Thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician? This career offers steady growth and a chance to help people every day.
Plus, you don’t need years of school to get started.
Getting certified is a smart move.
A pharmacy technician certification can boost your job prospects and earning potential.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 programs to help you kickstart your career.
These courses offer quality training and prepare you for the certification exam.
Let’s dive in and find the best fit for you!
1) Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Professional Certification
Want to start a career as a pharmacy tech? Penn Foster’s Pharmacy Technician Professional program might be just what you’re looking for.
This online course is designed to get you job-ready.
The program follows ASHP standards.
It’s even got candidate status for ASHP/ACPE accreditation.
That’s a big deal in the pharmacy world.
You’ll learn all the key skills you need.
The curriculum covers lots of important topics.
You’ll study drug info, dosage calculations, and more.
Worried about time? Don’t be.
You can learn at your own pace.
Most people finish in about 17 months.
But if you’re in a hurry, you might be done in just 13 months.
The best part? You get hands-on experience too.
The program includes an externship.
This lets you practice what you’ve learned in a real pharmacy setting.
After you finish, you’ll be ready to take certification exams.
These can help you stand out when you’re job hunting.
2) Ashworth College Pharmacy Technician Training
Looking to become a pharmacy tech? Ashworth College has got you covered.
Their online Pharmacy Technician Program is flexible and self-paced, perfect for busy adults.
You’ll learn all the basics, from pharmacology to calculations.
The program preps you for the National Healthcareer Association’s certification exam too.
What’s cool is that Ashworth’s program is highly rated.
It was ranked #2 among the top 10 online pharmacy tech programs in 2018.
That’s pretty impressive!
The curriculum starts with an intro to pharmacy.
You’ll learn about the history of the field and key terms.
Then you’ll dive into more specific topics.
Students seem to like the program.
One review praised the “awesome academics” and in-depth content.
It’s a solid choice if you want to start your pharmacy tech career.
3) University of Florida Pharmacy Technician Program
Hey there! Looking to become a pharmacy tech? Check out the University of Florida’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
It’s a solid choice for your career goals.
This 14-week program gets you ready for the job market.
You’ll learn all the skills you need to work in a pharmacy.
The best part? It meets Florida’s education requirements for pharmacy techs.
UF’s program is pretty flexible.
You can take classes online or in person.
This makes it easier to fit into your busy schedule.
Want to take a national certification exam? No problem! This program preps you for that too.
You’ll be ready to tackle either of the big certification tests out there.
The instructors know their stuff.
They’re experienced pharmacists who can teach you the ropes.
You’ll learn about drug interactions, dosing, and how to work with customers.
After you finish, you’ll be all set to start your career as a pharmacy technician.
It’s a great way to get into the healthcare field without spending years in school.
4) St. Petersburg College Pharmacy Technician Certification
Are you looking for a top-notch pharmacy tech program? Check out St. Petersburg College’s offering.
They’ve got a solid Pharmacy Technician program that’ll get you ready for the job market.
This program is designed to prep you for the PTCB exam.
That’s the big certification test you’ll need to pass to become a legit pharmacy tech.
You’ll learn all the important stuff.
Things like drug names, dosages, and how to handle prescriptions.
The program also covers the legal side of pharmacy work.
St. Petersburg College offers hands-on training too.
You’ll get to practice in a simulated pharmacy setting.
This real-world experience is super helpful when you start job hunting.
The best part? The program is flexible.
You can choose between day and evening classes.
This makes it easier to fit your studies around your current job or family commitments.
After you finish, you’ll be ready to work in all sorts of places.
Think retail pharmacies, hospitals, and even mail-order pharmacies.
It’s a great way to kickstart your career in healthcare.
5) Lifelong Learning Pharmacy Technician Course
Hey, want to become a pharmacy tech? Check out the Lifelong Learning Pharmacy Technician Course from MSU Denver.
It’s 100% online, so you can learn from home.
This course gets you ready for the PTCB exam.
That’s a big deal if you want to work as a pharmacy tech.
You’ll learn about drugs, dosages, and how to handle prescriptions.
The course also covers medical terms and ethics.
It’s pretty thorough!
One cool thing is you get to do an externship.
That means real-world experience in a pharmacy.
It’s great for your resume.
The program meets most states’ requirements for pharmacy techs.
So you’ll be set to start your career after finishing.
You get 24/7 access to course materials.
That means you can study whenever it fits your schedule.
Perfect if you’re juggling work or family stuff.
Importance of Certification
Getting certified as a pharmacy technician can open doors and set you up for success.
It shows employers you’re serious about your career and have the skills to do the job well.
Enhancing Career Prospects
Certification can boost your chances of landing a great job.
Many employers prefer or even require certified pharmacy techs.
With a CPhT credential, you’ll stand out from other applicants.
Certified techs often earn more money too.
You might qualify for higher-paying positions or get raises more easily.
Some pharmacies offer bonuses just for being certified.
Certification can also lead to more exciting roles.
You could work in specialty pharmacies, hospitals, or even drug companies.
The skills you gain through certification can help you move up to supervisor roles faster.
Meeting Industry Standards
Certification proves you meet high standards for knowledge and skills.
You’ll learn about drug safety, laws, and best practices.
This helps keep patients safe and pharmacies running smoothly.
Many states now require certification for pharmacy techs.
Even if your state doesn’t, having it shows you’re committed to excellence.
It gives patients and healthcare pros more confidence in your abilities.
Staying certified means you’ll keep learning throughout your career.
You’ll need to complete continuing education to keep your credential current.
This helps you stay up-to-date with the latest pharmacy practices and technologies.
Choosing the Right Program
Picking the best pharmacy technician program takes some careful thinking.
You’ll want to look at a few key things to make sure you’re getting good training that fits your needs.
Accreditation Matters
When looking at programs, check if they’re accredited.
This means they meet certain quality standards.
Accredited programs often have better teaching and can help you get certified more easily.
They might also make it easier to find a job later.
Look for programs approved by groups like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
These programs usually cover all the important topics you need to know.
Some schools offer extra help too.
For example, Penn Foster gives students access to tutors and career services.
This can be a big plus when you’re learning.
Balancing Cost and Quality
The cost of programs can vary a lot.
Some might be as cheap as $900, while others could cost over $1,000.
But don’t just pick the cheapest one.
Think about what you’re getting for your money.
Look at things like how long the program lasts and what kind of support you get. San Francisco State University offers 24/7 mentoring, which could be worth the higher price tag.
Also, check if the program helps you prepare for certification exams.
This can save you money in the long run.
Some programs, like the one at Allen Community College, even offer associate degrees.
These might cost more but could open up more job options for you.
Preparation Tips
Getting ready for your pharmacy tech certification exam takes work.
You’ll need good study habits and lots of practice.
Let’s look at some key ways to prep.
Effective Study Techniques
Make a study schedule and stick to it.
Break down big topics into smaller chunks.
This makes them easier to tackle.
Use flashcards for quick facts and drug names.
They’re great for on-the-go studying.
Try teaching the material to someone else.
If you can explain it, you know it well.
Join a study group or find a study buddy.
You can quiz each other and share tips.
Don’t forget to take breaks! Short study sessions with breaks in between help you remember more.
And get enough sleep – your brain needs rest to process what you’ve learned.
Utilizing Practice Exams
Practice exams are your secret weapon.
They show you what to expect on test day.
Take timed practice tests to get used to working under pressure.
This helps you manage your time better during the real exam.
Review your answers after each practice test.
Pay extra attention to questions you got wrong.
Figure out why you missed them and study those areas more.
Look for practice exams that match the real test format.
The PTCE has 90 questions in 90 minutes.
Get comfy with this setup before the big day.
Try different types of questions too.
Multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and matching can all show up on the exam.
The more variety you practice, the more ready you’ll be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician involves choosing the right program and understanding the certification landscape.
Let’s explore some common questions about pharmacy tech programs and careers.
Which pharmacy technician certification programs are the most highly regarded in the U.S.?
Some of the top-rated programs are Penn Foster’s Pharmacy Technician Professional Certification and Ashworth College’s Pharmacy Technician Training.
These courses offer comprehensive training and prepare you for national certification exams.
Where can I find accredited pharmacy technician programs online?
You can find accredited online programs at schools like San Francisco State University and Allen Community College.
These programs offer flexibility and quality education from the comfort of your home.
Are there any pharmacy tech programs that can be completed in under 6 months?
Yes, many programs can be completed quickly.
For example, San Francisco State University’s online pharmacy technician program takes about 6 months to finish.
Some self-paced options might allow you to complete it even faster.
What’s the difference between various pharmacy technician certifications available?
The main certifications are the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) and the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
The PTCB is more widely recognized, while the ExCPT is growing in popularity.
Both are accepted by most employers.
What qualifications should I look for in a top pharmacy technician course?
Look for accreditation, hands-on training opportunities, and exam prep materials.
Programs like the University of Florida Pharmacy Technician Program often include these key features.
Can you make good money as a certified pharmacy technician, and which position pays the most?
Certified pharmacy techs can earn a decent wage.
Higher pay is available in specialized settings.
Hospital pharmacy techs often earn more than those in retail pharmacies.
Advanced certifications and experience can boost your earning potential.
