What Does a Pharmacy Technician in Training Do
A pharmacy technician in training works under a licensed pharmacist to dispense medications, manage inventory, and process prescriptions. Training typically combines classroom instruction with on-the-job practice in retail chains, hospitals, and health systems. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technicians held about 475,400 jobs in 2023, with employment projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Many employers such as CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Walmart offer structured training paths for new hires BLS pharmacy technician outlook.
In most states, a pharmacy technician in training must register with the state board of pharmacy before handling controlled substances. Training programs often cover pharmacy law, medication safety, dosage calculations, and sterile compounding. Some employers require completion of a formal training program or certification within a set timeframe, usually 12 to 24 months. The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the National Healthcareer Association are the two main certifying bodies recognized by employers and state regulators PTCB certification info.
Pharmacy Technician in Training Salary and Job Outlook
The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was 37,790 dollars in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than 29,000 dollars, while the top 10 percent earned more than 48,000 dollars. Pharmacy technicians in training often start at or near the lower end of that range, with pay increasing after certification and experience. Hospitals and specialty pharmacies typically pay more than retail settings BLS wage data.
Job openings for pharmacy technicians are expected to arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force. Large pharmacy chains and health systems remain the top employers, with companies like CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Amazon Pharmacy expanding their technician workforce. The rise of mail-order and specialty pharmacy services has added new roles for trained technicians in logistics and medication therapy management Forbes pharmacy technician demand.
How to Find Pharmacy Technician in Training Programs Near You
Top Employers and Chain Programs
CVS Health, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walmart, and Kroger operate internal training programs for pharmacy technicians in training at thousands of locations. These programs often combine on-the-job shifts with online or in-person coursework and may lead to certification reimbursement. Many chains post open training positions on their career sites with clear requirements such as a high school diploma or equivalent, background check clearance, and willingness to obtain certification within 12 months CareerBuilder job listings.
Community Colleges and Vocational Schools
Community colleges and vocational schools offer pharmacy technician certificate and associate degree programs that include externship placements. Program lengths range from 4 months to 2 years, and many are designed to align with state registration and national certification requirements. Accreditation from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists or the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education signals a program that meets industry standards ASHP accredited programs.
Certification and State Registration
After completing a training program, most candidates take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam administered by the PTCB or a comparable exam