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Pharmacy Technician Career Center

Get the information you need to start your pharmacy technician career.

Prepare for a Pharmacy Technician Career

pharmacy technician at register

Simply put, pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists fill prescriptions. A qualified pharmacy technician needs to know much more than how to count medication.

As their role expands, pharmacy technician career opportunities increase, and the outlook for employment in the field is very strong. This means that now is an excellent time to become a pharmacy technician.

find pharmacy technician Schools

Use our Pharmacy Technician Career Center to learn how to become a pharmacy technician. Explore this solid health care career with our in-depth resources on:

Interview With A Pharmacy Technician

Randy Brown has over a decade of experience as a pharmacy technician and a teacher. He gives you the everyday ins-and-outs of the job. Hear what else Randy has to say about being a pharmacy technician professional...

Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook

The need for pharmacy technicians is increasing. Retailers are expanding their pharmaceutical services, and scientific advancements continue. Read more about your pharmacy technician career.

Pharmacy Technician Workplace

Many pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, like the ones at your local drug stores. Others fill prescriptions in hospitals, work in wholesale and online pharmacies, or with government organizations. Read more about where pharmacy technicians work.

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Pharmacy Technician Training

There are currently no state or federal regulations governing training programs, but employers favor pharmacy technicians who have received certificates or associate's degrees from community or technical colleges. Choose a program that provides in-depth training that can increase your salary and pharmacy technician career options. Most programs take less than a year to complete. Shorter programs may not give you enough training to pass the certification exam. Read more about finding the best pharmacy technician schools.

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Graduates from formal training programs are prepared to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, which verifies that the pharmacy technician has met an acceptable standard of pharmaceutical knowledge. A certified technician needs to be re-certified every two years and must complete a certain number of training hours to be eligible. Read more about pharmacy technician certification.

Pharmacy Technician Salary

Experienced pharmacy technicians enjoy great job security and lots of employment opportunities. While starting out can be a challenge, pharmacy technician salaries have excellent potential for growth as you gain experience. Pharmacy technician salaries also vary a good deal by state, city, employer. Read more about pharmacy technician salaries.

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Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Technician

If you are considering becoming a pharmacy technician, here is a simple outline of what it takes:

  • Find a top pharmacy technician program. Right here is the best place to start. Nowadays you can study online or in a classroom. Review our list of pharmacy technician schools and choose the best pharmacy technician school for you.
  • Take the pharmacy technician certification exam. Exams are given in virtually every state. All you need to do is sign up. You can take the pharmacy technician test as often as needed until you pass.
  • Interview for pharmacy tech jobs. With so many opportunities, it's easy to find the best pharmacy technician job for you. Decide what is most important to you: salary, benefits, hours, location. There are plenty of online resources for pharmacy technician jobs, or you can simply apply at the pharmacies near you.
  • Keep your certification current. After becoming a certified pharmacy technician, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years. Employers will usually cover the cost of your continuing education.

find pharmacy technician Schools

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Education Snapshot

Choosing a Pharmacy Technician School
What you need to know about getting the best pharmacy technician training.

Online Pharmacy Technician Courses
How an online pharmacy tech program works and what courses are offered.

Pharmacy Technician Certification
Employers want certified pharmacy techs. Learn how to get certified.

Career Guide

Pharmacy Technician Career Outlook
Encouraging statistics on the future of the pharmacy technician profession.

Pharmacy Technician Salary Info
What do pharmacy technicians earn? Find out here.

Interview: Pharmacy Technician Professional
First-hand information about working as a pharmacy technician.

Pharmacy Technician Training & Resources
A list of important organizations for pharmacy technicians.

Info for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians
Pharmacy tech jobs are plentiful in Canada. Find out why.

Spotlight Schools

University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible for working students. Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal--and sooner than you may think.


Colorado Technical University Online

At Colorado Technical University, we understand the importance of your goals to pursue an industry-current, college degree. We offer access to skilled professors, small class size and flexible learning programs online and on campus.


Keiser University

Whether your goal is to improve your employability, develop leadership skills, enhance your education, improve your life, or simply study for the enjoyment of learning something new, Keiser University is designed around your needs.