Pharmacy Technology Program
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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.
Military Policy
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, as 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 details on current tuition costs, please refer to 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
START YOUR PATH
FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS
AFFORDABLE TUITION
Michael H.
2021 Pharmacy Technology Graduate
Pharmacy Technology Career Opportunities
Pharmacy technicians fill prescriptions, manage patient records, and work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. They work in a variety of pharmacy settings, such as:
- Retail pharmacies
- Community pharmacies
- Hospital pharmacies
- Long-term care pharmacies
- Compounding pharmacies
- Specialized pharmacy practice settings
- Mail-order pharmacies
Pharmacy technicians may choose to obtain additional training, certifications, or specialized responsibilities depending on their employer, experience, and state requirements.(1) Learn more about the possibilities available after graduating from a pharmacy technician program in our Guide to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician.
What Will I learn?
NERVOUS SYSTEM, ANTI-INFECTIVES AND RETAIL OPERATIONS THEORY
PRESCRIPTION PROCESSING, PHARMACY SOFTWARE AND PHARMACY CALCULATIONS THEORY
Why Become a Pharmacy Technician?
Pharmacy technicians support pharmacists in providing medication-related services and helping pharmacies operate efficiently. For individuals interested in healthcare, the role offers an opportunity to work as part of a healthcare team while contributing to patient support and pharmacy operations.
Explore how a certificate in Pharmacy Technology can provide the education you need to help launch your pharmacy technician career. You can earn a certificate in as few as 9 months.
Is a Career in Pharmacy Technology right for you?
Pharmacy technology may be a good fit for individuals who are organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in fast-paced environments. Strong communication skills, professionalism, and an interest in helping others can be valuable when working with pharmacists, patients, and healthcare professionals.
Inside Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology Program
Pharmacy Technology Program FAQs
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You can complete the Carrington College Pharmacy Technology certificate program in as few as 9 months. The timeframe for becoming a pharmacy technician can vary by state and in terms of certification, licensure and the allowable scope of practice.(2)
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The cost of a Pharmacy Technology program varies 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 and other available medical programs.
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You do not need a degree to become a pharmacy technician. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, and some employers and states may require certification.(2) Carrington College’s Pharmacy Technology program prepares students to sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) Exam.*
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According to the BLS, common pharmacy technician job duties include collecting information needed to fill prescriptions, measuring medications, packaging and labeling prescriptions, and assisting pharmacy customers.(2)
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Most states regulate pharmacy technicians in some way. Check your state’s Board of Pharmacy for specific requirements. Some common requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of pharmacy technician programs
- National certification exams
- Fees
- Continuing education
- Criminal background check
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No. A pharmacy technician works under the direction of a licensed pharmacist and provides support services. Some of these services may include measuring, mixing, and counting individual medications, labeling, and recording dosages and amounts of medications in accordance with prescriptions.
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Pharmacy technicians should be comfortable applying basic math skills when measuring medications, calculating quantities, and supporting prescription preparation.(2)
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A high school diploma or GED and passing an entrance exam is required for admission to the Pharmacy Technology program. For more information, contact our Admissions Office.
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Yes. The Carrington College Pharmacy Technology program prepares you 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.*
Sources:
- National Conference of State Legislatures. (2025, May 25) Allied Health Professions Series: Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians https://www.ncsl.org/health/pharmacists-and-pharmacy-technicians
- Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Department of Labor. (2026, April 24). How to Become a Pharmacy Technician. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm#tab-4
*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.