Pharmacy Technician Certification logo

Become a Pharmacy Technician

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.

Pharmacy Technician
Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), demand for pharmacy technicians will grow 12% through 2028 – 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.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

There are no prerequisites to enroll.
The externship requires that you have a high school diploma and be at least 18 years old.

This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Looking for something else?

Check out the full Mitchell Hub catalog!

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.

In Connecticut, there is a licensing process for pharmacy technicians that includes the PTCB exam.

This pharmacy technician course can be completed in one year or less. This does not include the time you spend in an externship program 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.

What you will learn

How you will benefit

Curriculum

Medical Terminology

Learn the medical terminology you need to succeed as a Pharmacy Technician

Orientation to the 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

Workplace Safety and Requirements

Introduction to safety in the workplace, prescription ordering and sterile compounding

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

Oncology and Infectious Disease

Introduction to oncology, infectious diseases, wellness and promoting health

Career Development

Verbal and non-verbal methods, HIPAA regulations

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.