- Vocational Schools and Trade Schools
- Pharmacy Technician Schools and Degrees
Pharmacy technicians form the backbone of any pharmacy. While pharmacists get a lot of the attention and credit, it’s usually the pharmacy technician who does the bulk of the work, including processing and filling prescriptions, measuring medication amounts and organizing inventory. As a result, serving as a pharmacy technician carries a lot of responsibility that necessitates specialized training. Want to learn more about how you can become a pharmacy tech? Start with these frequently asked questions about the process, and learn how to earn your degree online.
FAQs About the Online Pharmacy Tech Degree
- How much do pharmacy technicians make?
- What online degree do I need to become a pharmacy tech?
- How can I get a pharmacy technician degree online?
- What are the best online pharmacy tech degrees?
- How do I find accredited online pharmacy tech programs?
- Are there scholarships and grants for pharmacy technicians?
How Much Do Pharmacy Technicians Make?
The exact compensation a pharmacy technician can expect will depend on where they work and their level of experience. Generally, pharmacy technicians will make more money in a hospital than a retail pharmacy. However, the level of experience can play a significant role in expected salary as well. To give a broad overview of what pharmacy technicians can make, check out the chart below.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary: Entry-level | Median Annual Salary: Mid-level | Median Annual Salary: Late-career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Pharmacy Technician | $29,513 | $34,796 | $43,232 |
| Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician | $35,425 | $41,250 | $41,731 |
| Pharmacy Technician Supervisor | N/A | $49,025 | N/A |
| Retail Pharmacy Tech | $27,186 | $30,580 | $44,449 |
Source: Payscale
Explore Online Degree
Programs to Become a Pharmacy Technician
What Online Degree Do I Need to Become a Pharmacy Tech?
To be competitive in the job market, an individual must earn either a certificate or associate degree in pharmacy technology. While the associate degree isn’t required to become a pharmacy technician or sit for the certification exam, it does provide a broader educational background that may open more professional growth opportunities, including a future in teaching or management.
The opportunity for specialization is possible with specific courses and certifications offered by the National Pharmacy Technician Association in areas such as compounding and chemo. These certifications can also be obtained through coursework available within formal pharmacy technology programs.
An associate degree takes approximately two years to complete and is commonly found at community colleges. Not everyone who wants to be a pharmacy technician will pursue this level, since it takes more time and money to complete than a certificate. However, it does provide a well-rounded education and increases the chances for future growth or a shift into another career, such as teaching. Students enrolled in an online associate degree program can expect to take some of the following courses:
-
Pharmacy Law
Students learn the array of rules, regulations and laws that apply to the dispensing and handling of pharmaceutical drugs.
-
Introduction to Pharmacy Mathematics
Teaches the mathematical concepts needed to calculate dosages and complete compounding tasks in a pharmacy.
-
Pharmacy Basics
Discusses all aspects of the pharmacy technician field, including certification requirements, ethical considerations and legal responsibilities.
Pharmacy Tech Careers with an Associate Degree
Pharmacy Technician
Job Outlook: 12 percent growth
Career and Technical Education Teachers
Job Outlook: 4 percent growth
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Job Outlook: 14 percent growth
Source: (2016–2026 growth data from BLS)
Certificate or diploma programs are popular for future pharmacy technicians. Typically taking about 18 months to complete, the curriculums in a certificate program and associate degree program are similar, except the general education requirements are not included. Because a degree isn’t necessary for certification, a certificate is sufficient for either type of pharmacy technician certification available in the United States. A sample of a certificate program’s curriculum is below:
-
Pharmacology
Provides an overview of how medications interact with the human body, especially when treating diseases.
-
Pharmacy Clinical
Real-world experience working in a pharmacy setting under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
-
Aseptic Technique and Compounding Sterile Preparations
Students learn aseptic techniques and compounding sterile preparations within the applicable legal framework.
Pharmacy Tech Careers with a Certificate
Pharmacy Technician
Job Outlook: 12 percent growth
Source: (2016–2026 growth data from BLS)
Explore Online Degree
Programs to Become a Pharmacy Technician
How Can I Get a Pharmacy Technician Degree Online?
Becoming a pharmacy technician involves much more than just signing up and completing a program. One of the first things prospective students should do is make sure they have the necessary qualities to succeed as a pharmacy technician and enjoy that type of work.
For example, pharmacy technicians must be extremely detail-oriented. If mistakes are made filling prescriptions, people can die. It’s also helpful to be organized and be able to multi-task. A pharmacy technician may fill numerous prescriptions while interacting with customers and answering their questions or directing their concerns to the pharmacist.
Finally, pharmacy technicians must have good listening skills. They serve as the first line of interaction between the pharmacy and the customer, so they must accurately understand the concerns and issues of those who ask questions. Assuming individuals have the qualities to succeed in the pharmacy technology field, they can move through the following steps.
Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
This is a minimum requirement to achieve certification as a pharmacy technician. Time to complete: Four years.
Decide on a career.
You obviously want to be a pharmacy technician, but do you have other aspirations, such as teaching, becoming a full-fledged pharmacist or going into management? If so, your educational path may be much different. Time to complete: Varies.
Choose an educational path.
Most pharmacy technicians will either get an associate degree or certificate. Time to complete: Varies.
Assess personal and financial resources.
How much time and money you have readily available may determine the educational path most possible for you. Time to complete: Varies.
Decide on a pharmacy technology program.
Pharmacy technology programs are very popular and widely available. Because you now know your available resources, along with the career and educational paths you wish to take, you can effectively research programs and apply for the one you choose. Time to complete: Varies.
Confirm accreditation.
Accreditation is critical because it ensures you will receive an education that meets certain minimum standards. Graduating from an accredited program is also important for finding a job as a pharmacy technician. Time to complete: Less than one month.
Review admission requirements.
Admissions requirements will differ depending on the school and program. Students may need to take an admissions test, such as the SAT or ACT, complete essays or get letters of recommendation. Time to complete: Less than a month.
Register for the SAT or ACT.
Some programs may require applicants to take the SAT or ACT. If your chosen program has this requirement, you’ll need to register for the applicable test and begin studying for it. Time to complete: Three to six months.
Complete admission requirements.
If you needed to write application essays, gather letters of recommendation or complete any other requirements for admission, complete them soon so you can formally apply to your chosen pharmacy technology program. Time to complete: Less than six months.
Formally apply to programs.
With any entrance exams taken and application requirements finished, now it’s time to submit your application. Time to complete: Less than a month.
Submit to a background check.
Most employers will conduct background checks on employees before hiring them. Additionally, a criminal history may disqualify some individuals from becoming pharmacy technicians, such as those with certain drug offenses. Time to complete: Less than three months.
Apply for financial aid.
Complete the FAFSA (also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and see what financial aid you may be eligible for that can help pay for the cost of schooling. Time to complete: Three or more months.
Begin coursework.
After you’re accepted, it’s time to hit the books. Do your very best to get good grades so you can stand out among the pharmacy technicians in your class and in the job market. Time to complete: 18 to 24 months.
Complete hands-on requirements.
Though you may be enrolled in an online program, your curriculum will have in-person course requirements that test your skills and knowledge in a pharmacy setting. Time to complete: Varies.
Apply for certification.
There are two certifications available; one is offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the other by the National Health Career Association. Applicants may need to pay registration fees and schedule to take their exam. Time to complete: A few weeks.
Study for the certification exam.
Without certification, students will face an uphill battle finding work as a pharmacy technician, so passing this exam is critical. Time to complete: Varies.
Begin the job hunt.
If you made good grades, impressed your supervisors during the hands-on portions of your coursework and became certified, you should be able to find a position as a pharmacy technician. Start applying for jobs. Time to complete: Varies.
Comply with continuing education requirements.
Certification must be maintained. This includes completing continuing education requirements every few years. Time to complete: Less than a month.
Explore Online Degree
Programs to Become a Pharmacy Technician
The 25 Best Online Pharmacy Tech Degree Programs 2018
Deciding among the best accredited online pharmacy technology programs can be a bit subjective. Some students will prefer extra attention from their professors while others will need to keep tuition costs as low as possible. Still others may prefer a school in a particular location, since that’s where they want to work after graduating. Because of this, it’s easy to see how certain factors must be considered when deciding on the best program. Therefore, the following ranking doesn’t just list schools that are the best; it also provides information about the various factors prospective pharmacy technology students might heavily consider when choosing a school.
Methodology
Methodology
Accredited Schools Online
Our data analysis team and higher education experts have worked together to create a scoring system that includes key qualitative and quantitative measures. The data attributes are then weighted based on relevance.
General Criteria
The scoring methodology includes factors such as:
- Cost & financial aid
- Number of programs and program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- And many others
Score
These factors are assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or “bang for your buck” of a college or degree program.
| Rank | University | Location | Score | Tuition & Fees | Financial Aid % | Total Programs | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pensacola State College | Pensacola,FL | 99.72 | $$$$$ | 23% | 2 | 21:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2 | Vincennes University | Vincennes,IN | 99.52 | $$$$$ | 18% | 2 | 17:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 3 | North Seattle College | Seattle,WA | 99.01 | $$$$$ | 17% | 2 | 16:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 4 | Baker College | Port Huron,MI | 97.95 | $$$$$ | 74% | 2 | 19:1 | 32% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 5 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford,FL | 97.87 | $$$$$ | 18% | 2 | 29:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 6 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville,FL | 97.83 | $$$$$ | 15% | 1 | 22:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 7 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | Parkersburg,WV | 97.73 | $$$$$ | 16% | 1 | 15:1 | 26% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 8 | Jackson College | Jackson,MI | 97.30 | $$$$$ | 21% | 1 | 18:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 9 | Marygrove College | Detroit,MI | 97.23 | $$$$$ | 92% | 1 | 9:1 | 16% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 10 | Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City,OK | 96.94 | $$$$$ | 10% | 1 | 19:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 11 | Miami Dade College | Miami,FL | 96.88 | $$$$$ | 24% | 1 | 23:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 12 | Pasco-Hernando State College | New Port Richey,FL | 96.52 | $$$$$ | 7% | 1 | 27:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 13 | Cabarrus College of Health Sciences | Concord,NC | 96.25 | $$$$$ | 72% | 1 | 6:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 14 | Louisiana State University-Alexandria | Alexandria,LA | 96.17 | $$$$$ | 23% | 1 | 19:1 | 14% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 15 | University of Rio Grande | Rio Grande,OH | 95.84 | $$$$$ | 24% | 1 | 19:1 | 28% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 16 | Indian River State College | Fort Pierce,FL | 88.19 | $$$$$ | 11% | 1 | 26:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 17 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City,FL | 88.17 | $$$$$ | 28% | 1 | 19:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 18 | The University of Montana | Missoula,MT | 87.91 | $$$$$ | 67% | 1 | 18:1 | 49% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 19 | Snow College | Ephraim,UT | 87.88 | $$$$$ | 84% | 1 | 20:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 20 | Remington College-Memphis Campus | Memphis,TN | 87.64 | $$$$$ | 82% | 2 | 18:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 21 | Remington College-Dallas Campus | Garland,TX | 87.59 | $$$$$ | 88% | 2 | 22:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 22 | South Texas College | McAllen,TX | 87.54 | $$$$$ | 1% | 2 | 27:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 23 | University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage,AK | 87.54 | $$$$$ | 44% | 1 | 19:1 | 26% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 24 | Remington College-Shreveport Campus | Shreveport,LA | 86.65 | $$$$$ | 90% | 1 | 11:1 | N/A | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 25 | Robert Morris University Illinois | Chicago,IL | 86.00 | $$$$$ | 82% | 1 | 21:1 | 73% | Yes | Yes | No |
2-Year Best College Rankings
| Rank | University | Location | Score | Tuition & Fees | Financial Aid % | Total Programs | Student-Teacher Ratio | Grad Rate | Placement Services | Counseling Services | Credit for Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas State University - Beebe | Beebe,AR | 99.81 | $$$$$ | 34% | 3 | 17:1 | 35% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2 | Eastern New Mexico University - Roswell Campus | Roswell,NM | 98.47 | $$$$$ | 5% | 2 | 14:1 | 20% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 3 | Central Louisiana Technical Community College | Alexandria,LA | 98.21 | $$$$$ | 20% | 2 | 17:1 | 60% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 4 | Cape Fear Community College | Wilmington,NC | 97.77 | $$$$$ | 9% | 2 | 13:1 | 14% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 5 | Eastern Arizona College | Thatcher,AZ | 97.75 | $$$$$ | 26% | 2 | 20:1 | 22% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 6 | Crowder College | Neosho,MO | 97.62 | $$$$$ | 18% | 2 | 15:1 | 22% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 7 | Augusta Technical College | Augusta,GA | 97.17 | $$$$$ | 20% | 2 | 14:1 | 20% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 8 | Johnston Community College | Smithfield,NC | 97.15 | $$$$$ | 4% | 2 | 16:1 | 29% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 9 | Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College | Asheville,NC | 97.11 | $$$$$ | 9% | 2 | 18:1 | 18% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 10 | State Fair Community College | Sedalia,MO | 97.00 | $$$$$ | 14% | 2 | 17:1 | 21% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 11 | Durham Technical Community College | Durham,NC | 97.00 | $$$$$ | 3% | 3 | 18:1 | 12% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 12 | Casper College | Casper,WY | 96.96 | $$$$$ | 42% | 2 | 12:1 | 30% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 13 | North Georgia Technical College | Clarkesville,GA | 96.62 | $$$$$ | 1% | 2 | 17:1 | 30% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 14 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City,IA | 96.57 | $$$$$ | 46% | 2 | 17:1 | 20% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 15 | Ashland Community and Technical College | Ashland,KY | 96.53 | $$$$$ | 7% | 2 | 14:1 | 20% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 16 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland,WI | 96.45 | $$$$$ | 19% | 2 | 13:1 | 39% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 17 | Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs,CO | 96.43 | $$$$$ | 1% | 3 | 23:1 | 14% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 18 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College | Rome,GA | 96.22 | $$$$$ | N/A | 3 | 19:1 | 19% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 19 | Guilford Technical Community College | Jamestown,NC | 96.08 | $$$$$ | 5% | 2 | 20:1 | 10% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 20 | Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta,GA | 96.08 | $$$$$ | 33% | 3 | 16:1 | 24% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 21 | Somerset Community College | Somerset,KY | 96.04 | $$$$$ | 8% | 2 | 18:1 | 25% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 22 | El Paso Community College | El Paso,TX | 96.04 | $$$$$ | 3% | 2 | 26:1 | 10% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 23 | North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton,ND | 95.96 | $$$$$ | 31% | 2 | 12:1 | 47% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 24 | Central Georgia Technical College | Warner Robins,GA | 95.74 | $$$$$ | N/A | 2 | 15:1 | 31% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 25 | Southern Regional Technical College | Thomasville,GA | 95.74 | $$$$$ | N/A | 2 | 12:1 | 32% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 26 | Spokane Community College | Spokane,WA | 95.74 | $$$$$ | 14% | 2 | 17:1 | 26% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 27 | Lone Star College | The Woodlands,TX | 95.70 | $$$$$ | 13% | 2 | 18:1 | 11% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 28 | Jefferson Community and Technical College | Louisville,KY | 95.59 | $$$$$ | 1% | 2 | 16:1 | 11% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 29 | National Park College | Hot Springs,AR | 95.57 | $$$$$ | 71% | 2 | 26:1 | 20% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 30 | Clark College | Vancouver,WA | 95.48 | $$$$$ | 11% | 2 | 15:1 | 24% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 31 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville,NC | 95.38 | $$$$$ | 1% | 2 | 20:1 | 7% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 32 | Wake Technical Community College | Raleigh,NC | 95.26 | $$$$$ | 2% | 2 | 18:1 | 16% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 33 | Renton Technical College | Renton,WA | 95.24 | $$$$$ | 15% | 2 | 14:1 | 61% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 34 | Vance-Granville Community College | Henderson,NC | 95.18 | $$$$$ | 18% | 2 | 16:1 | 28% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 35 | Hutchinson Community College | Hutchinson,KS | 95.18 | $$$$$ | 59% | 1 | 15:1 | 29% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 36 | Tulsa Community College | Tulsa,OK | 95.08 | $$$$$ | 39% | 1 | 17:1 | 14% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 37 | Texas State Technical College-Waco | Waco,TX | 95.02 | $$$$$ | 38% | 1 | 13:1 | 24% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 38 | Wayne County Community College District | Detroit,MI | 94.89 | $$$$$ | 1% | 2 | 24:1 | 13% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 39 | Davidson County Community College | Thomasville,NC | 94.86 | $$$$$ | 7% | 3 | 20:1 | 26% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 40 | College of the Mainland | Texas City,TX | 94.84 | $$$$$ | 27% | 2 | 14:1 | 13% | Yes | Yes | No | |
| 41 | Sinclair College | Dayton,OH | 94.74 | $$$$$ | 28% | 1 | 15:1 | 17% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 42 | Columbus Technical College | Columbus,GA | 94.72 | $$$$$ | N/A | 2 | 18:1 | 16% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 43 | Albany Technical College | Albany,GA | 94.59 | $$$$$ | 2% | 2 | 18:1 | 41% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 44 | North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City,IA | 94.50 | $$$$$ | 43% | 2 | 20:1 | 38% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 45 | Cerritos College | Norwalk,CA | 94.49 | $$$$$ | N/A | 2 | 30:1 | 24% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 46 | Chemeketa Community College | Salem,OR | 94.30 | $$$$$ | 5% | 2 | 22:1 | 12% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 47 | Angelina College | Lufkin,TX | 94.20 | $$$$$ | 8% | 1 | 15:1 | 9% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 48 | Jones County Junior College | Ellisville,MS | 94.09 | $$$$$ | 35% | 1 | 25:1 | 27% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 49 | Gateway Community and Technical College | Florence,KY | 94.08 | $$$$$ | 9% | 1 | 12:1 | 34% | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 50 | Miles Community College | Miles City,MT | 94.07 | $$$$$ | 46% | 1 | 10:1 | 40% | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How Do I Find Accredited Online Pharmacy Tech Programs?
Choosing the best pharmacy technology program can shape your professional future. When choosing a program, consider several points, many of which have been discussed above. But there are still a few other things to think about when finding the best online program.
First, check the school’s in-person curriculum requirements. Even though students may be enrolled in an online program where most course requirements can be satisfied remotely at any time during the day, some in-person requirements are still in place. Take this travel requirement into consideration when choosing a program.
Second, check a program’s career services offerings. Graduates can find post-graduate employment without any outside help from their school, but it’s certainly a lot easier when a career services office can get you in touch with contacts at desired places of employment and provide job search advice, like resume reviews and mock interviews.
Search ProgramsAre There Scholarships and Grants for Pharmacy Technicians?
Scholarships and grants are desirable because they do not need to be repaid like loans do. There are literally thousands of scholarships and grants available to postsecondary students. Below is a list of some places pharmacy technology students can find scholarships specifically tailored to them.
Scholarships.
Scholarships are a form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back, so they are among the most desired of financial aid awards. Scholarships are usually awarded based on individual merit. This merit can include high academic performance, but might also go to students who specifically choose to study in pharmacy technology. The following is a list of resources than can help students find scholarships to pay for their pharmacy technology schooling.
-
Collegescholarships.org—Scholarships for Pharmacy Students
Provides a detailed list of scholarships for students entering academic programs for a future career in pharmacy-related fields.
-
Fastweb—Pharmacy Technician/Assistant
One of the premier online resources for scholarships. It has a section specifically for pharmacy tech students.
Grants.
Grants are like scholarships because they don’t need to be paid back. But unlike scholarships, they are usually based on financial need, not merit (although merit is sometimes a factor). To be eligible for most grants, students will usually need to apply for financial aid including the completion of the FAFSA. For more information about grants for pharmacy technology students, check out the following resources.
-
Careeronestop
Offers a Scholarship Finder that details various financial aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships and fellowships.
-
Federal Student Aid—Federal Pell Grant
Available to undergraduate students working toward a bachelor’s or professional degree with the primary criteria being financial need.
When choosing a school for pharmacy technology, students must make sure the program offered is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. This not only ensures graduates from the program will be able to sit for the applicable certification exam, but that students will be eligible for most financial aid offerings. Practically all financial aid awards will only be available to students who attend an accredited academic program.