Pharmacy Tech Course Formats and Local Availability
Pharmacy technician courses near you are available through community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most pharmacy tech programs take between 4 months and 2 years to complete, depending on the credential level. Short certificate programs typically last 1 semester to 1 year, while associate degree programs span 2 years. You can locate ASHP-accredited programs using the accredited education directory on the ASHP website.
Community colleges often offer the lowest tuition, with in-district costs averaging $1,500 to $5,000 for a 1-year certificate. Private vocational schools and for-profit colleges may charge $8,000 to $15,000 for similar duration programs. Online hybrid formats allow you to complete didactic coursework remotely while fulfilling in-person externship hours at a local pharmacy. The National Healthcareer Association lists over 2,500 accredited pharmacy tech training sites across the United States, and you can filter by zip code on their NHA education page.
Certification Requirements and Exam Details
PTCB and ExCPT Credentials
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) requires candidates to complete an accredited pharmacy tech program or equivalent training before sitting for the Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) exam. The exam consists of 90 questions, with 80 scored items and 10 unscored pilot questions, and the testing time is 1 hour and 50 minutes. The exam fee is $129, and candidates must renew certification every 2 years by completing 20 continuing education hours. You can verify accredited program status and exam eligibility rules on the PTCB official website.
Pharmacy technicians must also meet state-specific registration or licensing requirements, which vary by jurisdiction. As of 2024, 47 states and the District of Columbia regulate pharmacy technicians through registration, certification, or licensure. States such as California, Texas, and Florida require additional state exams or background checks beyond national certification. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook provides state-by-state requirements and employment projections for pharmacy technicians on its BLS pharmacy technician page.
Job Outlook and Salary Data for Pharmacy Techs
Employment Growth and Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5 percent employment growth for pharmacy technicians from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $37,790 in May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $31,100 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $49,860. Hospitals, chain pharmacies, and grocery store pharmacies employ the majority of pharmacy techs, and these roles remain in steady demand across urban and suburban areas.
Completing an accredited pharmacy tech course near you can increase your eligibility for positions at major employers such as CVS Health, Walgreens, and Walmart pharmacies. CVS Health operates over 9,000 retail locations and frequently hires certified pharmacy technicians with starting pay around $17 to $22 per hour depending on the market. Walgreens requires pharmacy techs to obtain CPhT certification within 120 days of hire, and the company offers tuition assistance for employees pursuing further education in pharmacy services. You can review current job openings