Become a pharmacy technician
This 100% online pharmacy technician course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)—exam voucher included. Your training helps you understand how to assist the pharmacist in the packing and distribution of medication. You will obtain hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module.
Pharmacy technician training covers the ethics of pharmacy practice and education about prescription medications, patient care and interaction, and charges and reimbursement. You will also have the option to perform a hands-on, 100-hour Clinical Experience.
Clinical Experiences are based on individual state board requirements.
Course objectives
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy technician role, including essential professional skills and communication expectations necessary for success in a pharmacy setting
- Understand pharmacy regulations and standards from regulatory agencies and professional associations to ensure patient safety, high-quality care, and proper medication handling
- Gain practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures, including the ability to identify medication orders and read prescription forms accurately
- Learn about medication storage guidelines and quality assurance procedures in the pharmacy department
- Develop essential skills for success as a pharmacy technician, including accuracy, attention to detail, and effective communication
- Prepare for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)'s Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) and earn the highly respected Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential upon successful completion
Job outlook for pharmacy technicians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 6% through 2032, 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, the annual salary for pharmacy technicians is $40,300 (as of May 2023), with the top 10% earning more than $57,000.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Pharmacy technician training can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in Clinical Experience 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.
Registration and enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
- Commitment
- 400 hrs
- Format
- Online Self-paced
- Cost
- $3295
- Outcome
- Career Training
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Contact us
Have questions about continuing education offerings or need technical support with your CE offering? Please email (Continuing.Education@cuw.edu) or call (262-243-2100).
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