers the process by which drugs are approved for general use, as well as drug administration issues for patients.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Drug approval processDrug administration processes for individual patients
Hospital Pharmacy Practice
This course details basic pharmacy operations in a hospital setting.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Hospital pharmacy operationsBasic guidelines for working in a hospital settingRole of the pharmacy technician in a hospital setting
Pharmacy Ethics
Students are introduced to the laws and ethics governing pharmacy practice.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Modern laws governing pharmacy and pharmacology practices in the United StatesEthical considerations for different customer situationsPharmacy technician codes of conduct
Associate Degrees
Students interested in a more comprehensive educational experience can enroll in a pharmacy technician associate degree program. Although a degree is not required to apply for entry-level positions, some students choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree so they can advance in their careers and apply for jobs as a compounding lab technician, pharmacy service technician, pharmacy implementation specialist or similar roles. Earning an associate degree can also help a student prepare for a Bachelor of Pharmacy or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
The comprehensive two-year program covers topics in pharmacy operations, pharmacology and advanced administration, and may include an externship component. Students take a series of general courses in mathematics, science, psychology, humanities, and English, in addition to pharmacy- and medical-specific courses to fulfill degree requirements. Graduates of this program can process medication orders, have extensive knowledge about pharmacy law as it applies to filling prescriptions, and demonstrate fundamental knowledge of medical terminology.
Examples of courses offered through a pharmacy technician associate degree program include:
Interpersonal Communications for the Workplace
Students learn effective interpersonal communication skills for working with customers in a medical environment.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Strong communication skills to communicate effectively with pharmacists and customersCustomer service skillsNon-verbal communication
Pharmacy Calculations
This course covers mathematical equations and best practices for managing calculations in a pharmacy.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Fundamental mathematical conceptsApplied mathematicsBest practices for using mathematical formulas to solve problems
Pharmacology I
Key principals of drug interactions and the human body are studied, along with the drug types and their effect on the nervous system. This course typically covers basic principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Human anatomy and physiology of the nervous systemDrugs for the treatment of nervous system disorders
Over-the-Counter Drugs
This is a review of nonprescription drugs for common disorders and best practices for managing customer questions about self-treatment.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Advanced knowledge of nonprescription drugs and medicationsCustomer service skillsPharmaceutical ethics
Pharmacy Law
This course details federal and state laws governing the practice of pharmacies and rules regulating pharmacy technicians’ activities.
Skills & Knowledge Gained
Comprehensive knowledge of relevant state and federal laws related to pharmaciesEthical considerations and legal issues pertaining to pharmacy technicians
Even after completing an associate degree, graduates will have to stay current with changes occurring in the industry or with particular pharmaceutical companies, since new drugs and generic brands are always entering the market. Additionally, they should have cultivated the following skills:
Attention to detail
Pharmacy technicians’ primary responsibility is dispensing prescription medication, which requires great attention to detail. Pharmacy techs must be able to measure, mix, dose and dispense appropriate amounts of medication based on the pharmacist’s orders. They may also be involved with data entry tasks to update patient records and fill prescription orders.
Pharmaceutical literacy
Sometimes, pharmacy technicians will need to read and interpret pharmaceutical literature and prescription information. They need to be knowledgeable about pharmaceutical and medical terms and, in some cases, translate information for the customer’s benefit.
Outstanding customer service
Even though it is not pharmacy technicians’ responsibility to provide medical advice, they will be responsible for interacting with customers when dispensing medication. They must have basic customer service skills to ensure they are providing customers with the correct prescriptions, contact customers to advise them that the prescription is ready and follow up with any inquiries customers may have about their order.
Organization
Pharmacy technicians can work in a variety of settings. Some settings, such as retail drugstores and grocery store pharmacies, may be busier than others on a daily basis. Pharmacy technicians, therefore, must be able to handle different types of customers, work with great precision under pressure and keep everything organized behind the counter.
Finding Online Pharmacy Technician Programs
Even though pharmacy tech certification and degree programs require hands-on training, some general coursework can be completed online. Many accredited schools offer online pharmacy tech programs that make it easier for a student taking care of a family or working a full-time job to complete their education. Here are some things to look for when exploring online pharmacy technician schools:
Accreditation
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Commission on Credentialing (COC) accredit pharmacy technician training programs in the United States. Enrolling in an accredited program ensures the program maintains a high standard of quality and complies with the accrediting institution’s requirements.
Hands-on Training Opportunities
Since most certification and degree programs for pharmacy technicians require hands-on training through an externship or similar training, it’s important to determine what types of partnerships the school has secured for externships. Some schools offer externship placement as a courtesy to students, while others require students to seek out and apply for training on their own. In either situation, students are typically responsible for organizing their own transportation to the pharmacy, lab or other approved facility to complete this component of the program.
Certification Preparation
Certification is not required in some states, but most employers prefer pharmacy techs to be certified. An online pharmacy tech certification program needs to provide comprehensive training to prepare a student to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam. Those interested in National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification must have at least one year of work experience, which can be acquired through an externship program offered by the school.
Pharmacy Technician Credentials
In addition to becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), pharmacy techs can acquire other certifications that allow them to explore attractive job opportunities. Options include:
- Sterile Products (IV) Certification
- Certified Pharmaceutical Industry Professional
- Chemotherapy Certification
- Compounding Certification
- Nuclear Pharmacy Technician (NPT) Training
Skills of a Successful Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy techs must have strong attention to detail, as the majority of their daily tasks involve measuring, dosing and dispensing prescription medication according to very specific orders. They must also have good written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with the pharmacists they work with, patients, and medical professionals or medical representatives they come into contact with.
Pharmacy technicians must take the lead in educating themselves on drug information and any major changes occurring in the industry. They may be required to read about drug studies, review pharmaceutical literature or produce reports about different prescription medications and dispensing activities. Since many work in busy retail drugstores or emergency rooms, they must also have strong organizational skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment without making mistakes.
Pharmacy Technician Tools and Technologies
Pharmacy technicians are typically trained in all medical software programs used by the pharmacy so that they can fill prescription orders accurately, manage patient billing information and coordinate patient communications in a timely manner. Most become proficient in the following types of software programs:
- Accounting software for medical billing and reimbursement
- Database software to check for drug compatibility
- Inventory management software, such as Cardinal Health Pyxis CII Safe
- Label-making software
- Medical software covering a variety of areas, including patient records and prescription processing
Similar Careers
With additional training, certifications and education, pharmacy technicians can advance in their careers to serve as pharmacists, doctors or other medical professionals. Below is an overview of the median salary, projected job growth and educational requirements for selected related occupations.
Cardiovascular
Technologist
39%
Salary
$54,330
Education and Training:
Associate degree or postsecondary certificate
Dental Assistant
25%
Salary
$35,390
Education and Training:
Some states require completing an accredited educational program and passing a state exam.
Dispensing Optician
23%
Salary
$34,280
Education and Training:
High school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training
Doctor
18%
Salary
$111,630
Education and Training:
Four years of medical school and 3-8 years in an internship or residency program
Mail Order Pharmacy
Technician
20%
Salary
$29,810
Education and Training:
High school diploma; on-the-job training; state licensure in some states
Medical Secretary
12%
Salary
$32,240
Education and Training:
High school diploma; on-the-job training
Medical Technologist
22%
Salary
$59,430
Education and Training:
Bachelor’s degree; licensure in some states
Pharmacist
14%
Salary
$120,950
Education and Training:
Doctor of Pharmacy and a license
What Do Similar Occupations Earn?
Individuals completing a training program at pharmacy technician schools can explore other careers in healthcare after completing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a related field. Pharmacy techs may move their career forward by serving as pharmacists, medical assistants or registered nurses.
