How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician?

Depending on the program, you may be able to complete a Pharmacy Technology certificate program in under a year. The timeframe for becoming a pharmacy technician can vary by state and in terms of certification, licensure and the allowable scope of practice.

What schooling does a pharmacy tech need?

There are a few ways to become a pharmacy technician. At the most basic level, you will need to earn a high school diploma or equivalency, then learn the necessary skills through on-the-job training.2 However, there are also post-secondary education programs in pharmacy technology that may possibly open up more career opportunities for you.

How much does a pharmacy tech program cost?

The cost of a Pharmacy Technology program varies greatly depending on the school you choose to attend, any financial aid you receive, and the location of your program. Refer to the Carrington College Academic Catalog for detailed information on program cost.

What degree do you need for a pharmacy tech?

You do not have to have a degree to become a pharmacy technician. At minimum, you will need to have earned a high school diploma or equivalency and learn the needed skills on the job.

What does a pharmacy technician do?

According to the BLS, common pharmacy technician job duties include:4 Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions Package and label prescriptions Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system Answer phone calls from customers Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters

Do Pharmacy Technicians need to be certified?

Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Check your state’s board of pharmacy for specific requirements. Some common requirements include:3 High school diploma or GED Formal training program Exam Fees Continuing education Criminal background check

Is a Pharmacy Technician the same as a Pharmacist?

A pharmacy technician is not a pharmacist. Rather, a pharmacy technician works under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, providing support services to the pharmacist. Some of these services may include measuring, mixing, and counting individual medications and labeling and recording dosages and amounts of medications in accordance with prescriptions.5 Many pharmacy technicians also interact directly with the public or others, such as medical staff, on a daily basis.

How much math do you need to be a pharmacy technician?

A pharmacy technician should have arithmetic knowledge, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and the ability to apply them in the role.

Medical Programs

Pharmacy Technology

Prepare for a fast-paced career in healthcare with Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program. Learn to fill prescriptions, manage patient records, and assist licensed pharmacists. Graduates earn a Certificate of Achievement and are eligible and prepared to sit for the national certification exam through either the National Healthcare Association (NHA) which administers the EXCPT exam or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) which administers the CPhT exam*.

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Program Details

What Will I learn

Carrington’s Pharmacy Technology program provides the knowledge and hands-on training to which enables technicians, upon licensure*, to function as a competent entry-level assistant to a licensed pharmacist. Upon completion of the Pharmacy Technology program, graduates will be able to:

Prioritize the skills and knowledge necessary to function as a competent entry level technician to a licensed pharmacist.
Utilize safe practice techniques in all aspects of pharmacy technology.
Demonstrate ethical behavior consistent with state laws and regulations.

*Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

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Cost & Financial Aid

Your education is an investment in your future, and Carrington College is here to help. We offer a variety of financial aid options, including federal, state, and private programs, Sas well as student loans, grants, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Each program has different requirements and application instructions. Our team is here to guide you through the options and application process.

Academic Cost

For complete information on current tuition costs, please see the Academic Catalog.

Location Availability

Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology certificate program is available online* and at multiple locations in 5 states. To learn more about each location, explore their campus pages.

*Online certificate: All courses in this program are offered in an online format, except the in-person externship that is completed at an approved healthcare setting.

Accreditation & Approvals

Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, 428 J Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814; 415 506 0234 an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. Additional information about accreditation, including the filing of complaints against member institutions, can be found at accjc.org.

For comprehensive information on Carrington College’s accreditation and approvals, visit carrington.edu/accreditation-and-approvals/.

The Spokane campus Pharmacy Technology program is approved by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507 – 1099, 360 236 4700, hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.

Carrington’s Health Studies Associate of Science Degree program provides an opportunity for individuals to build on prior education to earn the educational credential that is often needed for advancement in the health and wellness fields.

The Health Studies AS Degree program is an online degree-completion option that offers students a broad base of general education course offerings that can be completed in as few as 7 months. Visit Our Health Studies Page

Course Catalog

Program Specific Disclosures

Continuing Education For Graduates

Student Outcomes

REAL WORLD SKILLS

With many classes to guide you, you’re certain to be prepared for your career.

START YOUR PATH

You can earn your certificate in as few as 9 months.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS

Offered Online and at multiple locations in AZ, CA, ID, NM, and WA.

AFFORDABLE TUITION

Affordable tuition varies by program and location.

Discover What It’s Like to Train to Become a Pharmacy Technician at Carrington College

Carrington prepared me by giving me the knowledge and confidence that I didn’t know I had before continuing my education.

Michael H.

2021 Pharmacy Technology Graduate

Career Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians fill prescription medications and dispense it to customers or health professionals.

What Will I learn?

NERVOUS SYSTEM, ANTI-INFECTIVES AND RETAIL OPERATIONS THEORY

PRESCRIPTION PROCESSING, PHARMACY SOFTWARE AND PHARMACY CALCULATIONS THEORY

Check out our guide on becoming a Pharmacy Technician.

Are you interested in math, anatomy, physiology and health care? Would you like to find a career that combines these interests? Then pharmacy technology may interest you.

Pharmacy Technology FAQ

Depending on the program, you may be able to complete a Pharmacy Technology certificate program in under a year.

The timeframe for becoming a pharmacy technician can vary by state and in terms of certification, licensure and the allowable scope of practice.¹
You do not have to have a degree to become a pharmacy technician. At minimum, you will need to have earned a high school diploma or equivalency and learn the needed skills on the job.

However, you can also enter this occupation by completing post-secondary education programs in pharmacy technology, which may possibly open up more employment opportunities for you.

Some employers and states also require you to be certified.³

Graduates of the Pharmacy Technology program at Carrington College are eligible and prepared to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) national certification exam.

Carrington College prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.
According to the BLS, common pharmacy technician job duties include:⁴
- Collect information needed to fill a prescription from customers or health professionals
- Measure amounts of medication for prescriptions
- Package and label prescriptions
- Organize inventory and alert pharmacists to any shortages of medications or supplies
- Accept payment for prescriptions and process insurance claims
- Enter customer or patient information, including any prescriptions taken, into a computer system
- Answer phone calls from customers
- Arrange for customers to speak with pharmacists if customers have questions about medications or health matters
Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Check your state’s board of pharmacy for specific requirements. Some common requirements include:³
- High school diploma or GED
- Formal training program
- Exam
- Fees
- Continuing education
- Criminal background check
A pharmacy technician is not a pharmacist. Rather, a pharmacy technician works under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, providing support services to the pharmacist. Some of these services may include measuring, mixing, and counting individual medications and labeling and recording dosages and amounts of medications in accordance with prescriptions.⁵

Many pharmacy technicians also interact directly with the public or others, such as medical staff, on a daily basis.