The Very Best Pharmacy Technician Online Programs

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There are many amazing pharmacy technician online programs you should know about. Check out our list here of the best ones.

Are you interested in a career as a pharmacy technician, but don’t have the time to take classes in-person?

Pursuing a career in the field of pharmacy is a very good idea. According to the BLS, the job outlook for pharmacy technicians is expected to grow by 7 percent through 2028, a rate that is faster than the national average. Additionally, the median pay for a pharmacy technician is $32,700 as of May 2018.

While this may not seem like a lot, there’s definitely an opportunity for growth in this career field. Plus, you can always use your career as a pharmacy technician as a stepping stone for becoming a pharmacist.

But, if you don’t have time to attend school, how are you supposed to enter this career field?

Luckily, there are many reputable online pharmacy technician programs. To enroll in these types of programs, all you need is an internet connection and the discipline to take classes online.

Check out this guide to discover the top pharmacy technician online programs.

What Is a Pharmacy Technician?

Before we talk about the best online pharmacy tech schools, let’s first talk a bit about what a pharmacy technician does.

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to help prepare and distribute medications. They may take prescriptions over the phone or in-person.

Pharmacy technicians assist with measuring medications, mixing medications, counting medications, and labeling and giving instructions for medications. They also help process payments and work as liaisons between pharmacists and the public.

Work Environment

The majority of pharmacy technicians work in traditional pharmacies and some work in pharmacies inside hospitals. As a pharmacy technician, you’ll spend the majority of the day on your feet and behind the counter.

Education Requirements

As we mentioned earlier, you can enroll in pharmacy classes both online and in-person.

To become a pharmacy technician, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED. However, some states also require you to take a training class or pass an exam.

If you’d like to get a leg up on the competition and eventually advance in this career, it’s a good idea to earn an associate’s degree or take vocational courses in pharmacy technology.

Job Skills and Requirements

Here’s what it takes to become a pharmacy technician:

  • Customer Service Skills: You’ll spend the majority of your day talking to customers and other healthcare professionals, so you’ll need to be a good listener and be able to speak to customers in a professional and pleasant tone

  • Attention to Detail: Incorrectly filling a prescription can have major consequences. Therefore, you need to be the type of person who pays close attention to what they’re doing in order to keep customers safe

  • Organization: Pharmacy techs have a lot of responsibility. You’ll need to be able to balance your responsibilities between your customers and other medical professionals

Best Pharmacy Technician Programs Online

Now that you know a bit more about the role of a pharmacy technician, let’s talk about what programs you can enroll in to become a pharmacy technician.

California State University-San Bernadino

California State University-San Bernadino offers an online certificate in pharmacy technology. This course its graduates to work in:

  • Hospitals

  • Retail pharmacies

  • Outpatient clinics

  • Mail-order pharmacies.

The program is 100 percent online and it also offers externships in conjunction with CVS and Walgreens. During the program, you’ll progress through 14 learning modules.

Additionally, the CSU program has a rolling enrollment policy, which means you can begin taking classes at any time during the quarter. To apply for this program, you’ll need to fill out an online application, send in your high school transcripts and SAT scores, and pay a $55 application fee.

Sinclair College

If you’d like to start your career in pharmacy technology as soon as possible, Sinclair college’s online program is a great option. This program can be completed in as little as 32 weeks.

However, keep in mind that the program is fairly rigorous and you’ll need at least a “B” grade in order to qualify for real-world practice. Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to take the PTCB exam.

Just like CSU-Bernadino, this program also has open enrollment.

Hutchinson Community College

Taking online classes through a community college is also an excellent option.

One of the best community colleges out there for online learning is Hutchinson Community College. This program combines both theory and online practice. This way, students can learn how to succeed in a variety of pharmaceutical settings.

The Hutchinson Community College program is even recognized by the American Society of Health Systems. This makes it a great option for those looking to work in a variety of settings.

Allen Community College

Another excellent option is Allen Community College.

This program is designed to equip students with the necessary career skills that are needed in the world of pharmacy technology. The program consists of 31 credit hours. Additionally, it offers 24/7 online academic and technical support.

To complete this program, you’ll need a high level of self-discipline and motivation.

Ultimate Medical Academy

If you’re looking for a program that thoroughly prepares you for the pharmacy technician exam as well as the real-life duties of a pharmacy technician, then the Ultimate Medical Academy is for you.

In addition to comprehensive courses, UMA offers 24/7 technical support as well as career services. Those who enroll in the program will also be able to partake in a 180-hour externship under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

North Central Missouri College

Last but not least, we have the program offered by North Central Missouri.

This is perhaps the most thorough program on the list, consisting of 60 credit hours that are typically earned over the course of two years.

Through this program, you’ll get a comprehensive education in the world of pharmacy technology. In addition to courses in pharmacy technology, you’ll learn:

  • The basics of medical law

  • Human anatomy

  • Ethics

  • Employment strategies

Upon completing North Central Missouri’s program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the national exam.

Pharmacy Technician Programs: Which Will You Choose?

Now that you know about the top pharmacy technician online programs, it’s time to decide which one is right for you.

Once you’ve decided, it’s time to start your new career! If you liked this post, be sure to check out our blog for more career-related tips and tricks.