How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

Quick Answer: Becoming a certified pharmacy technician takes 6-12 months through a certificate program or 2 years for an associate degree. Training costs range from $3,000-$6,000 (certificate) to $8,000-$15,000 (associate). Pharmacy technicians earn $23,800-$59,500 annually depending on experience, with a median salary of $39,680. The field is growing 5% with 47,600 job openings each year.

What does a Pharmacy Technician do?

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to help dispense prescription medications. They’re the organized, detail-oriented backbone of every pharmacy - handling prescriptions, managing inventory, and ensuring patients receive the correct medications safely.

Daily Responsibilities

• Receive and verify prescription orders from patients and healthcare providers
• Measure, package, and label prescription medications
• Count pills and prepare medication containers
• Prepare sterile IV solutions (in hospital settings)
• Process insurance claims and manage prior authorizations
• Handle refill requests and customer inquiries
• Maintain inventory and restock medications
• Enter patient data and prescription information into pharmacy systems
• Communicate with doctors’ offices to clarify prescriptions
• Assist pharmacists with medication safety checks

Work Environments

• Retail Pharmacies – CVS, Walgreens, grocery store and independent pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies – Inpatient medication preparation and dispensing
• Mail-Order Pharmacies – High-volume prescription fulfillment centers
• Specialty Pharmacies – Complex medications for chronic conditions
• Long-Term Care – Nursing homes and assisted living facilities
• Compounding Pharmacies – Custom medication preparation
• Infusion Centers – IV medication preparation and administration support

Physical and Mental Demands

Pharmacy technicians stand for most of their shifts and spend considerable time walking between workstations. The job involves repetitive motions like counting pills, typing, and reaching for medications on shelves. Some lifting of boxes and supplies is required.

Mentally, pharmacy technicians must maintain intense focus - mistakes can have serious consequences for patients. You’ll need to work quickly while maintaining accuracy, handle interruptions gracefully, and communicate clearly with patients and healthcare providers. Math skills are essential for calculations and billing.

Personality traits that fit

• Detail-oriented – Accuracy is critical for patient safety
• Organized – Managing multiple prescriptions simultaneously
• Good with numbers – Calculations, inventory, and billing
• Professional – Handling sensitive health information
• Patient – Working with customers who may be frustrated or confused
• Team player – Collaborating with pharmacists and healthcare staff

Pharmacy Technician credential types

Requirements vary by state. Most states require registration, and an increasing number require national certification. Here’s the credential landscape:

Note: As of 2024, most states require pharmacy technicians to be certified. Check your state board of pharmacy for specific requirements. Some states require both registration AND national certification.

Step-by-step path to becoming a Pharmacy Technician

Step 1: meet basic requirements

Before starting your pharmacy technician career, you’ll need:

• Age: At least 18 years old (some states allow 17)
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Background check: Clean criminal history (drug-related offenses typically disqualifying)
• Drug screening: Most employers require pre-employment testing
• Math skills: Basic arithmetic and algebra

Helpful high school courses include math, chemistry, biology, and computer skills.

Step 2: choose your training path

Path A: accredited Pharmacy Technician program (recommended)

Formal programs provide comprehensive training and prepare you for certification.

Program details:

• Duration: 6-12 months (certificate) or 2 years (associate degree)
• Cost: $3,000-$6,000 (certificate) or $8,000-$15,000 (associate)
• Includes: Classroom instruction, lab practice, and externship

Benefits:

• Qualifies you for PTCB certification
• Includes hands-on practice and externship
• Many programs have job placement assistance
• Increasingly required by employers

Path B: on-the-job training

Some retail pharmacies still train technicians on the job, though this is becoming less common.

What to expect:

• Learn while earning a wage (typically minimum wage to start)
• Training provided by pharmacists and senior technicians
• Must still obtain certification (usually within first year)
• Less common as certification requirements increase

Pros: Immediate income, no tuition costs Cons: Limited availability, must still pursue certification

Path C: career changer route

Switching from another healthcare or customer service field? You may have advantages:

• Related experience credit: Medical terminology, customer service, or healthcare experience helps
• Accelerated programs: Some programs offer shorter tracks for healthcare workers
• Retail experience: Customer service skills transfer directly

Step 3: complete required training

Accredited programs typically cover:

• Pharmacology and drug classifications
• Pharmaceutical calculations and dosages
• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Prescription processing and verification
• Medication safety and error prevention
• Pharmacy software and technology
• Insurance and billing procedures
• Sterile and non-sterile compounding
• Inventory management
• Customer service and communication

Externship: Most programs include 200-400 hours of supervised experience in retail or hospital pharmacies. This hands-on training is essential for developing real-world skills.

Progression milestones:

• Month 1-2: Pharmacology basics, calculations, terminology
• Month 3-4: Prescription processing, pharmacy law, software
• Month 5-6: Sterile techniques, compounding, insurance
• Month 7-12: Externship and certification prep

Step 4: get certified

Most states now require national certification. The two main certifications are:

Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through PTCB:

• Eligibility: High school diploma + training program OR equivalent work experience
• Format: Computer-based, 90 multiple-choice questions
• Content: Medications, patient safety, quality assurance, pharmacy law
• Cost: $129
• Pass rate: Approximately 70%
• Valid for: 2 years (must recertify)

ExCPT through NHA:

• Eligibility: Similar to PTCB
• Format: Computer-based, 100 questions
• Cost: $127
• Pass rate: Approximately 70%
• Valid for: 2 years

How to prepare:

• Review program materials thoroughly
• Take PTCB or NHA practice exams
• Use certification study guides
• Focus on top 200 drugs and calculations

Step 5: obtain state registration

After certification:

1. Apply to your state board of pharmacy
2. Provide proof of certification
3. Complete background check
4. Pay registration fee ($25-$100)
5. Receive your pharmacy technician license/registration

Step 6: maintain your credentials

PTCB recertification:

• Renewal period: Every 2 years
• Continuing education: 20 hours over 2 years (1 hour must be pharmacy law, 1 hour patient safety)
• Renewal fee: $49

Training Programs

Accredited Pharmacy Technician programs

Look for programs accredited by ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) in partnership with ACPE. These programs meet national standards and qualify graduates for certification.

What to look for in a program

• ASHP/ACPE accreditation – Meets national standards for certification
• Externship component – Real-world pharmacy experience
• Certification pass rates – High PTCB pass rates indicate quality
• Job placement rate – Ask about graduate employment statistics
• Lab facilities – Practice with pharmacy equipment and software

Cost Breakdown

How to pay for training

• Financial aid: Federal grants and loans for accredited programs
• Payment plans: Many schools offer monthly payment options
• Employer tuition assistance: CVS, Walgreens, and hospital systems often help
• Scholarships: PTCB and state pharmacy associations offer scholarships
• Veterans benefits: GI Bill covers approved pharmacy technician programs
• Workforce grants: Many states offer healthcare training funding

Salary and Job Outlook

Salary by Experience Level

According to BLS data, pharmacy technicians earn:

The mean (average) annual wage is $43,648. Pharmacy technicians in hospital or specialty settings typically earn more than those in retail.

Highest-paying settings

• Hospital Pharmacies: Higher pay, better benefits, more complex work
• Specialty Pharmacies: Complex medications, higher skill requirements
• Nuclear Pharmacies: Radioactive medication preparation
• Compounding Pharmacies: Custom medication preparation
• Mail-Order Facilities: High volume, often better pay than retail

Additional earnings opportunities

• Shift differentials: Evening, night, and weekend premiums
• Specialty certifications: Sterile compounding, chemo, etc.
• Lead technician roles: Supervisory responsibilities
• Hospital positions: Generally 10-20% higher than retail

Job Outlook (2022-2032)

• Growth rate: 5% (about as fast as average)
• Current employment: 445,500 nationwide
• Projected employment: 467,775 by 2032
• Annual job openings: 47,600

Steady demand continues due to:

• Aging population requiring more medications
• Pharmacists taking on expanded clinical roles
• Growth of specialty medications
• Expansion of pharmacy services
• Automation requiring trained technicians

Career Advancement

Typical progression:

Entry-Level Technician → Senior Technician → Lead/Supervisor → Pharmacy Manager (with additional education)

Or specialty pathway:

Pharmacy Technician → Certified Compounding Technician → Sterile Products Specialist

Valuable Specializations

• Sterile compounding (CSP) – IV preparation and clean room work
• Chemotherapy preparation – Specialized oncology pharmacy
• Nuclear pharmacy – Radioactive medications
• Medication history technician – Hospital admission medication review
• Prior authorization specialist – Insurance and approval processes
• Inventory management – Automated dispensing and ordering

Certifications that increase pay

• Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) – Sterile compounding specialty
• Medication History Certificate – Hospital-based technicians
• Billing and Reimbursement Certificate – Insurance and billing specialty
• Hazardous Drug Management Certificate – Chemotherapy handling

Pathways to other careers

Many pharmacy technicians use their experience as a stepping stone:

• Pharmacist – Requires PharmD degree (6-8 years total)
• Pharmacy Manager – Retail management track
• Pharmaceutical Sales – Drug company representative
• Medical Office Administration – Healthcare management
• Pharmacy Informatics – Technology and systems roles

Pros and Challenges

Advantages

• Fast training – Working in 6-12 months
• Stable field – Healthcare is recession-resistant
• Multiple settings – Retail, hospital, specialty, mail-order
• Regular schedules – Many positions have predictable hours
• Helping patients – Ensuring safe medication access
• Career advancement – Multiple specialty certifications
• Transferable skills – Customer service, healthcare knowledge

Challenges

• Standing for long periods – Physically demanding
• High accuracy demands – Mistakes can harm patients
• Dealing with insurance – Prior authorizations and rejections
• Impatient customers – Managing frustrated patients
• Entry-level pay – Median salary is modest ($39,680)
• Continuing education – Required to maintain certification
• Stress during rush periods – High volume, time pressure

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

Certificate programs take 6-12 months. Associate degrees take 2 years. Some on-the-job training programs run 3-6 months. You can be certified and working in under a year through a certificate program.

How much does it cost to become a pharmacy technician?

Certificate programs cost $3,000-$6,000. Associate degrees cost $8,000-$15,000. Including certification and registration, total costs range from $3,429-$6,779 for certificates or $8,629-$16,179 for associate degrees.

What is the fastest way to become a pharmacy technician?

Enroll in an accelerated certificate program (some as short as 4-6 months) or pursue on-the-job training at a retail pharmacy. Both paths require passing PTCB certification.

Can I become a pharmacy technician without going to school?

In some states and with some employers, yes - through on-the-job training. However, formal training programs are increasingly required, and you must still pass PTCB certification regardless of your training path.

Do pharmacy technicians make good money?

The median salary is $39,680, with experienced technicians earning $47,000-$60,000. Hospital and specialty pharmacy technicians typically earn more. Pay is modest but reasonable for the training time.

Is pharmacy technician a good career?

Pharmacy technician offers steady work, healthcare experience, and multiple advancement paths. It’s a good fit if you’re detail-oriented, good with numbers, and enjoy helping patients with their medications.

Is it hard to become a pharmacy technician?

The training is manageable for most students. The main challenges are learning drug names, mastering calculations, and handling the fast pace of busy pharmacies. Most people with attention to detail and basic math skills can succeed.

How much do pharmacy technician trainees make?

Trainees in on-the-job programs typically earn minimum wage to $13/hour. After certification, starting wages are usually $14-$17/hour depending on location and setting.

What’s the difference between a pharmacy technician and a pharmacist?

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists with dispensing and preparation tasks. Pharmacists have doctoral degrees (PharmD), can counsel patients on medications, and have final responsibility for prescription accuracy. Pharmacists earn significantly more ($130,000+ median).

Can I become a pharmacy technician with a criminal record?

Drug-related offenses typically disqualify you in most states. Other offenses are evaluated case by case. Contact your state board of pharmacy for guidance on specific situations.

Am I too old to become a pharmacy technician?

No. Many people enter pharmacy at any age. The training is accessible, and maturity is valued in patient-facing healthcare roles.

What skills do I need to become a pharmacy technician?

Key skills include attention to detail, basic math, customer service, organization, and the ability to work under pressure. You’ll learn drug names and pharmacy procedures during training.

How to get started today

1. Check your state’s requirements – Visit your state board of pharmacy website
2. Research accredited programs – Look for ASHP/ACPE accredited programs
3. Compare options – Consider cost, schedule, and externship sites
4. Apply for financial aid – Complete FAFSA if attending an accredited program
5. Apply to programs – Most have rolling admissions or multiple start dates

Pharmacy Technician salary by state

Top earners often work in hospital systems or specialty pharmacies with advanced certifications.

Related Careers

If you’re interested in pharmacy or healthcare careers, explore:

• Medical Assistant
• Medical Billing Specialist
• Patient Care Technician
• Phlebotomist

Certification and training resources

National resources:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): ptcb.org – CPhT certification
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA): nhanow.com – ExCPT certification
• ASHP: ashp.org – Find accredited programs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm

State pharmacy boards: Search “[Your State] board of pharmacy” to find your state’s licensing requirements.

Start your Pharmacy Technician training today

Ready to begin your pharmacy technician career? Many programs can have you certified and working in under a year. Explore accredited programs in your area: