Online Pharmacy Technician Training (Voucher Included)
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.
Kevin Feeley
BS in Electrical Engineering
HVCC Class of 2005
Job Outlook for Pharmacy Technicians
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 8% through 2032—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.
Pharmacy Technician FAQs
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.
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.
This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in a practicum experience or preparing and sitting for state licensure.
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.
Pharmacy Technician Objectives
- Develop the knowledge and skills to excel as a pharmacy technician and perform all related tasks and responsibilities with confidence.
- Gain practical knowledge of medication processing and handling procedures including the ability to identify medication orders and read prescription forms accurately.
- Learn federal and state laws that govern pharmacies, as well as the ethics of pharmacy practice.
- Be fully prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB, and earn your Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPht) credential.
- Become eligible for a 100+hour practicum experience to further enhance your professional skills.
Prerequisites and Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, the practicum experience requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.
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 Procedure
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
Instructors
Melissa Dunworth
Melissa Dunworth has been a pharmacy technician for over 13 years and has worked in retail, closed pharmacy, and training/education areas during her career. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and works as a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention for children ages 0 to 3 years. She has been a certified pharmacy technician since 1997. Melissa is also registered with the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy.
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.
Lorraine Zentz
Lorraine Zentz holds a bachelor’s degree in science (Biology/Chemistry), a master’s degree in education (Curriculum and Instruction), and Colorado Teaching License for middle and high school science and math. She is the original author of the Cengage Pharmacy Technician Program, facilitating students from 2003–2018. Working in hospital pharmacies for 30 years, along with teaching, has been her passion and remains so to this day.
