Online Pharmacy Tech Programs: A Complete Guide to the Top 12

Are you ready for a career as a pharmacy tech? If you want to start working right away, an online pharmacy tech program at the diploma level is the best entry-level option. Then, while you work in the industry, you can pursue a certificate or associate degree.

If you want to study and receive the best preparation possible for a career in pharmacology, an associate degree program may be ideal for you.

Regardless of your schooling choice, you must ensure that it aligns with your state’s standards to become an online pharmacy technician. It’s also a good idea to check your state’s requirements and see what qualifications employers in your region are looking for when hiring. In some instances, you may find that a short diploma course will be ideal to launch your career in becoming a pharmacy technician. In other cases, you will find that employers are looking for the highest level of training possible.

Read on to see the best online pharmacy tech programs that allow you to become a certified pharmacy technician.

ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Top Diplomas | Top Certificates | Best Associates | How to Choose Program Level | What to Expect | Length | Cost | Pharmacy Tech Certification | Jobs

Best Online Pharmacy Tech Diploma Programs

1. Penn Foster

   Degree: Pharmacy Technician Diploma

   The online Pharmacy Technician program from Pennsylvania Foster University allows students to obtain a diploma that qualifies them for entry-level pharmacy technicians positions.

   It may take as little as nine months to prepare students for the PTCE and ExCPT examinations, nationally recognized certification exams. Students may personalize their program by selecting a start date, learning objectives, and receiving personalized coaching to prepare and support their studies.

   The courses are mobile-friendly, interactive, and link students with instructors and other pupils in real-time. Tuition for the PCTE includes a practice exam and the cost of textbooks (digital or hard copy), and career services.

   Is Penn Foster pharmacy tech program accredited? Yes! This pharmacy technician diploma program is fully accredited by the ASHP and ACPE. It provides interactive lessons and real-world simulations for skills-training. In addition, it preps students for real-world experiences, as well as prepares them for the PTCE.

   Some of the topics covered in this program include:

   – Drug classification systems
   – Pharmacology practice law
   – Math calculations for pharmacy technicians

   Overall, the program is comprised of 13 courses and one externship, so it’s not 100% online.

   The externship can be completed at a local pharmacy near your area, however. The externship requires a minimum of 130 hours, which are completed over 4 to 13 weeks at an approved community pharmacy. Penn Foster is a partner of retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens. Most students have no trouble completing their externships.

   You can complete the program in 17 months or on a fast-track schedule, in which case you’ll complete it in 11 months.

   Find Out More:
   Pharmacy Technician Program

    

2. Northwest Iowa Community College

   Degree: Pharmacy Technician Diploma

   The Northwest Iowa Community College’s online Pharmacy Technician Diploma program consists of 50 hours of study and an externship.

   Applicants must fulfill the following requirements to secure a spot in this institution:

   – Have a high school diploma or GED
   – Vaccination proof
   – Pass a background check, and
   – Undergo drug screening.

   The program trains students for the PTCE and entry-level employment in a pharmacy setting through lectures, hands-on labs, pharmacy practice, terminology, and interpreting prescriptions.

   Drug classifications, dosage calculations, aseptic technique, inventory control, and billing and reimbursement are just a few of the topics covered in the program.

   Find Out More:
   Pharmacy Technician Diploma

    

Top 4 Schools Offering a Pharmacy Tech Certificate Online

1. Rasmussen University

   Degree: Pharmacy Technician Certificate

   Rasmussen College’s Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program is a skills-based curriculum taught by experienced professors.
   The program has several objectives. One of them is to help students prepare for the PTCE exam by providing virtual or on-site clinical experience. Additionally, the following are also objectives of the program:

   – Medication management
   – Safety and quality assurance
   – Pharmacy software, and
   – Professional practice abilities such as patient confidentiality.

   Unfortunately, the program may not fulfill all certification standards in certain states, and students typically graduate over $8,000 in student debt. Therefore, it’s a good idea to first check your state’s requirements before taking the pharmacy technician certification exam here.
   In this program, transfer credits are accepted. And, the institution has various payment choices that can assist students in managing their education costs.

   Find Out More:
   Online Pharmacy Technician Certificate

    

2. Minnesota West Community and Technical College

   Degree: Pharmacy Technician Certificate

   At Minnesota West, you can earn a pharmacy technician certificate that’s ten credits in total. It covers the foundational courses to work as a skilled pharmacy technician. For example, medical terminology and pharmacy principles and practices.

   While this program is largely online, you do have to complete an externship. It can be done at a retail or hospital pharmaceutical location. Fortunately, should you pass the externship, you’ll be prepared to take the PTCE afterward. The PTCE qualifies you to work in most states as a pharmacy technician. The program includes courses and materials to train you for this exam.

   Find Out More:
   Pharmacy Technician Certificate

    

3. Barton Community College

   Degree: Pharmacy Technician Certificate

   Barton Community College’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate program, which requires 29 semester credit hours and two semesters to complete online, offers 100% online courses with a pharmacy internship set up near the student’s home.

   The PTCE or ICPT national examinations are prerequisites for this program. And, pharmacy calculations, pharmacy operations, medical jargon, customer service, and business English are all part of the curriculum.

   Find Out More:
   Pharmacy Technician Certificate

    

4. Allen County Community College

   Degree: Certificate in Pharmacy Technician

   It takes two semesters to complete the 31-credit hour online Pharmacy Technician Certificate program from Allen County Community College. To finish the certificate program, students may choose between a pharmacy technician internship or a course in pharmacist technician topics.

   The per-credit-hour tuition fees for online students are low, and textbook rental costs help keep expenses down. The curriculum includes courses in operations, arithmetic, computer programming, natural medicine with herbs, business communications, and other topics.

   Find Out More:
   Certificate in Pharmacy Technician

    

6 Best Pharmacy Tech Schools for an Online Associate Degree

1. Ultimate Medical Academy

   Degree: Associate of Science in Health Sciences / Pharmacy Technician
   

   Ultimate Medical Academy’s Pharmacy Technician program is entirely online, prepares students for the PTCE exam, and provides 180 hours of hands-on experience under the direction of a licensed pharmacist.

   The final year of the Pharmacy Practice program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment or further study in pharmacy.

   The program’s 61.5 credit hours include 37.5 credit hours of pharmacy courses. Students are assigned to elective classes for the remaining hours, such as accounting, healthcare information technology, patient relations, and other vital topics.

   The tuition is relatively expensive, but military personnel receive a discount. However, tuition fees include textbooks and online student services, including one-on-one tutoring, 24/7 technical assistance, and counseling for emotional support.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Health Sciences / Pharmacy Technician

    

2. American National University

   Degree: Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technician

   American National University’s associate degree holds programmatic accreditation by PTAC. It’s an ideal program for working students, offering synchronous and asynchronous formats. You will need to “attend” class digitally sometimes. But the schedule is flexible.

   All students will take the Certified Pharmacy Technician Exam as a final class. Overall, students must complete two 120-hour externships. Keep this in mind, as it means this degree is not 100% online.

   Graduates of this program know how to assist pharmacists in preparing prescriptions and administering medicines. They also know how to maintain patient records and prep insurance claims. The program uses contemporary software provided by PioneerRx. That is a real-life pharmacy software system used throughout the US.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Science in Pharmacy Technician

    

3. Community Colleges of Spokane

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician
   

   At Community Colleges of Spokane, you can earn an AAS pharmacy technician degree. Admission requirements include:

   – An interview with a pharmacy technician instructor
   – Submitting three letters of recommendation

   Students will take classes like communication, pharmacology, and anatomy. This program only has one start date per year in the winter. Furthermore, students must complete community pharmacy and hospital pharmacy classes. These incorporate some externship experiences. The program is 92 credits in total.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

    

4. Allen County Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician
   

   Students may complete the online AAS Pharmacy Technician from Allen County Community College. The program offers a wide range of courses to prepare students for entry-level pharmacist careers. That includes specific pharmacy technician classes as well as general education and health science classes.

   The 60-credit hour program includes the student’s choice of a technical internship or pharmacy topics class. Also, numerous business, computer, and communications courses to complement the training. The course also offers the opportunity to take special topics classes such as Natural Healing with Herbs and Hot Topics in Women’s Health.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

    

5. Miller-Motte College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

   Miller-Motte College offers a pharmacy tech online associate degree. It’s 92 credits in total and takes roughly 18 months. In other words, you can become a pharmacy technician in less than two years. This program can be entirely online or in a hybrid format. Hybrid classes combine digital classroom learning with hands-on experiences.

   The hybrid option also includes clinical rotations. That may be advantageous for future pharmacists or those hoping to acquire certification.

   Classes begin every 5 to 10 weeks, so there are multiple start dates each year. Students will learn topics ranging from pharmacology to pharmaceutical mathematics. Plus allied health orientation and more.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician

    

6. East Mississippi Community College

   Degree: Associate of the Arts in Pharmaceutical Sciences
   

   East Mississippi Committee College’s AA in Pharmaceutical Sciences is also 100% online. In addition, it’s accredited by SACSCOC, so it offers excellent value. This degree benefits students who wish to transfer to a four-year college.

   Students explore a variety of pharmaceutical-related topics. Biology and the organic industry, for example. Furthermore, students will complete math classes like calculus and statistics. These assist with pharmaceutical mathematics requirements.

   The program is totally asynchronous. In other words, there are no in-person requirements or externships to complete. It does require a high school diploma or equivalent in addition to high school transcript or GED scores from applicants.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of the Arts in Pharmaceutical Sciences

    

Comparing the Different Degree Levels for Online Pharmacy Tech Programs

There are three types of education programs prospective pharmacy technicians should consider: 

• Diploma
• Certificate
• Associate degree

Should you choose a diploma program, you’ll complete courses covering topics like pharmacology, the history and ethics of pharmacology, and medical calculations and sterile compounding. Since diploma programs are short-term and concentrated, most of the classes you’ll complete will be skill-based or practical.

If you choose a certificate program to become a pharmacy tech, you’ll complete courses like the ones described above. You’ll also complete additional courses to ensure you can pass the certification exam for your state. Example courses include medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare systems.

Associate programs for pharmacology technicians have the widest range of courses. They include general education courses covering broad topics like history, mathematics, and English. They also include pharmacy-specific courses, such as pharmacy calculations, pharmacy operations, and pharmacology.

Related Resource: How to Become a Pharmacist

1. Diploma Programs

Diploma programs are more skills-focused and shorter, making them less expensive and time-intensive to complete. They may help students gain a footing in the job market as pharmacy technicians.

Many individuals find this an excellent method to begin working and, with time, increase their educational level to advance in the profession. The majority of instructors will teach students how to take national assessments.

2. Certificate Programs

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) oversee accreditation for certificate programs, which must adhere to strict standards to ensure that they are up to date and meet industry standards.

Internships and externships are often part of certificate programs, in which students may gain more hands-on experience before going into the workforce.

3. Associate Degree Programs

Associate degree programs for pharmacy technicians include the same courses as a pharmacy technician certificate program, except for more advanced pharmacy, science, and technical training.

An associate degree program typically takes two years to complete if the student is enrolled full-time. After completing the course, a student will receive an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) with a concentration in pharmacy technician work.

The curriculum needed may range from relatively basic to more advanced. Some have only general education, and others allow students to take humanities, social science, and other courses of interest.

Pharmacy Tech Schools: What to Expect in an Online Program

A pharmacy technician certificate or degree opens the door to exciting career possibilities. Pharmacy technicians are the people who make sure that medicines are correctly dispensed and utilized by patients, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, veterinarians, doctors (when applicable), and other healthcare specialists.

Some of the fundamental pharmacy skills students learn in these programs include:

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacy operations
• Pharmacy calculations
• Patient interactions, and so on.

Many programs also use lab activities to provide knowledge-based education and skill acquisition as part of their online training.

Some institutions may provide specialized training in aseptic technique, sterile compounding, and other areas to equip students for more advanced pharmacy technician responsibilities.

Other training programs may provide more business training, including keyboarding, communication, and basic skills training, which are essential in this field. Lastly, some programs focus more on biology and chemistry or human anatomy and physiology.

When you learn these topics online, you’ll either have digital or tangible textbooks to help you understand, and you’ll be expected to complete tasks by a specific date.

At the same time, some programs may demand students to log on to the computer and “attend” class simultaneously with other pupils. You may complete your courses and papers at any time of day or night as long as you do them before the deadline.

Many educational institutions allow students to communicate via internet discussion forums, and most online programs provide access to instructors, tutors, and advisors.

Some programs may require you to attend on-site labs held over two or four days. Other programs will need more frequent campus visits. Therefore, you should consider the program’s total necessities and gather all of the information you’ll need to compare your alternatives.

How Long is Pharmacy Tech School?

Pharmacy tech school length can vary depending on the type of program you attend. Generally, it takes between one and two years to become a pharmacy technician.

Here’s an example. If you take a pharmacy tech diploma program, you are potentially ready to work as a pharmacy tech within a year. On the other hand, an associate degree requires two years of your time on average.

How Much Does Pharmacy Tech School Cost?

Pharmacy technician school cost isn’t as expensive as other academic programs. In fact, online pharmacy tech schools are very affordable. It’s because they’re generally two years or less. So you aren’t paying for a full four years of education unless you decide to advance your schooling.

Plenty of online pharmacy tech diploma or certification programs cost less than $10,000 overall. Also, these programs are often cheaper than on-campus programs. That price cut is because schools don’t have to pay for equipment or boarding students.

However, if you attend an associate program in pharmacology to become a pharmacy technician, expect to pay around $11,000 per year. That totals nearly $22,000 for both years of schooling combined.

Length matters greatly when it comes to cost. A 3-month pharmacy technician program online may cost a few thousand dollars compared to a two-year program.

Pharmacy Tech Certification

Once you complete your online pharmacy tech program, your next step is certification. To become a certified pharmacy technician in the United States, you must pass one of two certification exams:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
• National Healthcare Association’s ExCPT exam

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board offers the PTCE. This national institution enables students to take the PTCE at Pearson VUE test centers around the country, similar to other certification exams in other industries. You can locate a test center near you on the PTCB’s official website.

Meanwhile, the ExCPT Exam is provided at PSI testing centers that are close to candidate locations. To begin taking this test, you must set up a National Healthcare Association candidate profile on the Association’s website. Then you’ll need to register for the ExCPT test ahead of time.

Even if no legal or regulatory mandate exists for a national exam or certificate in certain states, many businesses search for graduates of accredited programs who have completed the certification examination.

The PTCB offered its certification exam online for candidates to take at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, PTCB used online proctored exam delivery systems and protocols. For example, requiring virtual supervision of live proctors.

However, now (2024) the PTCB no longer offers the PTCE for at-home students. All test-takers must visit Pearson VUE locations in order to take the exam.

Additionally, certain states have state boards of pharmacy, like the Colorado State Board of Pharmacy. These boards may require technicians to acquire licensure from them. This requirement is in addition to or in place of national licensure. Pharmacists can become registered or licensed by state boards.

Some states require both certification or registration/licensing. In other words, you need to pass the exam from the Pharmacy Technician Certification board or PTCB or the National Healthcareer Association. You also need to pass state licensure exams. These states include:

• Arizona
• Washington
• Oregon
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• New Mexico
• Utah
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Iowa
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Texas
• Louisiana
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

However, some states only require state licensure or registration. Thus, pharmacy technicians only need to complete state specific exams/tests. These states include:

• Idaho
• Nevada
• California
• Nebraska
• Minnesota
• Michigan
• Oklahoma
• Missouri
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Florida
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Maine

States that require registration don’t require pharmacy technicians to be certified, licensed, or registered. These include:

• New York
• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Pennsylvania
• Georgia
• Colorado
• Hawaii

If you plan to practice as a pharmacy technician in your state, double-check your state’s pharmacy tech licensure requirements. That will determine whether one pharmacy tech program or another will be better for your needs. Fortunately, you can complete the requirements for pharmacy technician certification online.

Job Prospects After an Online Pharmacy Tech Program

The job prospects for those looking to learn more about becoming a pharmacy technician are excellent. With so many possible employment options, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, drug stores, grocery stores, and mail-order pharmacies, the chances of finding a suitable position are promising.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians should have a lot of work opportunities in the future. Employment of these professionals should grow by 5% until 2031, which is around the average job growth speed for all other occupations. This growth rate should result in around 43,500 pharmacy technician job openings every year until the end of the decade.

This growth can be explained by the higher number of older people. Older individuals use more prescription medications compared to younger people. They also have higher rates of chronic diseases and illnesses. Pharmacy technicians help handle this increased workload.

Pharmacy technicians make approximately $36,740 per year on average. However, experienced pharmacy technicians can earn more than $47,580 per year.

The employment of pharmacists is becoming more widespread, with many businesses using them to help improve their operations. Due to this, the jobs have grown in scope and complexity, necessitating more thorough training for pharmacy technicians.

As the field of pharmacy evolves, so does the demand for skilled technicians. For individuals who wish to work in this fast-growing sector, training for the position is increasing in more states.

It is still feasible to work as a pharmacy technician in certain states with only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, the focus on more formal education for pharmacy technicians is growing. A formal education ensures they have the understanding and abilities to complete all of the duties they are expected to accomplish on the job. Read on to learn about the top online pharmacy tech programs!

Online Pharmacy Tech Programs Await You

With the need for pharmacists continuing to rise, jobs in this field are plentiful. Pharmacy technicians who are well-trained and certified will have a lot of local and national employment opportunities. And online pharmacy tech programs make this field accessible to individuals in all locations!