There’s no shortage of pharmacies in need of skilled pharmacy technicians! This 100% online course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam and help you complete an externship with a leading pharmacy chain. 

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 6% through 2038, faster than the average rate for all other professions (3%). Over the decade, around 44,900 jobs for pharmacy technicians are expected annually.

The BLS notes that, on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $37,790 (as of May 2022), with the top 10% earning over $50,640. CTA: Request More Information

Pharmacy technicians order and stock medications, prepare medications for distribution and provide information to patients. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, their work must be approved by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed. 

Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements.

This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure.

As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases rises, more pharmacy technicians will be needed in pharmacies and may even see themselves taking on greater responsibilities in their role.

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.

Melissa Dunworth has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

Betty Stahl holds a doctorate in pharmacy from Shenandoah University. Over the past several years, she has taught pharmacy technician programs at ASA College in New York City and ACT in Arlington, Virginia. Stahl has also worked as a pharmacist in independent and hospital settings.