Accredited Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

Pharmacy technicians benefit from above-average demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects this field will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, equating to 47,400 job openings each year.

Our guide explores whether you need a certificate or a degree to become a pharmacy technician — also called pharm techs — and whether you can pursue an accredited online pharmacy technician program.

In most states, to earn your pharmacy technician license, you must complete an accredited course, certificate program, or associate degree program. Community colleges, universities, pharmacies, and other healthcare organizations offer accredited pharmacy technician programs that can prepare you for certification. The best pharmacy program for you depends on your prior experience and education, desired timeline, and career goals.

Many jurisdictions require pharm techs pursuing licensure or certification to complete at least a standalone pharmacy tech course. These classes introduce students to the foundational knowledge and skills they need to assist customers and pharmacists. Enrollees learn about pharmacology, pharmacy records management, and medical terminology.

Accredited pharmacy tech courses must last a minimum of 400 hours over at least eight weeks. While these classes offer a fast track to pharmacy tech careers, earning a certificate or degree can deepen your knowledge and help you stand out on the job market.

Pharmacy tech certificate programs train learners in prescription processing, pharmacy dose calculations, and pharmacy law. These programs generally take around one year, and graduates leave with a pharmacy technician certificate, which meets the entry-level education requirement for pharmacy tech jobs.

Pharm tech certificates offer more in-depth coursework and training than standalone courses, Most certificate programs incorporate hands-on training through a practicum or internship. Accredited pharmacy tech certificate programs may also offer job placement support.

Pharmacy technician associate degrees cover basic and advanced pharmacy skills, including laboratory and clinical experience. In addition to specialized pharm tech courses, associate programs incorporate general education requirements and electives.

Earning an associate degree in pharmacy technology typically takes two years for full-time students. Community colleges and vocational schools offer accredited pharmacy technician degrees.

Completing an associate degree can mean more job opportunities, because some employers prefer to hire pharmacy technicians with a degree. Additionally, earning an associate degree establishes the foundation for further education if you want to pursue other degrees later in your career.

Programmatic accreditation evaluates programs based on their course requirements, faculty qualifications, and student learning outcomes. Students who choose an accredited program can feel confident that their program follows the best practices for educating pharmacy technicians.

Who accredits pharmacy technician programs? The Pharmacy Technician Accreditation Commission (PTAC) evaluates pharm tech courses, certificates, and associate degrees. A collaboration between the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, PTAC conducts rigorous reviews to grant accreditation.

For example, accredited pharmacy technician education must include hands-on practice that simulates an actual work environment. Pharm tech training courses and programs can pursue entry-level or advanced-level accreditation status. Advanced-level programs have lengthier academic and clinical requirements.

When researching pharmacy technician programs and classes, check each option’s accreditation status. Accredited courses, certificates, and degrees satisfy the requirements for jobs and professional certifications in the field. For pharm techs, attending an unaccredited program means you cannot qualify for licensure in many states.

Busy students may prefer the flexibility of online classes. Some schools offer accredited online pharmacy technician programs, while others use a hybrid delivery model that blends online and in-person classes.

Even if you attend an online program, you must gain experience through an in-person internship or practicum in your area. Online programs often work with distance learners to arrange these placements.

Below is a sampling of nonprofit, accredited colleges that offer hybrid or online pharmacy technician programs. Use the table to compare format, length, and other program details.

Demand for pharmacy services is high, making it a good time to become a pharmacy technician. The BLS projects 7% job growth for pharm techs from 2023 to 2033, equating to a total of 33,300 total new jobs.

But is pharmacy technician school the right fit for you? If you’re a detail-oriented person with strong customer service skills, you may thrive as a pharm tech. Pharmacy tech programs can also serve as the first step to pursuing other jobs in the healthcare field.

Most states require pharmacy technicians to register with their state board of pharmacy for a license. This process usually entails completing a state-approved education or training program, passing an examination, and meeting continuing education requirements. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers additional information on state regulations.

In addition to licensure and registration, 22 states and jurisdictions also require pharmacy techs to hold national certification. Note that certification differs from pharm tech certificate programs — certification is a professional credential, while certificates are educational credentials. Even in states that do not require certification, earning this credential can help you stand out and increase your earning potential.

Pharmacy technicians can pursue certification from the following organizations:

Most pharmacy technician programs take 1-2 years of full-time study. While you can enroll in a shorter pharmacy technician course, earning a certificate or degree from an accredited pharmacy technician program can strengthen your credentials for the job market. Accredited online pharmacy technician programs may also meet certification requirements.

Yes, pharmacies like Walgreens, Walmart, Albertsons, and CVS offer apprenticeship programs for pharmacy technicians. These programs typically pay learners while they complete their training. Investigate whether these programs hold PTAC accreditation.

Pharmacy technicians need to complete specialized training in pharmacology, drug dosing, and pharmacy records management. While some pharm techs train through apprenticeship programs at pharmacies, others enroll in accredited pharmacy technician programs at colleges and universities. Both routes prepare trainees and graduates for professional certification and licensure.

In 2023, pharmacy technicians earned a median annual wage of $40,300, according to BLS data. Earning potential varies based on education level, experience, industry, and location. For example, the average salary for pharmacy techs working in hospitals was $47,940 in 2023. The highest-paying jurisdictions for pharmacy techs include California; Washington; Washington, D.C.; Oregon; and Alaska.