Thinking about becoming a pharmacy technician? This career offers steady growth and the chance to help people every day.
Plus, you don’t need years of school to get started! Sounds appealing, right?
Getting certified is a smart move.
A pharmacy technician certification can boost your job prospects and earning potential.
We’ve rounded up the top five programs to help you kickstart your career.
These courses provide solid training and prep you for the certification exam.
Let’s dive in and find your best fit!
1) Penn Foster Pharmacy Technician Professional Certification
Dreaming of a career as a pharmacy tech? Penn Foster’s Pharmacy Technician Professional program might be just the ticket.
This online course is designed to get you job-ready.
The program meets ASHP standards and has candidate status for ASHP/ACPE accreditation—pretty big stuff in the pharmacy world.
You’ll cover all the key skills you need, like drug info and dosage calculations, with a curriculum that really packs a punch.
If you’re worried about time, don’t be! You can learn at your own pace.
Most folks finish in about 17 months, but if you’ve got your nose to the grindstone, you can wrap it up in just 13 months.
The cherry on top? You’ll also get hands-on experience.
The externship lets you practice what you’ve learned in a real pharmacy setting.
After you finish, you’ll be ready to tackle the certification exams and shine in the job market!
2) Ashworth College Pharmacy Technician Training
Thinking about becoming a pharmacy tech? Ashworth College has got you covered.
Their online Pharmacy Technician Program is flexible and self-paced, perfect for busy folks like you.
You’ll learn all the essentials, from pharmacology to basic calculations, and it preps you for the National Healthcareer Association’s certification exam.
That’s a win!
Plus, Ashworth’s program is highly rated—it snagged the #2 spot among the top 10 online pharmacy tech programs in 2018.
Impressive, huh?
The curriculum kicks off with an intro to pharmacy, covering its history and key terms, before jumping into more specific topics.
Students seem to love it.
One review praised the “awesome academics” and rich content.
If you’re keen on starting your pharmacy tech journey, this might be a solid option!
3) University of Florida Pharmacy Technician Program
Hey! Interested in becoming a pharmacy tech? Check out the University of Florida’s Pharmacy Technician Training Program.
It’s a great stepping stone for your career goals.
This 14-week program preps you for the job market and meets Florida’s education requirements for pharmacy techs.
That makes it a solid choice!
UF’s program is pretty flexible—take classes online or in person, whichever suits your schedule best.
You’ll also be ready to take a national certification exam.
The instructors know their stuff.
They’re experienced pharmacists who’ll teach you everything from drug interactions to how to assist customers.
Once you’re done, you’ll be all set to kickstart your career in pharmacy.
It’s a fantastic way to dive into healthcare without the years of schooling!
4) St. Petersburg College Pharmacy Technician Certification
Looking for a top-notch pharmacy tech program? St. Petersburg College stands out with their Pharmacy Technician program—a solid pathway to your future in the field.
This program preps you to take the PTCB exam (the big one you need to pass to be a licensed pharmacy tech).
You’ll dive into crucial topics like medication safety, pharmacy law, and drug interactions, ensuring you’re well-prepared.
St. Petersburg offers hands-on training too, allowing you to practice in a simulated pharmacy environment.
That kind of real-world experience is incredibly useful when job hunting!
Plus, you can choose between day and evening classes, making it easier to juggle your studies with work or family commitments.
After wrapping up, you’ll be ready to find a position in retail pharmacies, hospitals, or whatever setting appeals to you in healthcare.
5) Lifelong Learning Pharmacy Technician Course
Want to become a pharmacy tech? Consider the Lifelong Learning Pharmacy Technician Course from MSU Denver.
It’s all online, letting you learn from the comfort of your home.
This course preps you for the PTCB exam, which is a game changer if you want to work as a pharmacy tech.
You’ll learn about drugs, dosages, and handling prescriptions, along with the medical terms and ethics needed in the field.
It really covers the bases!
One cool feature? You’ll do an externship for real-world pharmacy experience.
It’s a fantastic way to zhuzh up your resume.
The program meets most states’ requirements for pharmacy techs, so you’re all set to leap into your new career after completion.
You’ll have 24/7 access to course materials, meaning you can study whenever it fits best into your schedule.
Perfect for those busy lives!
Why Certification Matters
Getting certified as a pharmacy technician can really open doors.
It shows employers you’re serious about your career and have the skills needed to get the job done right.
Enhancing Career Prospects
Certification can significantly improve your chances of landing a great job.
Many employers look for or even require certified pharmacy techs.
With a CPhT credential, you’ll stand out to hiring managers.
Certified techs often earn more, too.
You might qualify for better-paying positions or find getting raises easier.
Some pharmacies even offer bonuses for being certified.
Gotta love that!
Plus, certification could lead you to more exciting roles in specialized pharmacies, hospitals, or even drug companies.
The skills gained from certification can help push you up to supervisor roles quicker.
Meeting Industry Standards
Having certification means you meet high standards for knowledge and skills.
Think of it like a badge of honor—it reflects your commitment to drug safety, laws, and best practices, helping keep patients safe while keeping pharmacies running smoothly.
Many states currently require certification for pharmacy techs.
Even if yours doesn’t, having this credential shows you’re committed to excellence, boosting confidence in patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Staying certified means you’ll keep learning throughout your career, too.
You’ll need to complete continuing education to keep your credential up-to-date, which is vital in a field that’s always changing.
Choosing the Right Program
Picking the best pharmacy technician program takes a bit of thought.
You’ll want to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re getting quality training that fits your needs.
Accreditation Matters
When you’re checking out programs, be sure to look for accreditation.
This indicates that they meet certain quality standards.
Accredited programs often have better teaching and can help you get certified more easily.
They’re also more likely to help you 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 support, too.
Penn Foster, for instance, gives students access to tutors and career services—which can make a big difference in your learning journey.
Balancing Cost and Quality
The cost of programs can vary widely.
Some might only cost around $900, while others exceed $1,000.
But don’t just grab the cheapest option.
Consider what you’re getting for your money.
Look at factors like the program’s duration and the level of support provided.
For example, San Francisco State University offers 24/7 mentoring, which can be worth the higher price tag.
Also, check if the program prepares you for certification exams.
This can save you a bundle in the long run.
Some programs, like the one at Allen Community College, even offer associate degrees, which might cost more but can open up more job opportunities for you.
Preparation Tips
Getting ready for your pharmacy tech certification exam requires some effort.
You’ll need good study habits and plenty of practice.
Let’s look at some handy ways to prep.
Effective Study Techniques
Create a study schedule and stick to it.
Break big topics into smaller chunks—just like slicing a big pizza so it’s easier to eat! Use flashcards for quick facts and drug names; they’re great for studying on-the-go.
Try teaching the material to someone else; if you can explain it well, you know you’ve got it down.
Join a study group or find a buddy to quiz each other and share tips. It’s way more fun that way!
And don’t forget to take breaks! Short study sessions with breaks in between can help you remember more.
Plus, get enough sleep—your brain needs downtime to process all that info.
Utilizing Practice Exams
Practice exams are your secret weapon! They give you a taste of what to expect on test day.
Take timed practice tests to get used to working under pressure, which will help you manage your time during the real deal.
Don’t just take practice tests and shove them away.
Review your answers afterward, especially the ones you missed.
Figure out why you missed them and hit those areas hard in your studies.
Look for practice exams that mimic the real test format.
The PTCE consists of 90 questions in 90 minutes, so get familiar with that setup before the big day.
Try various question types, too—multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and matching can all show up on the exam.
The more variety in your practice, the more prepared you’ll be!
Frequently Asked Questions
Becoming a certified pharmacy technician involves choosing the right program and understanding the certification landscape.
Let’s tackle some common questions about pharmacy tech programs and careers.
Which pharmacy technician certification programs are the most highly regarded in the U.S.?
You can’t go wrong with programs like Penn Foster’s Pharmacy Technician Professional Certification and Ashworth College’s Pharmacy Technician Training.
They offer comprehensive training and prep for national certification exams.
Where can I find accredited pharmacy technician programs online?
Accredited online programs are available at schools like San Francisco State University and Allen Community College.
They 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?
Absolutely! Many programs can be completed quickly.
For instance, San Francisco State University’s program takes about 6 months, and some self-paced options might allow you to finish even faster.
What’s the difference between various pharmacy technician certifications available?
The main certifications to know are the PTCB (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) and the ExCPT (Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians).
The PTCB is the more widely recognized one, while the ExCPT is growing in popularity.
Most employers will accept both.
What qualifications should I look for in a top pharmacy technician course?
Keep an eye out for accreditation, hands-on training opportunities, and exam prep materials.
Programs like the University of Florida Pharmacy Technician Program often include these critical 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.
If you’re in specialized settings, you could make even more.
Hospital pharmacy techs usually earn more than those in retail.
Plus, advanced certifications and experience can seriously bump up your earning potential.