Pharmacy Technician

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 8% through 2032—that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!

 The BLS notes that the average pharmacy technician salary is $32,700, with top earners making up to $47,000 per year.

Pharmacy Technicians FAQs

What does a pharmacy technician do?

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.

Do pharmacy technicians need a certification?

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.

How long does it take to complete a pharmacy technician course?

This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in a practicum experience or preparing and sitting for state licensure.

Is a pharmacy technician a good career?

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.

Course Objectives

• Develop the knowledge and skills to excel as a pharmacy technician and perform all related tasks and responsibilities with confidence.
• Gain practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures including the ability to identify medication orders and read prescription forms accurately.
• Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
• Be fully prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB, and earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) credential.
• Become eligible for a 100+hour practicum experience to further enhance your professional skills.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.

Instructors

Melissa Dunworth

Melissa Dunworth has been a pharmacy technician for over 13 years and has worked in retail, closed pharmacy, and training/education areas during her career. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and works as a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention for children ages 0 to 3 years. She has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. Melissa is also registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.

Betty Stahl

Betty Stahl holds a doctorate in pharmacy from Shenandoah University. Over the past several years, she has taught pharmacy technician programs at ASA College in New York City and ACT in Arlington, Virginia. Stahl has also worked as a pharmacist in independent and hospital settings.

Lorraine Zentz

Lorraine Zentz holds a bachelor’s degree in science (Biology/Chemistry), a master’s degree in education (Curriculum and Instruction), and Colorado Teaching License for middle and high school science and math. She is the original author of the Cengage Pharmacy Technician Program, facilitating students from 2003–2018. Working in hospital pharmacies for 30 years, along with teaching, has been her passion and remains so to this day.

Request Information