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Pharmacy Technician Program

A pharmacy technician program trains you to assist licensed pharmacists with preparing and dispensing medication, one of the faster paths into a healthcare career. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited pharmacy technician programs that fit your schedule.

What Does a Pharmacy Technician Program Cover?

A pharmacy technician program covers both the technical and customer facing sides of the role, preparing you to support pharmacists in a retail, hospital, or long term care setting. Many programs are offered as a pharmacy technician course online, often combined with hands on or externship components.

Pharmacy Technician Training and Job Outlook

Pharmacy technician training prepares graduates for a role with strong, steady demand across the healthcare industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians earned a median annual wage of $43,460 as of May 2024, with about 490,400 people employed in the role. Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Pharmacist technician trainee jobs are widely available while completing certification requirements, giving many students a way to start earning while they train.

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Pros and Cons of a Pharmacy Technician Career

1

Fast training timeline compared to many healthcare careers

Pay is on the lower end compared to other healthcare roles

 

2

Trainee jobs often available while completing certification

Certification exam adds an extra step before full employment

 

3

Strong, steady demand across retail and hospital pharmacies

Certification exam adds an extra step before full employment

 

4

Multiple entry points, from certificate to associate degree

Customer facing role, can involve difficult interactions

 

Choose Your Degree Level

Pharmacy Tech Classes Online (didactic portion)

Students who want to start coursework quickly

 

Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program

The most common path into the field

 

Pharmacy Technician Associate Degree

Broader training, may support career advancement

 

Common Questions About Pharmacy Technician Programs

How do I prepare for the pharmacy technician certification board exam?

Most pharmacy technician programs include exam preparation as part of the curriculum, covering the topics tested on the national certification board exam.

Yes. Many programs offer the coursework portion online, though most also require an in person or hands on externship component before certification.

Many pharmacies hire trainees who are actively working toward certification, allowing students to gain paid experience while completing their pharmacy technician program.

Most pharmacy technician programs take a few months to under a year to complete, making it one of the faster paths into a healthcare career.

Completing the coursework is typically one part of the process. Most paths also require passing a national certification exam and, in some cases, completing supervised hours.

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Ready to Start Your Pharmacy Technician Career?

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