How to Find Pharmacy Technician Certification Programs Near Me
Search engines use your location and zip code to surface local pharmacy technician certification programs near me results. Programs typically last between four months and two years, depending on whether you choose a certificate, diploma, or associate degree path. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) are the two main certifying bodies that most employers look for. PTCB requires a high school diploma and passing the PTCE exam, while NHA requires completion of a training program or one year of work experience before you can sit for the ExCPT. You can search accredited programs directly on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) website to filter by state and delivery format https://www.ashp.org/.
Community colleges and vocational schools dominate the local landscape for pharmacy tech training. In 2023, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that over 1,200 postsecondary institutions in the United States offered pharmacy technician programs. Tuition ranges from around $1,200 for short certificate courses to $15,000 or more for associate degrees at public colleges. Many programs include an externship or clinical rotation at a retail chain or hospital pharmacy, which can lead to a job offer upon completion. Online hybrid options are also available, but you must still complete in-person clinical hours at a local pharmacy.
Certification Requirements, Costs, and Job Outlook
Most states do not require pharmacy technicians to be certified, but employers overwhelmingly prefer or mandate certification. The PTCE exam costs $129, and the ExCPT exam costs $117 as of the latest published fee schedules. Study materials and prep courses typically add $100 to $500 to your total cost. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects pharmacy technician employment to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, with about 37,200 openings per year on average https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm. Median annual pay was $37,790 in May 2023, with the top 10 percent earning more than $48,580.
Certification renewal is required every two years for both PTCB and NHA credentials. PTCB requires 20 continuing education hours, including at least one hour in pharmacy law, while NHA requires 10 continuing education units. Many employers will reimburse your exam and renewal fees once you are hired. Major pharmacy chains such as CVS Health, Walgreens, and Walmart often hire certified technicians directly out of training programs, especially those who have completed externships at their locations https://www.cvs.com/careers.
Top Local and Online Options for Pharmacy Tech Training
When comparing programs, look for accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). These accreditations signal that the curriculum meets national standards for pharmacy practice and patient safety. Programs at institutions like Penn Foster, Pharmacy Technician Certification Academy, and local community colleges often advertise high first-time pass rates on certification exams. Some programs also offer job placement assistance, resume workshops, and interview coaching to help you transition into the workforce quickly.
Online programs can reduce travel time and allow you to study at your own pace, but you must verify that the program includes an approved externship component. The externship placement is often the deciding factor for employers when hiring new technicians. You can use the PTCB website to check whether a specific training program is listed as an