Best Online Pharmacy Technician Programs

Online Pharmacy Technician School

Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists in health and professional care environments. Pharmacists often train and supervise pharmacy technicians in their work, which typically includes compounding, measuring, and dispensing medication. Many pharmacists rely on pharmacy technicians for administrative work such as inventory management, filing insurance claims, and record-keeping.

Well-developed pharmacy technician programs include classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory training. To succeed in their role, pharmacy technicians need keen mathematical acumen and attentiveness to detail.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), pharmacy technicians' industry and state greatly impact their salary and career prospects. Although pharmacy technicians earn a lower-than-average annual median salary ($33,950 compared to $39,810), the top 10% of professionals in this sector earn significantly higher annual median salaries ($49,130).

Career and Salary Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

The healthcare field is a robust professional sector. The BLS projects jobs for healthcare professionals to grow 15% between 2019-2029, which equals about 2.4 million new jobs. Although the BLS projects a slower growth rate of 4% for pharmacy technician jobs, practitioners can find ample professional opportunities in several industries and states.

Most pharmacy technicians work at health and professional care stores, although practitioners who work for federal executive branches earn the highest mean annual salaries of $44,920. Outpatient care centers and colleges and professional schools pay the second and third highest salaries in the industry ($44,670 and $43,580, respectively).

The states with the most pharmacy technicians include Texas, California, and Florida. California pays the highest pharmacy technician salaries ($45,200), followed by Alaska ($44,280) and Washington ($43,910).

Pharmacy Technicians

Source: BLS

Best Pharmacy Technician Programs

Online pharmacy programs often run asynchronously, giving enrollees the flexibility to continue their jobs. Learners who enroll in online programs also save money by not incurring room-and-board or commuting expenses.

The ranking below highlights some of the most affordable pharmacy technician programs online. Prospective students can also learn about graduation rates and scholarship opportunities.

Accreditation for Pharmacy Technology Programs

Accreditation is a voluntary evaluation process that schools complete to show their commitment to providing quality educational programs. Accrediting agencies assess a postsecondary institution's offerings according to accepted and established standards of rigor and quality. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversees the process, although it does not directly grant accreditation.

Nonprofit degree-oriented colleges and universities seek regional accreditation, while for-profit vocational schools seek national accreditation. Although regional accreditors use stricter evaluation standards, the ED recognizes both accreditation types. The ED does not disburse federal assistance funds to non-accredited institutions.

Accrediting organizations can also provide programmatic accreditation to specific programs. The Pharmacy Technician Education Accreditation Commission is the main accrediting body for pharmacy technician education and training programs.

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Practice requirements for pharmacy technicians vary between states. According to data from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 24 states require pharmacy technicians to hold licensure or national certification before they can practice. Another 21 states require licensure or registration only (no national certification), and five states (Delaware, Hawaii, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia do not post any requirements for pharmacy technicians.

Many states recognize the certified pharmacy technician credential issued by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). To qualify for certification, applicants 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.

Courses in a Pharmacy Technology Program

An associate degree in pharmacy technology typically comprises 60-64 credits and takes two years to complete. Diploma programs and the best pharmacy technician certificate online programs require fewer credits and usually take one year to complete. Other factors, such as learners' enrollment status and the program's delivery format, can impact program length.

Pharmacy technology coursework covers topics such as pharmacy mathematics, drug dosages, and compounding. Many programs also include classes in management, industry regulations, and the insurance process. See below for five common courses in both on-campus and online pharmacy technician programs.

• Pharmacology

  Students learn the fundamental concepts of pharmacology, including generic and trade names of common medications, dosage formulations, and pharmacokinetic processes that impact a body's reaction to various drugs. The course teaches enrollees about contraindications and adverse effects of different medications. Learners also study safe and proper drug administration procedures.

• Compounding

  This course provides hands-on training in non-sterile pharmaceutical preparations, cleaning and maintenance of compounding equipment, and accurate documentation. Students familiarize themselves with quality assurance principles and the most current pharmacy technology software to help them customize medications and keep accurate patient and dosage records.

• Safe Medication Practices

  Enrollees examine factors that often contribute to errors in the pharmaceutical field, including the environment, the organization, and the individual. This course aims to help learners improve patient outcomes by focusing on the cause and prevention of medication and dispensing oversight. Students learn various strategies to minimize the incidence of errors in community and hospital settings.

• Standards of Practice and Legislation for Pharmacy Technicians

  This course provides a professional, legal, and ethical framework for pharmacy technicians. Students learn about various state and federal regulations impacting pharmacy practice and the implications of the same on their duties and responsibilities as pharmacy technicians. The course familiarizes enrollees with standards of practice and current procedural regulations in the field.

• Pharmacy Business

  This course focuses on common business practices in community pharmacy. Coursework covers topics such as efficient inventory control and management, billing and reconciling third-party insurance claims, purchasing procedures, and customer service. Learners study pharmaceutical business terminology and examine local and state regulations relevant to the field.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmacy Tech Programs

How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technology program?

A 60-credit associate in applied science degree typically takes two years to complete. Learners can complete diploma or certificate programs, which require fewer credits, sooner.

Do I need a license to be a pharmacy technician?

Except for five states and the District of Columbia, all states require pharmacy technicians to either be licensed or hold a recognized certificate in the field before they can practice.

Where do pharmacy technicians work?

Most pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies. Hospitals, nursing homes, and mental health facilities also hire pharmacy technicians.

What is the difference between a pharmacist and a pharmacy tech?

Pharmacists typically complete four years of professional coursework in addition to a minimum of two years of undergraduate study. Pharmacy technicians usually only complete two years of postsecondary study.

Sources

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• https://www.acpe-accredit.org/
• https://www.bartonccc.edu/
• https://www.cpcc.edu/programs/pharmacy-technology
• https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/
• https://www.ndscs.edu/
• https://www.ptcb.org/
• https://www.sfccmo.edu/
• https://www.bls.gov/oes/home.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• https://www.vinu.edu/