Pharmacy Technician Certification

  • 12 Months
  • 400 Course Hours
  • $2,995

Overview

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing healthcare to patients. The Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Program was developed in response to a rising need for trained technicians to work in hospital or retail pharmacies. The pharmacy technician profession has become indispensable to the health care field. With this growing opportunity, however, has also come increased responsibility, and this increased responsibility has made certification an important issue for many industry employers and some state legislatures. Some states now require all individuals who work as pharmacy technicians to become nationally certified.

In all parts of the country, pharmacy technicians must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and must be skilled in the techniques required to order, stock, package, and prepare medications, but they don't need the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, all of their work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed to a patient.

This program will prepare you for entry-level pharmacy technician positions by teaching you medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to the pharmacology of medications, and pharmaceutical calculations. The Pharmacy Technician Program will give you hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module. You'll learn what information is necessary to process prescriptions and physician orders and apply that knowledge to fill mock prescriptions. The curriculum also includes the ethics of pharmacy practice and education about prescription medications, patient care and interaction, and charges and reimbursement.

You'll learn everything you need to know to pass the National Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). However, you'll need to make sure that the Pharmacy Technician Program will meet your state's requirements. To check, visit your state's Board of Pharmacy site for more information. You can access this information directly from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website at www.ptcb.org. Click on the "Who We Serve" link, then the "States" link for information. You can also call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations.

As a part of the Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Program, students are required to complete a Virtual Externship. They also have an option to perform an actual hands-on 100-hour clinical externship. Clinical externships are based on individual state board requirements.

Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The registration fee for this exam is included with this program.

"I just wanted to thank all of you for your course and the help you gave me throughout. I just passed my certification yesterday and I am looking forward to the future as a Pharmacy Technician."  -J.H., California State University, East Bay

What you will learn

  • The federal and state laws that govern pharmacy, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
  • HIPAA requirements and their application to pharmacy.
  • How to interpret physician orders and prescriptions.
  • Techniques required to order, stock, package, prepare, and distribute medications.
  • Definitions of medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations.
  • The pharmacology of medications in relation to the anatomy affected.
  • How to perform pharmaceutical calculations.
  • How to process insurance billing and collect payments.
  • How to communicate successfully with patients and medical professionals.

How you will benefit

  • After successfully completing your course, you'll receive access to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) practice tests to help you study for your certification exam.
  • Jump start your career towards working as a Pharmacy Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Health Technician/Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Records Clerk/Technician, or a Nursing Assistant.
  • You will get hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module, applying what you've learned to fill mock prescriptions.
  • You will have the opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship.

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

No healthcare or medical office work experience is required to take this program.  You should be proficient in keyboarding (approximately 35 words per minute), have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation.  Students are encouraged to have a basic understanding of high school math including percent’s and proportions at the algebra level.  This program will provide a review of fractions and decimals, in addition to covering more advanced pharmacy equations. 

In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; therefore, it's recommended you have this within 6 months of enrolling for this program.

To participate in the retail externships, you must apply and fulfill all state and local pharmacy requirements. This will include a background check and drug test. There is no guarantee for externship placement.


 

Job Outlook

Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician will put you at the forefront of one of today's fastest growing professions.  As a Pharmacy Technician you can:

Earn $32,000+ Annually
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.
 
Expect 30,000 New Jobs 
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!
 

Objectives

In the Pharmacy Technician program you will:

  • 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

Instructor

Melissa Dunworth
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
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

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 an externship program 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.
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

  

Overview

Become a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist and support licensed pharmacists in providing healthcare to patients. The Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Program was developed in response to a rising need for trained technicians to work in hospital or retail pharmacies. The pharmacy technician profession has become indispensable to the health care field. With this growing opportunity, however, has also come increased responsibility, and this increased responsibility has made certification an important issue for many industry employers and some state legislatures. Some states now require all individuals who work as pharmacy technicians to become nationally certified.

In all parts of the country, pharmacy technicians must have a broad knowledge of pharmacy practice and must be skilled in the techniques required to order, stock, package, and prepare medications, but they don't need the advanced college education required of a licensed pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians may perform many of the same duties as a pharmacist; however, all of their work must be checked by a pharmacist before medication can be dispensed to a patient.

This program will prepare you for entry-level pharmacy technician positions by teaching you medical and pharmaceutical terminology, basic anatomy related to the pharmacology of medications, and pharmaceutical calculations. The Pharmacy Technician Program will give you hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module. You'll learn what information is necessary to process prescriptions and physician orders and apply that knowledge to fill mock prescriptions. The curriculum also includes the ethics of pharmacy practice and education about prescription medications, patient care and interaction, and charges and reimbursement.

You'll learn everything you need to know to pass the National Certification Exam offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). However, you'll need to make sure that the Pharmacy Technician Program will meet your state's requirements. To check, visit your state's Board of Pharmacy site for more information. You can access this information directly from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) website at www.ptcb.org. Click on the "Who We Serve" link, then the "States" link for information. You can also call the state board and ask for the current technician regulations.

As a part of the Pharmacy Technician Online Certification Training Program, students are required to complete a Virtual Externship. They also have an option to perform an actual hands-on 100-hour clinical externship. Clinical externships are based on individual state board requirements.

Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). The registration fee for this exam is included with this program.

"I just wanted to thank all of you for your course and the help you gave me throughout. I just passed my certification yesterday and I am looking forward to the future as a Pharmacy Technician."  -J.H., California State University, East Bay

What you will learn

  • The federal and state laws that govern pharmacy, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
  • HIPAA requirements and their application to pharmacy.
  • How to interpret physician orders and prescriptions.
  • Techniques required to order, stock, package, prepare, and distribute medications.
  • Definitions of medical and pharmaceutical terms and common abbreviations.
  • The pharmacology of medications in relation to the anatomy affected.
  • How to perform pharmaceutical calculations.
  • How to process insurance billing and collect payments.
  • How to communicate successfully with patients and medical professionals.

How you will benefit

  • After successfully completing your course, you'll receive access to the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) practice tests to help you study for your certification exam.
  • Jump start your career towards working as a Pharmacy Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Health Technician/Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Records Clerk/Technician, or a Nursing Assistant.
  • You will get hands-on practice in retail pharmacy procedures through an online lab module, applying what you've learned to fill mock prescriptions.
  • You will have the opportunity to apply for a 100+ hour externship.

How this course is taught

  • This is a non-credit program offered in partnership with ed2go.  You do not have to be admitted to the university to enroll in this program. 
  • This is an open enrollment program, which means you can enroll and start at any time.  There are no set start and end dates. 
  • This course is entirely online and can be completed at a pace and time that is convenient for you.  There are not set times you must attend classes.  
  • You will have 12-months from the date of enrollment to complete this program.  

Prerequisites

No healthcare or medical office work experience is required to take this program.  You should be proficient in keyboarding (approximately 35 words per minute), have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word is recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation.  Students are encouraged to have a basic understanding of high school math including percent’s and proportions at the algebra level.  This program will provide a review of fractions and decimals, in addition to covering more advanced pharmacy equations. 

In order to sit for the national certification exam, candidates must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent; therefore, it's recommended you have this within 6 months of enrolling for this program.

To participate in the retail externships, you must apply and fulfill all state and local pharmacy requirements. This will include a background check and drug test. There is no guarantee for externship placement.


 

Job Outlook

Becoming a Certified Pharmacy Technician will put you at the forefront of one of today's fastest growing professions.  As a Pharmacy Technician you can:

Earn $32,000+ Annually
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that on average, pharmacy technicians earn an annual salary of $32,700. Top earners can make up to $47,000 per year.
 
Expect 30,000 New Jobs 
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – that equates to over 30,000 new jobs!
 

Objectives

In the Pharmacy Technician program you will:

  • 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

Instructor

Melissa Dunworth
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
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

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 an externship program 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.
 
DO I HAVE TO BE ADMITTED TO MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY TO ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
No, you do not have to be an admitted student to Mississippi State University to enroll in this program.  Our online non-credit advanced career training programs are open to all. 
 
WHEN CAN I START THE COURSE? 
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THIS COURSE? 
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive 12-months to complete the course.
 
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLETE MY COURSE WITHIN THE TIME FRAME PROVIDED? 
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
 
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE?  
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry experts for one-on-one course interaction. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will also be assigned to an Advisor for academic support.
 
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE THE COURSE? 
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from Mississippi State University Extension.
 
AM I GUARANTEED A JOB?  
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
 
CAN I GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?  
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some cases, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available, to learn more go to: https://www.ed2go.com/career/financial-assistance
 
HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS COURSE?  
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-662-325-5002 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Request More Info" form.

  

Registration Information

The Pharmacy Technician program is 100% online and allows you to enroll at any time.  After enrolling you will have 12 months to complete the program at a pace that is convenient for you.  You can get started today by clicking the "Enroll Now" button below and completing your registration at our partner ed2go site.