Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program
Our self-paced, online pharmacy technician program is designed to prepare you for certification and a role as a pharmacy technician in as little as 4 months.
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- $69/month
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
Serving 100,000+ students in the past decade alone.
What You'll Learn
- Roles of a Pharmacy Technician
- Terminology and Body Systems
- Drug Actions and Interactions
- Pharmacy Operations and Drug Resources
- Dosage Forms, Prescriptions, Medication Orders
- Managing Inventory and Financial Management
- Pharmacy Calculations and Compounding
- Vaccines, Analgesics, Vitamins, Respiratory Agents
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Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,379 total) or Pay-in-Full: $1,079. See full tuition details.
Top Program
Our Pharmacy Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.
Proven Reputation
A+ BBB Rating, 45 Years in distance education, 97% of students would recommend us to a friend.
DEAC Accredited
The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Affordable Tuition
Payment Plan: $69/month ($1,379 total) or Pay-in-Full: $1,079. See full tuition details.
Top Program
Our Pharmacy Technician course is one of our top programs, and is a highly in-demand field.
Walgreens® Pharmacy Technician Externship
Graduates are eligible to take advantage of an 80-hour Walgreens externship. The externship does not have an additional tuition cost, and is available to all graduates who meet the Walgreens Externship standard requirements. Even though the externship is optional, we encourage our graduates to take advantage of this great resource to get valuable hands-on experience. If you meet the requirements, our graduate support team will help you set up the externship in your area!
Course Outline
Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician course will be trained in written and oral medical and pharmaceutical terminology, as well as basic human anatomy and physiology. They will be able to perform basic mathematical functions and dosage calculations utilizing metric, apothecary, and household systems. These skills will prepare them for an entry-level position in a hospital or retail setting.
Quick Facts
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Lessons: 28
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Quizzes: 28
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Complete in as little as 4 months
KimDao Collier, B.A., PharmD
Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert
KimDao Collier is a staff pharmacist at SCL Health Lutheran Outpatient Pharmacy and also fills in as the Pharmacist at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy as needed. KimDao gained experience working as a Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Intern and then Staff and Floater Pharmacist while working for Walgreens from 2005 until 2016. KimDao helps future pharmacists by mentoring and evaluating assignments as the Writing Preceptor for the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy. KimDao received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in 2010. She also received a Bachelor of Arts Humanities (Psychology/Asian studies) from the University of Colorado in 2006.
KimDao Collier, B.A., PharmD
Meet the Lead Instructor/Course Expert
KimDao Collier is a staff pharmacist at SCL Health Lutheran Outpatient Pharmacy and also fills in as the Pharmacist at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy as needed. KimDao gained experience working as a Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Intern and then Staff and Floater Pharmacist while working for Walgreens from 2005 until 2016. KimDao helps future pharmacists by mentoring and evaluating assignments as the Writing Preceptor for the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy. KimDao received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in 2010. She also received a Bachelor of Arts Humanities (Psychology/Asian studies) from the University of Colorado in 2006.
Program Reviews
Very straightforward, organized, and professional presentation. I took the pharmacy technician online course and it was very informational and good preparation for the world of pharmacy. The staff were very friendly, helpful, and quick to respond. I highly recommend them!
Vanessa G. Pharmacy Technician Student
Overachiever student It's a excellent school. I've done the pharmacy technician course at this school a few years ago and I loved it. The cost for the courses are reasonable. I love that you can study at your own pace. . There's help available whenever you need it ...Staff are very helpful...
T. Bowman Pharmacy Technician Student
I'm not far into my Pharmacy Technician program, but so far it has been amazing! The material is easy to understand and they provide you with everything you need to get 100% on your quizzes! Highly recommend for any one with a super busy schedule! It works great with my schedule and I have a full time job, a side job, a new born baby, as well as a new home we are renovating.
K. Dubs Pharmacy Technician Student
I have enjoyed taking my Pharmacy Technician course thus far. Very easy to manage and the information is defined yet clear and understanding. I also like that they have the audio option to hear the lecture. The practice exams are good questions to help with review. I am glad I chose this institution for my learning. Thank you.
Brittany G. Pharmacy Technician Student
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
· Get instant access!
· 5-day money-back commitment
· $69/month
Enrollment only takes 5 minutes!
Get instant access! · 5-day money-back commitment · $69/month
Career Outlook & Certification
$43,460*
490,400*
6%*
Pharmacy Technician Certification
Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment. U.S. Career Institute's online Pharmacy Technician certificate program prepares you to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) or the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Included with our course, we cover the cost of your certification exam, study guide and practice test – a $223 value!+
As of March 1, 2024, our program can be used to fulfill the education requirements and/or gain certification or licensure (or licensure is exempt) in most states. See state specific requirements.
Job growth for pharmacy technicians is over 2x greater than all other jobs by 2034*.
People transition into a pharmacy technician job because it offers a comfortable wage, good hours and benefits, a sense of fulfillment from helping others, reliability, job security, and it’s a growing field.
The certification process is straightforward, and no prior experience is required to become a pharmacy technician.
Tuition & Financing
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your pharmacy technician education affordable and inclusive. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
5-Day Money-Back Commitment
After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you. Learn more.
Student Support & Coaching
Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching $400 value**.
Learning Materials Included
Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
*Plus one-time $29 application charge..
**First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
How to Enroll
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Provide us with basic information - Our form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level. You must be at least 16 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
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Pay for your tuition: You can pay-in-full or choose our monthly payment plan.
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3
Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosures
That’s all! It just takes about 5 minutes then you’re ready to start your first lesson.
Questions? Give us a call
866-250-6851
Program FAQs
To become a pharmacy technician, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, complete a pharmacy technician training program, pass a national certification exam (like the PTCB), and meet your state’s pharmacy technician registration or licensing requirements. Requirements vary by state, so always check with your State Board of Pharmacy before beginning your career. Check out our resource to help you get started, Pharmacy Technician State Requirements.
Standard steps to become a Pharmacy Tech:
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Prerequisites: A high school diploma or equivalent is required to be a pharmacy technician
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Education: Enroll in a pharmacy technician program that covers pharmacology, pharmacy calculations, medication safety, pharmacy law, inventory management and prescription processing. Look for an accredited certificate program through an online provider, vocational school, or community college. Make sure the program is recognized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
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Earn Certification: Certification from a nationally recognized certification board, like the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPHT), is required, in most states, to become a pharmacy technician. The two primary testing bodies are the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
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State Licensure: Licensure requirements vary by state, so make sure that you confirm your state’s requirements. If your state requires licensing, register for your specific State Board of Pharmacy. This typically involves a state application and a fingerprint background check.
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Employment: Apply for entry-level pharmacy technician positions in retail pharmacies, hospitals, mail-order pharmacies, or other healthcare settings.
How U.S. Career Institute Helps You Achieve This:
Our program guides you through each milestone of this career pathway with dedicated support:
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High School Diploma: If you do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, U.S. Career Institute can help with our online high school program! 100% online, you can finish your diploma from the comfort of your home, on your schedule!
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Accredited Education: Our school is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring your interactive learning modules meet the highest academic standards.
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Certification Included: We prepare you to take the PTCB or the ExCPT. Your tuition includes your exam fees, practice tests, and study materials.
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Graduate Career Coaching: Meet 1-on-1 with our career coaches to finalize your resume and practice for job interviews.
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Optional Externship: Eligible students may participate in an optional Walgreens Externship to gain additional hands-on experience.
Read our full article on How to Become a Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work alongside licensed pharmacists to prepare and dispense prescription medications, process insurance claims, manage inventory, label prescriptions, assist customers, and help maintain accurate patient records.
Depending on the employer and state regulations, pharmacy technicians may work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, mail-order pharmacies, or specialty pharmacies. While pharmacy technicians perform many important responsibilities, licensed pharmacists remain responsible for verifying prescriptions and counseling patients.
Pharmacy technician certification requirements vary by state. While not every state requires national certification, most require pharmacy technicians to meet specific licensing, registration, training, or certification requirements before they can work.
The two most widely recognized national certification exams are:
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
ExCPT administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
To determine the requirements where you live, review Pharmacy Technician Requirements by State
State requirements for pharmacy technicians vary and may include education, national certification, registration, licensure, background checks, or continuing education.
U.S. Career Institute's program is designed to prepare students for national certification, but you should always verify your state's current requirements with your State Board of Pharmacy before enrolling or seeking employment.
IMPORTANT State Licensing Requirements: Click here for more information.
