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Do you want to jump-start your healthcare career? Well, there's good news: You can complete an online pharmacy tech program in as few as 12 months and for less money than a four-year degree.
Plus, the best online pharmacy technician programs allow you to balance other obligations while you pursue an in-demand career.
Here, we give you more than just a dose of information on the best online pharmacy technician programs. Find out how you can start earning a pharmacy tech paycheck, what you need to get licensed or certified, and your potential salary.
Popular Online Healthcare Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Pharmacy Technician Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Pharmacy Technician Programs
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MO - 2 years
- Online + Campus
For students seeking a flexible online certificate, State Fair Community College is a wise choice. The public, Sedalia-based college supports 2,726 distance learners across 12 online certificate programs. Students interested in the pharmacy field will benefit from the flexibility of the online pharmacy technician certificate program.
Students in the pharmacy program benefit from industry-relevant coursework, gaining foundational skills and advanced knowledge. Enrollees can explore experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships, to supplement their learning experience. In consultation with their academic advisor, students can modify their coursework and choose electives and concentrations. The program's online modality enables flexible study, so students can pursue full-time or part-time enrollment with ease.
Based on their eligibility, students can access scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards through the school. At the college, 91% of enrollees are awarded financial aid packages.
#2 Best Online Pharmacy Technician Programs
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND - 2 years
- Online + Campus
North Dakota State College of Science, a public institution in Wahpeton, connects distance learners with a robust online education. The public college supports 836 distance learners across two online certificate programs. For individuals interested in advancing in the pharmacy field, the pharmacy technician certificate is an attractive choice.
Pharmacy students gain knowledge and skills through lectures and coursework, preparing them for the demands of a pharmacy career. Students also have the option to pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects. Enrollees can work with their academic advisor to customize their studies. Learners have the option to pursue full-time or part-time study.
To offset the cost of education, enrollees can apply for internal and external funding opportunities, such as scholarships and federal financial aid. Out of all its students, the college reports that 89% receive some form of financial aid.
#3 Best Online Pharmacy Technician Programs
Barton County Community College
Great Bend, KS - 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking to expand their knowledge and skills in pharmacy should consider Barton County Community College's online pharmacy technician certificate program. Students can choose from 13 online certificate programs, and remote enrollees join an online learning community of 2,303 distance learners.
Pharmacy students complete industry-relevant coursework that prepares them for the demands of the pharmacy field. Along with their studies, enrollees can pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Students can consult with their academic advisor to modify their course load to suit their career goals. Depending on their needs, students can pursue full-time or part-time study.
To offset educational expenses, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Out of all enrollees, 96% are awarded financial aid.
Why Get an Online Pharmacy Technician Degree?
- Demand for pharmacy techs is projected to increase over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- Pharmacy tech programs teach you valuable skills needed to work in hospitals and drug stores.
- Online pharmacy tech degrees prepare you for a license or certification, if required in your state.
- You learn federal and state laws and medical dosing in a pharmacy tech degree.
- With an online program, you can study to become a pharmacy tech from anywhere.
- Two-year online pharmacy tech degrees cost less than a four-year degree.
How Much Does a Degree in Pharmacy Tech Cost?
To become a pharmacy tech, you can pursue either a certificate or associate degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public two-year college in 2020-2021 cost in-state students $3,501, while out-of-state students paid $8,256.
Online degrees save you money on room and board and transportation costs. That said, you may see additional charges for technology fees, clinical externships, background checks, and drug testing — which are needed before clinical placements.
Career and Salary Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $36,740
Job Outlook (2021-2031): +5%
Pharmacy techs help dispense prescription medications to customers. In this role, you prepare prescriptions and perform calculations under the supervision of a pharmacist. While the bottom 10% of pharmacy technicians earned median annual salaries of $28,740, the top 10% made more than $47,580 a year, according to the BLS.
Pharmacy technicians working in state, local, and private hospitals made the most with a median annual salary of $38,270. Food and beverage stores paid pharmacy technicians $36,090 and pharmacies and drug stores paid them a slightly lower salary of $35,940.
You could also get paid more if you live in high-earning states. In California, pharmacy technicians make median annual wages of $52.090. Other top paying states for pharmacy technicians include Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C.
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Practice requirements for pharmacy technicians vary between states. According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 29 states and Washington D.C. require pharmacy technicians to hold licensure or certification before they can practice. Another 16 states require national certification and license or registration.
Many states recognize the certified pharmacy technician credential issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To qualify for certification, you must graduate from a pharmacy technician program recognized by the organization and pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam. PTCB accepts applicants with at least 500 hours of professional experience as a pharmacy technician in lieu of an associate degree or certificate/diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy Technician Programs
How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician program?
A 60-credit associate in applied science degree typically takes two years to complete. You can complete diploma or certificate programs — which require fewer credits — sooner.
Do you need a license to be a pharmacy technician?
States regulate licensing and certification requirements for pharmacy technicians. Check your state board of pharmacy for specific regulations. Depending on where you live, you may need to be registered, nationally certified, and/or licensed. Some states don't have any licensure or certification requirements.
What's the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?
Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medications. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Pharmacists need a doctor of pharmacy degree, and a state license to get hired. Pharmacy technicians can begin working with a certificate, which takes only one year, but many pharmacy techs choose to earn an associate degree.
How do you become a pharmacy technician?
You only need a GED certificate or high school diploma to get started as a pharmacy technician. Not every state requires pharmacy technicians to get licensed or credentialed, but you do need to complete a formal education program, including a certificate or associate degree.