Pharmacy Technician

Online Pharmacy Technician Course

Become a Pharmacy Technician

There’s no shortage of pharmacies in need of skilled pharmacy technicians! This 100% online course will prepare you for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) National Certification exam and help you complete an externship with a leading pharmacy chain.

Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!

The BLS notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.

Course Objectives

  • Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
  • Be fully prepared to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
  • Become eligible to apply for a 100+ hour externship at a national pharmacy chain.

Curriculum

  • ORIENTATION TO PHARMACY
    History, foundations and role of the pharmacy technician in today’s healthcare system
  • PHARMACY LAW AND ETHICS
    Introduction to law, liability and federal regulations of controlled substances
  • PHARMACEUTICAL CALCULATIONS
    Basic, community and institutional pharmacy math to calculate dosages and dilutions
  • PHARMACOLOGY
    The science of pharmacology, evolution of drugs and administration of pharmacological agents
  • COMMUNICATION SKILLS
    Verbal and non-verbal methods, HIPAA regulations
  • INSURANCE AND INVENTORY PROCEDURES
    Cost analysis, purchasing procedures and record keeping
  • LAB MODULE
    Interactive lab for the retail and hospital settings
  • CLINICAL ROTATIONS
    Virtual externship in the retail and hospital settings
  • FINAL EXAM
    Final comprehensive exam to qualify for externship

Prerequisites and Requirements

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 has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. She is registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences.

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.

FAQs

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 an externship program or preparing and sitting for state licensure.
  4. 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.
  5. How can I find my state’s requirements for certification?
    The Internet is a great resource. All states have a website with Board of Pharmacy information. You can access this information directly from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website at www.ptcb.org. Click on their “Who we serve” link, then the “states” link for information. Or you can call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations. Or you can call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations.
  6. What if my state requires more than what’s offered in this program?
    Most states still offer employment prior to certification. This often comes with the stipulation that certification is acquired within a period of time (usually a year). During this period, you’ll work as an unlicensed personnel member, clerk, or aide.
    On-the-job training or externships are a great way to obtain the increasing number of hours required (many states require a minimum number of hours worked before you can be registered or certified with the board). If your goal is to work in a hospital pharmacy, finding that job while you’re still a student will help you reach your employment requirements, along with the educational clinical requirements.
  7. How will the Pharmacy Externship be established?
    ed2go has established a national contract with Walgreens and CVS for Pharmacy Technician externships. Externships are based on availability and cannot be guaranteed. Our Externship coordinator will work with you to set up a retail pharmacy externship. If you are interested in applying for an externship in a local pharmacy that is not a Walgreens or CVS, you may discuss these other options with the externship coordinator. If you’re currently working in a pharmacy setting, that will qualify. With the increase in confidentiality and privacy regulations and liability issues in relation to health information, externships could become difficult to accomplish. In the event that you can’t arrange an externship, you will complete the Virtual Pharmacy Externship for Technicians provided with the program.
    *By state regulation, you may be required to apply for your pharmacy technician license or register with the State Board of Pharmacy before you can apply for the externship. Please check the website for your state’s Board of Pharmacy regulations and additional information. The state’s Board of Pharmacy has the most accurate and up to date information.
  8. Can I enroll in this program if I have a criminal record?
    No.  To participate in the externships, students must not have a criminal record.  Background checks will be conducted prior to the student’s admittance into the externship program.
  9. Can I register for programs if I am an international student?
    Yes, because ed2go programs are online you never have to actually travel to the school. Most schools offer telephone or online registration.
  10. How long does it take to complete a program?
    All of our programs are self-paced and open-enrollment. You can start and finish the program at your own pace. When you register for a program, you’re given twelve (12) months to complete the program.
  11. What if I don’t have enough time to complete my program within the time frame provided?
    The time allotted to complete your program has been calculated based on the number of hours for each program, so don’t worry too much about not completing in time. If, after a concerted effort, you are still unable to complete, your Student Advisor will help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that a fee will be charged for an extension.
  12. Do I have to buy additional materials?
    All required materials are included. The cost of materials will be covered by your tuition. ed2go will ship all materials (when applicable) via UPS ground service upon registration.
  13. Can I get financial assistance?
    ed2go programs are non-credit programs, so they don’t qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehabilitation or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our programs.
  14. What happens when I complete the program?
    Upon successfully completing the program and fulfilling the financial obligation, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion. In addition, you will receive an exam voucher to sit for the National Certification Exam which is the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
  15. Am I guaranteed a job?
    ed2go programs will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the program. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
  16. Who will be my facilitator?
    Each student is paired up with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance.
  17. Can I use a Mac?
    Yes, you can use a Mac for this program.
  18. How can I get more information on the program?
    If you have questions that are not answered on our website, please feel free to contact us via LIVE chat (click the button toward the top of the page). If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please feel free to send us a question using the “Contact Us” form to the right. You may also call us at 1-855-520-6806. We will answer your questions promptly.
  19. When can I start the program?
    Our programs are all open-enrollment, which means you can register and start the program as soon as you’re ready. Please note: Once the program curriculum is accessed online or through submission of a material shipment confirmation, refunds cannot be issued.
  20. Does this program prepare for a certification?
    Yes, you will be prepared to sit for the National Certification exam titled Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.